BYD has unveiled a new robotic electric vehicle charger capable of delivering a huge 1000kW of power, while also eliminating the need for drivers to plug in their vehicles as their batteries get replenished.

Shown at a media event in the United Arab Emirates, the new system uses a robotic arm to automatically locate a vehicle’s charging port, open its cover and insert the charging connector. Once charging is complete, the robot removes the connector, meaning drivers can remain inside their vehicles throughout the entire process.

According to CarNewsChina, the technology uses visual recognition to identify the charging port and accurately position the connector. The robotic arm is also compatible with multiple charging connector standards, which will allow it to work with different electric vehicles across international markets.

BYD demonstrated the technology alongside an automated parking system, which allows a vehicle to position itself into a charging bay at the touch of a button. Once parked, the robotic arm takes over, allowing the entire parking and charging process to be completed without the driver leaving their seat.

During the demonstration, the system reportedly delivered 1000kW of charging power. For context, Australia’s fastest publicly available EV chargers typically offer peak outputs of around 350kW, although the actual charging speed depends on the vehicle’s capabilities.

The demonstration follows BYD’s introduction of its second-generation Blade Battery technology earlier this year in China, including charging hardware capable of delivering up to 1500kW per connector. According to BYD, its compatible vehicles can recharge from 10 to 70 per cent in as little as five minutes, or from 10 to 97 per cent in as little as nine minutes.

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The latest demonstration comes as BYD continues its global charging infrastructure rollout, with plans for 20,000 Flash Charging stations in China by the end of 2026. It’s also targeting 100 locations in Europe by the end of this year, which will increase to 3000 by the end of 2027.

BYD Australia is yet to confirm when its Flash Charging and robotic technology will be introduced in Australia, nor other details such as cost and locations. But for now, the company has provided a glimpse into a future where charging an EV could be as simple as parking and letting a robot do the rest.