By ATN Editorial Team
Westfalia Technologies Inc., a leader in automated parking solutions, today announced the launch of WEPLUG®, an innovative automated DC fast-charging system designed to transform Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This patented, breakthrough technology operates from an overhead gantry, automatically locating and connecting to EVs regardless of charging port position or type, maximizing infrastructure efficiency.
Solving Critical EV Charging Challenges
The WEPLUG® charging system addresses several persistent challenges in the electric vehicle ecosystem. The overhead gantry, equipped with an advanced vision system, precisely positions and lowers the WEPLUG® connector into an adapter manually inserted into the EV’s charging port by the driver when they leave their EV. The adapter is available in different configurations to accommodate various makes and models of EVs. This technology eliminates a common point of failure in other sophisticated robotics solutions that bypass an adapter.
“What makes combining WEPLUG® with our automated parking systems especially impactful is how we can orchestrate the movement of EVs across an entire system for charging,” said Ian Todd, Executive VP of Automated Parking. “It’s simple but powerful. We connect a car and charge it. Once finished, we move it to another spot in the facility whilst the overhead gantry moves to the next EV to be charged. Then we bring in the next EV that needs charging to that same spot thus adding it to the charging queue. This intelligent choreography enables fewer charging points, and a single gantry to service significantly more vehicles, dramatically improving efficiency while reducing infrastructure costs that allow a variety of configurations possible with WEPLUG’s smart design.”
Single-Point Infrastructure Maximizes ROI
WEPLUG® offers a robust, practical solution that saves substantial space compared to conventional EV charging options. Unlike traditional charging solutions that require extensive electrical infrastructure and more room at every parking space, WEPLUG® utilizes a single utility connection integrated into the gantry system to service multiple vehicles per installation. This innovative, compact approach dramatically reduces installation costs, electrical infrastructure requirements, and construction complexity for developers, property managers, and parking facility operators.
The system delivers powerful automated 50kW DC fast charging capability, bringing most electric vehicles from low battery to approximately 80% capacity in around one hour or less, addressing critical downtime concerns for EV owners and fleet operators.
Versatile Applications Across Multiple Sectors
The WEPLUG® solution is adaptable to numerous covered environments including:
- Automated parking systems in new developments
- Fleet and delivery vehicle facilities requiring continuous round-the-clock charging
- Conventional covered parking facilities including corporate lots, airports, and college campuses*
- Larger car dealerships maintaining multiple electric vehicles
For more EV charging infrastructure technology news, click here.
