As every important car manufacturer is concentrating its efforts and a lot of money to develop electric technology. Vokswagen is one of the major players, with impressive amount of money spent on developing this type of know-how.
Recently, the Germans announced that they will increase energy density and capacity o batteries. This way, next-generation electric vehicles are equipped with large battery capacity. To this energy storage load quickly, very high loading capacities from 80 to 150 kW are required.
This can be achieved with DC fast charging technology, but requires cables with large cross sections. Due to their weight and stiffness, these can be handled only with difficulty.
To cope with this problem, Volkswagen managed to develop an automated direct-current (DC) loading system, also known as the automatic e-charging station "e-Smart Connect". In conjunction with the automated parking a minimum expenditure of time is required.
The connection of DC connector and board is via force and torque reduced cable management and the use of the KUKA lightweight robot "LBR iiwa".
When charging is completed, the robot is commanded to pick up the DC connectors.
After releasing the connection of the car, the vehicle is parked out automatically and the charging space is free for the next vehicle to ensure optimum utilization of the fast charger.