BaTTeRi, an innovative company in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, recently conducted a pilot to test the efficiency and functionality of their robotic charging device, “Thomas”, in a real-world environment. The first pilot, as part of the EVOSS project took place in an office building parking lot in Tel-Aviv, Israel.
The EVOSS project aims to revolutionise EV charging infrastructure by addressing the challenges of traditional charging infrastructure by eliminating the need for dedicated charging spots. Instead, the robotic charging device is deployed, offering a flexible, zero-infrastructure alternative that optimises parking space usage while ensuring high-speed charging opportunities for EVs.
The challenge: modern EV charging dilemmas
Current EV charging methods, primarily based on fixed charging stations, present several issues. These include limited availability, long charging times, and inefficient use of parking spaces due to dedicated charging spots. The problem is exacerbated in urban environments where space is at a premium, and “charging spot hoarding” by fully charged vehicles further complicates matters.
Thomas: the revolutionary charging robot
As a 60kW DC rapid charger, Thomas offers a solution that charges vehicles 7 to 10 times faster than standard Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Its L-shaped design allows it to seamlessly integrate into parking lots without disrupting the existing layout, and its onboard energy storage, charged during off-peak hours, optimises energy use, and reduces grid impact.
The BaTTeRi system allows for automatic charging requests using licence plate recognition or geo-fencing technologies whereby Thomas identifies the vehicles that need charging or alternatively via a request through the app or at a fixed kiosk in the parking lot. The system allows prioritises charging based on each vehicle’s state of charge and the drivers planned departure time, ensuring efficient use of resources.
Pilot overview and key findings
During May, the pilot involved a select group of EV owners who used Thomas for daily charging in their office building parking lot. Data was collected, focusing on operational parameters like charging speed, energy consumption, and overall efficiency. A notable achievement of the pilot was the absence of any significant operational issues, underscoring the reliability of the Thomas system even in its initial deployment.
One key finding was that for an average of 7 hours of operation, about 35% of its time was spent charging electric vehicles while 65% of its time was spent charging itself. Additional findings showed the average charging speed during the pilot to be 12.5kW per hour with an energy efficiency level of around 70%. Whilst these results are subject to further enhancements during the project, Thomas is already able to charge 2-3 cars to their maximum capacity in a time span of 7 hours, a performance that surpasses traditional charging infrastructure in similar scenarios.
One of the pilot testers commented that “it was very reassuring to know that you can get to the office parking lot without the need to find a charging spot and connect the cable, just park wherever I want and get a charge during the time I’m working.”
Conclusion and future prospects
The pilot demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of Thomas in a real-world setting. The insights gained will inform future iterations of the robot, with BaTTeRi planning to refine and enhance the solution for broader deployment. This pilot marks a significant step forward in the evolution of EV charging solutions, promising a future where charging is not only faster and more efficient but also seamlessly integrated into existing urban environments. A second pilot demonstration is planned to take place in Thessaloniki, Greece, as part of the EVOSS project by end of this year.
