Rocsys, a global specialist in hands-free charging solutions, has developed and demonstrated a new automatic charging solution for passenger EVs in a claimed world-first.

Hands-free charging is a crucial measure to unlock the full potential of many autonomous EV operating models

The technology, demonstrated by the Rocin-Eco consortium at the Ionity test site in Munich and revealed in a new video, marks a major step towards interoperable hands-free charging solutions for electric vehicles that will enhance the customer experience.

The solution uses and contributes to international standards (ISO and IEC) for automatic charging. The ecosystem will enable any car to charge automatically regardless of brand or type, and will be adopted by Rocsys in early 2025.

The work will provide the basis for new projects that focus on automatic valet charging, enhancing accessibility, reducing wait times and helping to scale up charging infrastructure in and beyond metropolitan areas.

The Rocin-Eco consortium has been demonstrating a prototype and working on feasibility for automatic charging for EVs since 2021. The consortium includes Rocsys, together with partners Ionity, Audi AG, TÜV SÜD and affiliated partners Porsche AG, BMW Group, Ford Motor Company, Marquardt Group, AVL and Huber+Suhner. The project has also worked with standardisation bodies to make sure the system will be interoperable.

The consortium will now pivot to product development, which will include prototype testing and initial rollouts.

Rocsys says manual EV charging can be slower than hands-free charging and can introduce operator mistakes. Hands-free charging is seen as an important milestone on the road to electrified and autonomous mobility – and a crucial measure to unlock the full potential of many autonomous EV operating models, including robotaxis, which currently rely on centralised manual charging hubs.

The firm’s hands-free charging technology is currently deployed across Europe and the US in ports and logistics operations, ensuring more reliable, efficient and cost-effective fleets.

Crijn Bouman, CEO and co-founder of Rocsys, said: “Hands-free charging is an essential part of the future of electric and autonomous mobility. It is more reliable, more efficient, and safer. It’s been a pleasure to work with leaders in the auto industry in defining this standard and to see hands-free charging technology get closer to reaching the mainstream following its success we’ve seen in industry deployments to date.”