Kia Motors Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company have released a video featuring innovative electric vehicle (EV) wireless charging and the Automated Valet Parking System (AVPS).
First, the EV charging system notifies the driver just how much battery charge they have left. If needed, the system will find a charging station by communicating with the building and vehicle, all prompted by a driver’s smartphone command. The car then autonomously locates and travels to a station, and charges wirelessly via magnetic induction.
Now it’s time for the AVPS to kick in, offering “a convenience to drivers who are faced with an overcrowding of both parking and charging locations as electric vehicle numbers grow steadily,” according to Hyundai. After the EV is fully charged, it’ll relocate to an empty parking spot or another designated location, thus freeing up the charging station for another awaiting EV.
When the driver sends another smartphone command to reclaim their vehicle, it’ll drive to their exact location.
“The overall process is performed by continuous communication between electric vehicle, parking facility, charging system, and driver. The parking facility sends location of empty parking spaces and charging stations, while the charging system updates the charging status of the vehicle in real time,” according to Hyundai.
Commercialization plans are slated for 2025 when Level 4 autonomous cars are predicted to make their launch. In 2021, Hyundai and Kia aim to commercialize autonomous vehicles in select smart cities, and if all goes well, the duo plan to launch fully autonomous vehicles by 2030.