Compact, safe underbody charging system

From fleet vehicles to work machines - the charging infrastructure plays a key role, especially for professional users. The underbody charging technology developed at the Fraunhofer IVI sets a new standard for convenient, safe and efficient charging processes in electromobility. The compact system transfers large amounts of energy in a short time - a decisive factor for the economical operation of modern electric fleets. The charging process starts fully automatically at the touch of a button, without manual plugging in and without visual contact with electrical components. The system therefore offers a solution suitable for everyday use for fleets in logistics and municipal operations, but can also be used for cars or machines in agriculture, industry and construction.

The robust infrastructure is based on a standardized cable shaft with drainage, can be driven over in accordance with EN124-D400+ and can be seamlessly integrated into existing and new systems. On the vehicle side, the system impresses with its compact design, electrical integration in accordance with CCS2/MCS and standardized communication via OppCharge. The contact-based, precisely guided connection between the vehicle and charging point achieves high charging performance - reliably, safely and in a space-saving manner.

In addition to the technological claim, the underbody charging system offers clear economic advantages: It reduces time and personnel costs, avoids downtime due to the elimination of plugging processes and ensures particularly efficient use of scarce space. There are no exposed cables and therefore no points of attack for cable theft and vandalism. Driver assistance systems support precise positioning; access is possible from two directions and convenience is maintained in all weathers.

As a key component of intelligent charging infrastructures, this innovation from Saxony shows how electromobility can be integrated into urban processes - reliably, automatically and ready for widespread use in sustainable energy networks.

Working hand in hand with partners from industry and science, the experts at the Fraunhofer IVI develop customer-specific solutions based on detailed requirements analyses and sound experience in the development of disruptive technologies - for cost- and energy-efficient systems that are up to the electromobility challenges of the future.