BYD adds robotic arm to ultra-fast charger to connect the cable on the driver’s behalf
Chinese automotive giant BYD has unveiled a robotic fast-charging station in the United Arab Emirates that can connect an electric car’s charging cable entirely on its own. The system locates the charging port, opens the flap and inserts the connector. Combined with automated parking, it allows the car to charge without driver intervention. Charging power reached as much as 1000 kW during the demonstration.
Robot locates the charging port on its own
Unveiled in the Abu Dhabi desert, the system brings together Flash Charging fast-charging technology, solar panels, energy storage and a robotic arm. The robot uses cameras to locate the charging port and force-feedback control to insert the connector precisely. This allows it to adjust its movements to the position of the charging port.
Once charging is complete, the robot removes the connector and closes the charging flap.
Even more interesting is the system’s integration with automated parking. A car equipped with a suitable driver-assistance system can drive to the charging space, park and begin charging on its own. The driver can leave the car in the meantime.
Megawatt charging places high demands
According to independent publications, the charger reached 1000 kW during the Abu Dhabi demonstration. BYD’s own announcement does not specify the maximum charging power achieved in that particular test. The company’s Flash Charging technology allows cars with compatible batteries to charge from 10 to 70 per cent in approximately five minutes, and to 97 per cent in nine minutes.
BYD has also unveiled charging technology capable of delivering up to 1500 kW. This does not, however, mean that all vehicles can use that level of power. Charging speed is determined by battery design, temperature and the capabilities of the charging system.
The practical advantage of a robotic arm becomes particularly important with high-power chargers. Handling high-power cables can be awkward, and automatic connection reduces the need to lift a heavy connector.
Solar panels and a battery reduce reliance on the grid
BYD has integrated the charging station with solar panels and a stationary energy storage system. Electricity generated during the day can be stored and used later to charge cars.
Energy storage helps reduce the instantaneous load on the electricity grid, which is particularly important for megawatt charging.
According to the manufacturer, the system can also operate independently of the grid under certain conditions. Its actual capabilities nevertheless depend on solar panel output, storage capacity and the number of cars being charged.
Huawei brought a robotic charger to market earlier
BYD is not the first company to develop such a solution. Huawei demonstrated an automated charging system with a robotic arm as early as the beginning of 2025, working with a 600 kW fast charger.
BYD stands out for its integrated approach, combining automated parking, robotic cable connection and high-power charging with energy storage.
The company aims to build 6000 Flash Charging stations outside China by the end of 2027, including an expansion of its network in Europe. However, neither a precise timetable for deploying the robotic arms nor equipment prices have been disclosed.
In Europe, the technology could be of particular interest to automated taxi fleets, logistics centres and heavily used charging stations.
The real value of BYD’s innovation is not just its exceptional charging power. Automated parking and robotic charging could eliminate one of the last manual tasks involved in using an electric car. The next challenge is to make the demonstrated system fast, reliable and affordable enough to be worth deploying at thousands of charging stations.
