Four elements in one site
An EV charging station in the Abu Dhabi desert has been shown by BYD, combining a robotic arm that plugs in the car with solar generation, battery storage and the company's Flash Charging technology. BYD describes the site as the first to unite all four. Power produced by the solar panels is held in a battery until a vehicle needs to charge.
Because the system can work independently of the grid, BYD presents it as suited to locations where grid access is limited.
Charge times and automated plug-in
BYD says a compatible EV can go from 10 to 70 per cent in five minutes under Flash Charging, and from 10 to 97 per cent in nine minutes. The robotic arm finds the charging port, lifts the cover and inserts the connector. Using visual guidance and force feedback, it aligns accurately and secures the connection to BYD's ultra-fast Flash Charging system, the company claims.
Paired with Automated Valet Parking, the arrangement can carry vehicle automation past driving and parking into charging itself, according to BYD.
Taking the concept worldwide
Stella Li, BYD executive vice president, said the company is bringing its integrated Solar-Storage-Flash Charging technology to the global stage for the first time. The Abu Dhabi site forms part of a wider rollout, and BYD aims to open 6000 Flash Charging stations around the world by the end of 2027.
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