Automakers are coming up with multiple ways to counter range anxiety. Other than developing batteries that offer more miles per charge and fast charging options, there are portable chargers that can be hitched to the back of your ride, too.

Now, Volkswagen has developed a mobile charging robot that can walk up to an EV on its own, charge it up, and walk out of there without any human intervention.

At a time when the charging solution is arguably the biggest reason as to why people are not switching to EVs, this robot can be considered as the need of the hour invention. Volkswagen Group Components’ CEO, Thomas Schmall, said, “A ubiquitous charging infrastructure is and remains a key factor in the success of electric mobility. Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but is undoubtedly one of the most visionary."

While there are other solutions like a mobile power bank trailer that works as a range extender and can be hitched to any EV, it still is a baggage for every long road trip that you take. Schmall further added, “Setting up an efficient charging infrastructure for the future is a central task that challenges the entire sector. We are developing solutions to help avoid costly stand-alone measures. The mobile charging robot and our flexible quick-charging station are just two of these solutions.”

This mobile charging robot is developed by Volkswagen Group Components. It can be started via an app or Car-to-X communication. The robot doesn’t require any sort of human intervention throughout the whole process. When instructed to begin, the robot wakes itself up from its slumber and open its eyes, navigates the mobile energy storage unit to the vehicle, opens the charging socket flap, connects the plug, disconnects it, and takes the unit back to the central charging station.

If you have many vehicles that are to be charged, the mobile robot will navigate the mobile energy trailer, connect it to the car and leave it there, and in the meantime go around charging other vehicles. This isn’t merely targeted at individual customers. Volkswagen will serve parking lot operators, too, since they are better suited to opt for such robots.

Apart from this, the Components division is also developing a complete DC charging portfolio. The flexible quick-charging station has been trialed at the automaker’s various production sites, including a DC wallbox that charges up to 22 kW. It will be launched in the next few months. As for the robot charger, there is no specific release date, but we should hear more about it in the near future.