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Robotic charging

Robotic charging automates the connection and disconnection of electric vehicles to charging infrastructure.

AutomationTrucks

Introduction

Robotic charging automates the connection and disconnection of electric vehicles to charging infrastructure. This technology is especially relevant for automated vehicle fleets, as it extends automation beyond driving and supports more efficient logistics operations. In this factsheet we focus on trucks with robotic charging.

Value proposition

  • Reduces operational burden

  • Enabling autonomous charging

  • More comfort and safety

Robotic charging reduces the operational burden of charging electric heavy trucks by enabling autonomous charging with minimal human intervention. For human operated trucks, it may improve driver satisfaction, because it offers more comfort and safety, as the driver does not need to wait by the side of the truck when charging. For driverless electric vehicles, autonomous charging is essential to maintain continuous operations, as no driver is available to connect the charger.

Port applicability

Applicable to ports with electric heavy trucks and charging facilities.

Groups of innovations

  • No groups identified.

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
Level of automationVery large impact
Automates the electrical charging process.
EfficiencyMedium impact
Since drivers no longer need to manually plug and unplug vehicles, less time is spent on charging-related tasks.
Comfort & safetyMedium impact
Drivers do not have to leave their cabin to plug/unplug. This may improve comfort and safety of drivers, especially in bad weather conditions, at night and in less safe environments.
CostsMedium impact
A truck company can better anticipate on lower electricity cost when it does not have to take the driver into account (sleep, resting time, etc.), resulting in a more cost efficient operation.

Port characteristics

Sufficient grid capacity and locations suitable for charging stations for trucks are needed in the port area to implement electric charging, combined with robotic charging.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • Standards & regulationEnabler

    The ISO and IEC have developed international standards to accommodate a wide range of vehicles suitable for robotic charging. These standards ensure that the system is interoperable and not dependent on a specific manufacturer or application.

Barriers

  • EconomicBarrier

    Robotic charging requires relatively high investments. There needs to be an attractive business case for implementation.

  • InfrastructureBarrier

    Robotic charging is used for electric vehicles, so sufficient grid capacity is needed. The connection has to be possible along the operational network of the truck to profit from the advantages of robotic charging.

  • TechnologyBarrier

    Trucks need to be able to connect easily and automatically with the charging station, which can be a challenge to implement.

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Etablish a business case

  2. Step 2

    Select suitable charging locations

  3. Step 3

    Install robotic charging infrastructure

  4. Step 4

    Build/retrofit trucks able to use robotic charging

  5. Step 5

    Develop planning system and digital platform

Timeline

The arrow below represents the expected development of the TRL of robotic charging.
* Technical Readiness Level

What should a port do in the next 3 years?

Analyze whether the local electricity grid can support high-power charging for electric vehicles. If not, adjustments have to be made in order to support electric charging. Next, ports can start selecting suitable locations for robotic charging that offer attractive business cases.

Investment overview

CAPEX mainly consist of the purchase and installation of the robotic charging infrastructure, the purchasing or retrofitting of electric trucks with a robotic charging system, systems to ensure accurate truck positioning and the development of a planning system of the charging facility and digital platform for users. It may also include adjustments to the electricity grid. OPEX include maintenance of the robotic charging equipment, digital planning and electricity costs.

Stakeholder overview

Below is an overview of the required involved stakeholders.
Blue stakeholders are essential, white stakeholders are enabling

Knowledge base