Common Motors is the newest automaker trying to patent a robotic EV charger.

A patent software titled “Robotic Charging System” was filed by GM with the USA Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) Nov. 30, 2021, however was solely printed this Thursday.

The applying describes an automatic charging course of during which the charger plugs itself into an EV after which unplugs when charging is accomplished. {Hardware} for this is able to encompass a base and vertical pillar, with an connected arm that would rotate or lengthen to place the cost cable.

Common Motors robotic EV charger patent picture

It is value noting that the applicant listed for this concept isn’t just GM, however GM Cruise Holdings, the autonomous-driving tech agency owned by the automaker. Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt, who additionally co-founded Cruise earlier than promoting to GM, is listed as one of many inventors on the appliance.

This gives a clue as to the attainable use of this robotic charger design. Robotic charging will doubtless be essential for self-driving vehicles, which will not all the time have a driver onboard to plug them in. The applying even discusses using an autonomous automobile’s sensors to assist place the cost cable.

Cruise launched a robotaxi service in early 2022 in San Francisco utilizing a fleet of modified Chevrolet Bolt EV hatchbacks. It plans to stay with EVs, finally including a devoted automobile referred to as the Origin. So Cruise will certainly want to contemplate large-scale EV charging.

Common Motors robotic EV charger patent picture

Automated charging has different potential advantages, together with making EVs extra sensible for these with mobility points. That promise has led different automakers to experiment with robotic chargers.

Hyundai just lately confirmed a prototype EV charging robotic put in on the automaker’s important R&D heart in South Korea, and Stellantis confirmed a cell inductive charging robotic alongside the Ram 1500 Revolution BEV idea at CES this yr. Tesla confirmed a snake-like robotic charger prototype in 2015, however has made no additional strikes towards its software.