R2-D2 may be one of the most loyal space droids in the Star Wars universe, and an excellent co-pilot of an X-Wing fighter, but can he charge an electric car?
We think not, especially given the lack of EVs in a galazy far, far away. Which is why we're quite intrigued by Ziggy, a new robot from US-based charging firm EV Safe Charge. While Ziggy's X-Wing skills are unknown, it has been designed as an expert in remote EV charging.
The robot can be summoned to a car park, shopping centre, hotel or property and be used to charge an EV, removing the limitations of a stationary EV charging point.
Using a mobile phone app or in-vehicle infotainment system, Ziggy can transport itself to a parking space and reserve the spot for plug-in charging. It is then able to return to its base to be recharged by the grid, a battery or solar energy source.
The Ziggy robot is equipped with two large screens that function as information kiosks or interactive advertising displays. EV Safe Charge says this will act as an additional form of income for parking facility operators.
US-based firm EV Safe Charge will lease the Ziggy robot to facilities and says it will provide ongoing technical support and maintenance. Facility operators will have the option to direct vehicle owners to the app for payment or to prove charging as an amenity.
EV Safe Charge added that Ziggy will allow car parks and parking operators to have more spaces without the need to block any spaces for permanent EV chargers.
Sites across the US have already signed up for a Ziggy robot, with a Holiday Inn Express in California and The William Vale hotel in Brooklyn set to receive the first machines.
“Ziggy is a flexible and simple solution for virtually any office, mall or apartment complex to help meet growing charging needs of its tenants and guests without expensive, time-consuming infrastructure and installation investment,” said EV Safe Charge boss Caradoc Ehrenhalt.
“By helping drivers to overcome charging anxiety, one of the barriers to mass EV adoption, Ziggy is enhancing the EV charging experience for everyone.”
The Ziggy robot will enter production in 2023, and is available to reserve in the US now.
READ MORE
Subscribe to the Move Electric newsletter
e-CARS
UK charging networks: complete guide to every provider
New Cupra UrbanRebel is a bold EV supermini with 273-mile range
e-BIKES
10 fun things to try on an electric bike
Living with a Gocycle G4: how easy is it to adjust to?
e-MOTORBIKES
Seat Mó eScooter 125 UK review
How to do a CBT on an electric motorbike
Energica unveils new Experia electric tourer motorbike
e-SCOOTERS
Are e-scooters legal in the UK?
Private e-scooter rules 'cannot simply copy' rental regulations
Superpedestrian's European boss on why e-scooters are for everyone
e-WORLD
New Candela P-12 Shuttle to arrive as first electric ‘flying’ ferry
Pipistrel Velis Electro: meet the first certified electric plane