In this project, research is being carried out on the automated parking and charging of electric vehicles in public parking spaces, and new business models developed.Automated parking and charging potentially means a narrowing of parking space plus also additional convenience for the user.
Currently, conditions related to operating range, charging times, efficiency and ease of use in the area of electric mobility are unsatisfactory. In the combined project AUTOPLES, five SMEs and institutes, each with their inventions and specialised knowledge, have joined together to explore solutions to the problem areas mentioned above.
At the heart of the project, headed by the electric mobility pioneer and Smart inventor Prof. Johann Tomforde, research is being undertaken on a market-capable, user-oriented, energy-efficient and technologically as well as economically trend-setting parking and charging system, to help achieve a quicker breakthrough in electric mobility. Briefly put, it would be “The most convenient and efficient way to tank up since the invention of the car”. Other topics being examined include driving and parking habits of typical electric car users, possibilities for autonomous and coordinated movement of electric vehicles (e.g. in a multi-storey car park), suitable automated charging technologies, and topics related to safety.
The various AUTOPLES concepts for automated parking into and out of spaces for electric cars involve only a limited number of basic installation costs, and can be successively expanded in existing car park facilities, parallel to the growing number of e-cars registered for use. These concepts also include automated, as-needed charging within a time frame specified by the customer, with cheaply available electricity from a regenerative supply. For investors and end customers this will bring functionality, safety, efficiency and ease of use up to a marketable level.
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Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)