To address the challenges surrounding the deployment of charging infrastructure, CARNET, the think tank focused on transport science and technology, is driving the EVOSS project.
What does this involve?
“It involves the introduction of autonomous charging robots (RCD), which would help expand the network of charging points without the need for significant additional infrastructure,” CARNET explains to Mobility Portal España.
These robots are equipped with high-capacity batteries and fast DC (direct current) charging plugs.
How do they work? Specifically, they are designed to autonomously navigate to parked electric vehicles, connect to them, and begin the “refuelling” process without requiring additional fixed installations.
This approach not only optimises space in car parks but also reduces the costs associated with implementing chargers.
EVOSS is being tested through two pilot trials, located in Tel Aviv and Thessaloniki.
These trials will assess the system’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios, validating its ability to improve the availability and accessibility of chargers in urban areas.
Additionally, CARNET has implemented the SELECTIVE project, developed in collaboration with Škoda and other partners.
This project aims to promote the installation of charging points in private parking spaces.
The impact of SELECTIVE was tested in Madrid and Prague, where users were able to rent parking spaces equipped with Halo chargers from Charge Amps.
The app allowed users to manage charging schedules and make payments directly, contributing to a more efficient use of the equipment.
“In this way, we are working to move forward and try to respond to what the public sees as the biggest challenge in adopting these vehicles,” says CARNET.
This is evident when looking at the current state of the “refuelling” infrastructure in Spain.
According to the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC), Spain currently has 35,698 public access points, a 10% increase from the previous quarter.
However, this progress is overshadowed by the growing number of inactive stations, which has risen by 5.8%, reaching 9,145 chargers.
CARNET seeks to tackle these urban mobility challenges through innovation and technology surveillance for its industry partners, helping them integrate technology into their businesses.
In this regard, electrification is key to their strategy, as “automotive companies have strongly committed to electric and sustainable transport.”
CARNET plays a significant role in Catalonia and throughout Spain, working closely with its founding partners, SEAT SA in Martorell and Volkswagen Group Innovation in Wolfsburg, Germany.
“One of our standout projects in this field is ADD (Autonomous Delivery Device),” they explain.
This project began with a collaboration with VW, which included writing the robot’s specifications, sizing, design, and eventually the manufacturing of a prototype called Ona.
What are CARNET’s next steps?
“Next, we will launch Botnet and other pilots in collaboration with the start-up Vaivé Logistics, a CARNET spin-off born from the development of Ona,” Mobility Portal España reports.
The goal is to continue advancing these technologies to enter the market for such services.
About CARNET
The think tank specialising in transport and automotive science and technology, with a focus on urban mobility, is based in Barcelona.
Its ambition is to become a leader in this field, working closely with its European counterparts.
“Since its inception, CARNET has been a facilitator for collaboration between industry, academia, and administrations, fostering the development of new technologies and sustainable mobility solutions,” they elaborate.
