Autonomous Electric Vehicle Robot Delivers Power to Areas Devoid of Supply
Autonomous Electric Vehicle Robot Delivers Power to Areas Devoid of Supply
Tapping on a smartphone app, a device resembling a mix of R2D2 and a small refrigerator for dorm rooms moves towards a Ford Mustang Mach-E, ready to revitalize the electric vehicle's battery. This ingenious creation is referred to as the FlashBot autonomous EV charger, developed by ION Dynamics Energy Corporation, a novice startup based in Novi, Michigan.
FlashBot is a versatile level three DC fast charger, also capable of level two charging configurations, as described by co-founder Josh Bitterman during a demonstration at the Detroit Smart Parking Lab. Its purpose is to address a growing dilemma: making electric vehicle recharging accessible in locations where installing permanent charging stations is either logistically or financially impractical.
Bitterman highlighted that business and property owners often face significant costs and infrastructure concerns when installing permanent, fixed charging stations. FlashBot mitigates these challenges by providing a flexible solution that can be deployed wherever it's needed, on demand, and at a fraction of the cost.
An illustration of this potential application can be seen in a parking deck, as mentioned by Bitterman. Installation and exclusive association of specific parking spaces with electric vehicle charging are generally expensive, but FlashBot's DC fast charger application allows for more flexibility. A vehicle owner can simply park wherever they want, utilize an app to summon the robot, which will autonomously connect and charge the vehicle without the need for a designated electric vehicle charging space.
FlashBot can connect autonomously or manually to an independent device called FlashHub, which not only replenishes their energy but also collectively acts as a level two charging hub for up to twelve electric vehicles simultaneously.
ION Dynamics Energy's product, FlashBase, can recharge two robots in less than an hour, while the company also offers a more infrastructure-light package, demonstrated at the Grand Rapids Airport, utilizing slow chargers overnight.
Various versions of ION FlashBot have been utilized by companies such as Dodge for charging electric vehicles during commercial shoots and media test drives in energy-inadequate areas. ION Dynamics Energy's innovation extends beyond electric vehicle charging. They currently have projects running in Hungary, replacing backup power sourcing diesel generators on movie sets, providing power to equipment, lighting, trucks, and trailers.
The savings in terms of time and costs associated with obtaining permits and constructing permanent charging units make FlashBot and its related equipment a major advantage, according to Bitterman. ION Dynamics Energy's system, in conjunction with its off-grid equipment, can reduce the upfront installation costs of a fixed DC fast charger, which typically range between $100,000 and $200,000, by up to 90%.
FlashBot equipment leasing packages start as low as $4,000 per month and can have DC fast and level 2 charging installed at a site in just 2 hours, according to Bitterman.
ION Dynamic Energy's entry into the market comes at a time when there is increasing demand for convenient electric power and charging options, as the popularity of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles continues to grow.
Indeed, J.D. Power's December E-Vision Intelligence Report revealed a significant decline in consumer satisfaction with DC fast charging and public level two charging networks in the third quarter, marking the largest quarterly decline in customer satisfaction since the third quarter of 2020. The report, released last Friday, pointed out that whether electric vehicle range anxiety is valid or not, concerns about the availability and reliability of public charging stations are a consistent barrier to broader electric vehicle adoption.
Other companies, such as Voltpost and Beam Global, have attempted to address this issue by retrofitting streetlights with electric vehicle chargers. DC Grid, which launched just last week, provides inexpensive power units that can be installed quickly as temporary or permanent solutions.
For ION Dynamic Energy, the objective is to provide accessible electric power and charging solutions, tackled in a unique, autonomous manner by FlashBot, ready for deployment wherever needed – all you have to do is call.
The robot EV charger, known as FlashBot, developed by ION Dynamics Energy Corporation, is particularly useful for ev charging in locations where fixed charging stations are logistically or financially impractical. During a demonstration, co-founder Josh Bitterman mentioned that FlashBot can connect autonomously or manually to a device called FlashHub, acting as a level two charging hub for up to twelve electric vehicles simultaneously.
Utilizing FlashBot for ev charging allows for more flexibility, as vehicle owners can park wherever they want and summon the robot to charge their vehicle without needing a designated charging space. This innovative approach to ev charging is part of ION Dynamics Energy's mission to provide accessible electric power and charging solutions in a unique and autonomous manner.