How Ford's Robotic EV Charging Stations Could Help Disabled Drivers

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Ford is developing hands-free robotic charging stations to make it easier for disabled drivers to access EV charging. Although the initiative remains in a testing phase with just one prototype available for the trials, Ford is confident that this should speed up the acceptance of EVs by the general public. This is an attempt by the car manufacturer to include those who find charging EVs difficult in its vast EV roadmap.

As the buzz about electric mobility intensifies, automakers must convince drivers why they need to switch to cars powered by a battery instead of gas. Beyond being an environmentally friendly option, EVs are now being engineered to deliver satisfying experiences with improved speed, extended range, and gas savings. The U.S. government has heavily influenced the country’s journey to electrified transportation, with an initiative to provide motorists with affordable and accessible EV charging recently announced.

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While the robotic charging station is currently a research project at Dortmund University, Germany, it may be available for use in locations like disabled parking spaces, car parks, and private homes. If successful, this technology will be a game-changer, letting disabled drivers use their smartphone to initiate charging. Aside from enabling hands-free charging, the project is also looking to develop automated charging for autonomous vehicles. Ford’s innovative solutions are stimulated by a recent RIDC study which revealed that 61 percent of disabled people would be likely to purchase an EV if accessible charging is more readily available. After recording success in preliminary trials, Ford scientists have begun testing the innovation