Ford trials hands-free EV charger prototype

Ford has completed the initial lab testing phase and is currently running real-world trials.

Ford has showcased its robotic charging station prototypes, which can automatically connect to an electric vehicle's charging socket and start the charging process.

The company has started trial runs of the hands-free charging prototypes, which allow users to operate the robotic charging station via their smartphones. The hands-free charging station has been specifically developed keeping disabled drivers in mind. With the robotic charging stations, drivers do not even have to get out of their vehicle and can monitor their EV's charge status via the FordPass app.

The robotic charging station, once activated, extends out using a charging arm. This extension comes with a camera that helps it align itself with the vehicle's charging port. Once charging is complete, the arm disconnects and retracts back to its place in the charging station.

Ford has completed the initial lab testing phase and is currently running real-world trials. The automaker states that in the future, these hands-free chargers could be installed in multiple parking spots for disabled drivers, as well as in public parking lots and in private homes. Ford also mentioned that as a vehicle gains more autonomous features, the EV will be able to drive itself to the nearest robotic charging station and charge automatically with minimal or no driver involvement.

With EVs becoming more mainstream, vehicle charging is becoming a major problem for many. The hands-free charging option from Ford can be a convenience feature for some but absolutely essential for others.