For most of us, filling a car with fuel or charging an electric vehicle is a simple task. However, for disabled drivers, people with reduced mobility and older people it can be a significant challenge.
Ford's prototype technology could enable disabled drivers to stay in the car while charging or leave the car entirely while the robot does all the work.
Disabled drivers have already identified ease of charging as a key purchase consideration for electric vehicles. A recent survey in the UK showed that 61 per cent of disabled drivers would consider buying an electric vehicle only if charging was made more accessible.
Ford is testing its robot charging station as part of a research project to develop hands-free charging solutions for electric vehicles and fully automatic charging for autonomous vehicles.
Following initial lab testing, Ford researchers are now putting the robot charging station to the test in real-life situations. Once activated, the...