Volkswagen, in collaboration with Bosch, is spearheading trials of an autonomous parking and charging system for electric cars. The innovative approach aims to revolutionize large parking lots equipped with EV charging stations, introducing a seamless experience for electric vehicle owners.
Cariad, Volkswagen’s software subsidiary, and Bosch are conducting tests on a groundbreaking system that directs driverless electric cars to vacant parking spaces fitted with charging stations. A charging robot autonomously charges the vehicles, and upon completion, the EV seamlessly moves to another open parking spot, allowing the charging robot to attend to another electric car. Initial trials are underway at Cariad’s staff parking lot in Ingolstadt and Bosch’s parking facility in Ludwigsburg, Germany.
Both companies have explored similar features independently in the past, with Bosch collaborating with Mercedes-Benz on an autonomous parking lot, and Volkswagen delving into robotic charging concepts since 2019. Bosch emphasizes that this automated technology could alleviate current challenges, such as long queues at charging stations, blocked charging points due to delayed cable disconnection, and the need for manual cable handling.
In tandem with this technological leap, Volkswagen is set to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its vehicles, commencing in the second quarter of 2024. This AI-powered chatbot will be available across all VW models, including popular ones like Tiguan, Passat, Golf, and the ID family of electric vehicles, initially rolling out in Europe before reaching U.S. customers.
Volkswagen envisions ChatGPT enhancing its in-car voice assistant, IDA, fostering naturalistic communication between cars and drivers. Owners can effortlessly command basic functions like climate control and pose general queries to the voice assistant. Importantly, VW assures users that the integration won’t mandate new accounts or additional app installations. The activation can be initiated through a simple greeting or a button press on the steering wheel, and OpenAI ensures stringent data protection by immediately deleting questions and answers, emphasizing a commitment to user privacy. As VW continues to redefine the automotive landscape, these dual initiatives represent a bold step into a connected and automated future.