Key Points:
- Bosch and Volkswagen subsidiary Cariad are trialling automated EV parking and charging technology
- The technology, known as automated valet charging, removes the need for human interaction during the parking and charging process
- The system allows for multiple vehicles to be charged and parked without queuing or blocking fees
Bosch and Cariad have showcased a new automated EV parking and charging system at the CES show in Las Vegas. The system, known as automated valet charging, is based on Bosch’s existing automated valet parking technology and aims to remove the driver from the parking and charging process. The driverless vehicle is guided to the parking space where a robot automatically opens the charging flap and inserts the charging cable. Once the battery is fully charged, the cable is removed and the car drives back to a regular parking space. This system allows for multiple vehicles to be charged and parked without human interaction, optimizing the use of chargepoints and reducing long wait times.
The partners are testing the technology at Bosch’s development parking garage in Ludwigsburg, Germany. They believe that straightforward and efficient charging is a priority for electric vehicle drivers, who often face long queues at chargepoints and may be subject to blocking fees if they leave their cars charging for too long. By addressing these challenges, automated valet charging aims to greatly increase customer convenience when charging EVs. Additionally, the technology offers advantages for automakers, charge spot operators, parking garage operators, and energy suppliers.
Automated valet parking, a similar technology, has been in operation in the P6 parking garage at Stuttgart airport for about a year. Bosch plans to equip other parking garages throughout Germany with the same technology. Both Bosch and Cariad see great potential in their collaboration and the development of automated parking and charging systems.