Automotive provider Bosch and Volkswagen Group subsidiary Cariad are demonstrating tech that enables EVs to park and cost themselves.
Introduced at CES 2024, Bosch is combining a previously-shown automated parking system with a charging robotic that mechanically plugs into the automobile as soon as it is positioned in a parking area. As soon as it is completed charging, the automobile will then transfer itself to a different area in order that it does not block the charger, in keeping with a Bosch press launch.
Volkswagen Cariad and Bosch automated parking and EV charging
Testing is underway at Bosch’s “growth parking storage” in Ludwigsburg, Germany, the discharge stated. The automated parking element can be being examined sans charging on the Cariad workers storage in Ingolstadt, with vehicles driving themselves to and from parking areas, however with out plugging in.
Bosch considers its automated parking system to supply SAE Stage 4 autonomy, which means vehicles can drive themselves beneath sure circumstances. The corporate has been testing the system at a parking storage at Stuttgart Airport in Germany (with Mercedes-Benz) for a couple of yr, and plans to develop to different websites in Germany as properly.
Mercedes-Benz and Bosch automated valet parking at Stuttgart Airport
Along with Bosch’s demonstrations, there have been a number of different tasks involving automated charging and doubtlessly self-driven automobiles—but it surely’s all appeared like early-stage work whereas these concepts might ultimately be production-bound. As Ford has identified with considered one of its robotic charging exams, it isn’t only for comfort however a matter of accessibility for disabled drivers who might not have the ability to deal with cumbersome charging cables.
SAE methodology launched late final yr lastly set the identical language for pad alignment for inductive charging, so that will more and more be an possibility. Conversely, Ram has proven a Ram Charger inductive charging robotic that may permit fast-charging to robotically go to the automobile, moderately than having the automobile drive itself to the charger.