Continental AG Company Description
Continental AG & Volterio Unveil Fully Automatic EV Charging Robot
Charging your EV just got smarter—thanks to a powerhouse collaboration between Continental Engineering Services and Austrian startup Volterio. Together, they’re rolling out a fully automatic EV charging robot designed to eliminate tangled cords and awkward garage maneuvers. This isn’t wireless fluff—it’s a hardwired, energy-efficient system that connects from the underbody of your vehicle to a smart floor-mounted pad. And it all happens automatically, no driver interaction needed. The target? Daily EV users tired of handling wet or heavy cables in tight garage spaces.
Fully Automatic EV Charger: How the Tech Works
The charging robot comprises two smart units: one installed on the garage floor and another fixed under the vehicle. Once the car’s parked—at any angle, within a 30 cm margin of error—the system uses ultra-broadband tech to align itself and connect. The physical coupling is conical, allowing connection from nearly any position. No need to line up like a Formula One pit stop—just park and let the robot do the rest. And with a secure physical link, there's minimal energy loss, unlike magnetic wireless charging options that sacrifice efficiency for convenience.
Continental Engineering Services and Volterio Partnership
What’s particularly slick here is how the partnership blends innovation and scale. Volterio, a nimble startup with the initial IP, brings creativity and startup agility. Continental brings industrial muscle, engineering rigor, and production capacity. CES will not only refine the prototype for mass production but also handle the manufacturing out of Germany starting in 2024. The first wave targets private garages with 22 kW AC systems, while the roadmap includes high-speed DC public charging pads embedded in the ground for places like factories and parking garages.
Underbody EV Charging System That Doesn’t Need Perfect Parking
Precision parking? Optional. Continental’s new charging robot corrects up to 30 cm of misalignment between the car and floor unit, even adjusting for angular differences. Using ultra-broadband signals for short-range communication, the system identifies and aligns the units before charging begins. This hands-off approach mirrors what autonomous driving aims for: convenience without compromise. For users, it means charging that feels as seamless as walking into a room with motion-sensing lights—it just happens, no fuss.
22 kW AC and Public DC Variants: What’s Next for Continental Charging Robot
Initially, the tech supports 22 kW AC charging—perfect for overnight garage use. But the bigger play comes next: retractable DC fast chargers for public spaces, capable of over 50 kW. These future versions are aimed at parking garages, fleet depots, and commercial installations. The modular design makes them retrofit-friendly and easy to install—floor units can be placed or bolted down, no excavation needed. And yes, this could also integrate with autonomous vehicles that park and charge themselves—no human required.
EV Charging Robot Garage Upgrade: Retrofit-Ready Innovation
Already have an EV? No problem. Continental’s solution is designed as a retrofit, so it can be added to existing vehicles, expanding its utility beyond just new models. It’s part of a larger push to normalize advanced charging tech in everyday EV ownership. You won’t need to replace your car—just add a ground unit in your garage and install the underbody connector. For early adopters and EV enthusiasts, it’s a practical leap into next-gen convenience without waiting for OEMs to catch up.
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