ZalaZONE is again one step closer to the transport of the future: autonomous electric car charging robots, the so-called Flash Bots, start operating. The innovative development allows vehicles in need of charging to receive energy without human intervention in the dedicated area of the test track. The intelligent solution developed by Ion Dynamics arrived in spring 2024 as a research pilot project of ZalaZONE InnoTech.
The three key elements of the system are the base station (FlashBase), the charging hub (FlasHub) and the autonomous charging robot (FlashBot) traveling independently. The base station is located in the parking lot behind the Test Center and center and not only stores grid energy, but can also use solar energy. From here, mobile charging robots start on a call made by the customer via a mobile app, following a predetermined trajectory to discharged electric vehicles. Two charging modes are available. The robot provides 60 kW DC fast charging for customers with limited time. With AC power, the charging robot can charge up to 12 vehicles simultaneously at Level 2 speeds via the FlashHub, serving customers who stay on site for longer periods of time. This mode significantly increases the FlashBot’s utilization and charging capacity. When charging is complete, they automatically return to base, where they recharge themselves at an optimal time.
FlashBots have L4-level self-driving capabilities with a battery capacity of 104 kWh, designed for 8000 charging cycles. The development organically fits into the energy research projects of ZalaZONE InnoTech Non-profit Ltd., while further expanding AVL-ZalaZONE’s service portfolio. The Automotive Proving Ground Zala Ltd. also participated in the implementation of the system, which developed the trajectory of the charging unit and the robots.
Following the commissioning and testing phase, the robots have been available to customers since early 2024. Autonomous mode is expected by May 2025. The results of the research carried out as part of the project will be shared with the professional community in the form of scientific publications in the near future.
The introduction of FlashBots is a milestone in the development of intelligent, sustainable mobility and another example that ZalaZONE is at the forefront of future transport solutions.
Watch the video about the robots here: