[CES 2024] Electric Cars That Park and Charge Themselves

Bosch 'Auto Valet Charging System'
All Services via Smartphone

Global automotive parts supplier Bosch unveiled an 'automated valet charging' system that allows electric vehicles to autonomously find empty parking spaces and complete charging. Drivers can enjoy the entire service, from parking to charging, using just a smartphone without having to be inside the vehicle.

On the 8th (local time), Bosch revealed this technology at the CES 2024 media conference held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, USA. Electric vehicles equipped with Bosch's 'automated valet charging system' can autonomously locate and park in empty spaces equipped with chargers. With just a smartphone button, users can handle parking and charging, and once charging is complete, the vehicle autonomously moves to another parking space via unmanned driving.

Bosch's Auto Valet Charging System
Photo by Bosch

Bosch is also focusing on the innovative semiconductor material 'silicon carbide (SiC)' to lead the electrification of automotive components. This material is widely used as a key component in inverters that control and convert electrical energy. Using SiC reduces energy loss, increasing driving range by up to 6% and improving charging efficiency.

Since 2021, Bosch has been producing SiC chips at its wafer factory located in Reutlingen, Germany, and has invested over $1.5 billion to build an additional wafer factory in Roseville, California, USA. The factory is scheduled to start operations in 2026, with the goal of increasing production capacity more than tenfold within a few years.

Silicon carbide semiconductor chip produced by Bosch
[Photo by Bosch]

Meanwhile, Bosch is also interested in transitioning to hydrogen energy for a sustainable future. Recently, Bosch began mass production of mobile hydrogen fuel cells in Stuttgart, Germany. Initial orders have already started from truck manufacturers in Europe, the USA, and China.

Additionally, Bosch plans to unveil a hydrogen engine this year that uses hydrogen directly as an energy source without converting it into electrical energy. Typically, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles generate electrical energy through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, which then powers the motor. However, the hydrogen engine Bosch is developing utilizes hydrogen directly as the energy source.

Mike Mansueti, President of Bosch North America, stated, "Bosch is exploring ways to participate in various hydrogen hubs," adding, "We will actively leverage our expertise in hydrogen production and supply to support the development of a clean energy economy in the North American region."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.