- Automatic plugging in, unplugging, and remote control
- Xiaomi Auto is reportedly the first to bring the technology to market
- It will only be compatible with Xiaomi’s electric vehicles
Back in 2014, Elon Musk took to Twitter to state that the company was working on a robotic EV charging solution that “automatically moves out from the wall & connects like a solid metal snake.”
Fast-forward a year, and Tesla actually showcased a functional prototype (the video is still on YouTube), but the project failed to materialize.
Despite not officially being dead, there’s a high chance Tesla’s slithering metal snake charger is too complicated, too expensive, and perhaps too “out there” to bring to market.
The company also scrapped its plans to unveil a wireless charging solution for Tesla charging at home.
However, Chinese tech giant Xiaomi is pursuing an automated robotic charging system for (presumably) wealthy SU7 and YU7 owners in China, as it has just unveiled a unit that’s compact enough to reside in a residential garage and literally takes the heavy lifting out of charging.
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According to its maker, the robotic charging arm automatically initiates charging. Owners can simply park and walk away without needing to issue any commands or perform manual operations, Car News China reports.
Once the charging session is complete, the robot will then automatically unplug the charging connector and house it neatly away in its own storage unit.
There’s also the option for users to initiate a charge via a smartphone, so long as the vehicle is parked within reach of the telescopic arm. This eliminates the need for owners to physically be near a vehicle
There is currently no word on price, although the short promotional video released by Xiaomi appeared to show a…
