China launches 'mobile charger' for electric cars, which can move freely without a driver

Chinese electric car giant Wuling has just launched a new advancement in mobile charging station technology for electric vehicles (EVs) , revolutionizing the way cars are powered in the age of renewable energy.

Last week at the 2024 China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) , Wuling introduced two autonomous mobile charging station models , providing flexible and fast convenience for electric vehicle users in places where fixed charging stations are difficult to access.

This mobile charging station is actually a 141 kilowatt hour (kWh) battery that can move on its own, with the largest model measuring 7.5 feet long, 6.5 feet wide, and 3.1 feet high (2280 x 940 x 1969 mm). With the ability to move autonomously up to 5 km/h, these stations can move to any location needed to charge an electric vehicle, from city centers to suburban areas, providing a novel solution for flexible charging needs.

Picture 1 of China launches 'mobile charger' for electric cars, which can move freely without a driver

Picture 2 of China launches 'mobile charger' for electric cars, which can move freely without a driver
Model of autonomous mobile charging station.

Solutions to meet the growing demand of electric car users

Officially called the Mobile Energy Storage Charging Vehicle (MESCV), Wuling's product meets the soaring demand for flexible energy sources amid the growing number of electric vehicles in China. In fact, the country is making great strides in converting traditional energy vehicles to electric vehicles on the streets, and if this trend continues, weekends and holidays may see long queues at fixed charging stations. At that time, Wuling's mobile charging stations are expected to be an effective solution to reduce pressure on the public charging system.

Picture 3 of China launches 'mobile charger' for electric cars, which can move freely without a driver
This product is officially called "Mobile Energy Storage Charging Vehicle".

Wuling introduced not one but two types of mobile charging vehicles :

  1. The smaller VA100T model with a 30 kWh battery and 20 kW charging port costs around $11,000.
  2. The higher-end model has a 141 kWh battery, fast charging, and sells for around $42,000.

These two product lines offer a wide range of options to meet different consumer needs, from compact personal needs to high capacity requirements for crowded areas.

Picture 4 of China launches 'mobile charger' for electric cars, which can move freely without a driver
 With autonomous capabilities, the car can go anywhere.

Revolution in mobile charging networks

These mobile charging vehicles can expand the charging network in areas with surge demand, improving the efficiency and flexibility of public charging services. With autonomous capabilities, the vehicles can travel anywhere (within the permitted range) to provide power without depending on fixed charging stations. When there is no urgent demand, the station can automatically return to the lowest electricity tariff to recharge, thereby optimizing operating costs.

Picture 5 of China launches 'mobile charger' for electric cars, which can move freely without a driver
These vehicles could act as backup power sources for areas that temporarily need large amounts of energy.

Wuling's development and testing of MESCVs in the Chinese market also reflects growing demand and interest from users. From car dealerships to service centers and industrial parks, the product is expected to quickly gain popularity in the near future. The versatility of MESCVs goes beyond just charging electric vehicles; these mobile vehicles can serve as backup power sources for areas that temporarily need a large amount of energy.

The Future of EV Charging Stations in China

Picture 6 of China launches 'mobile charger' for electric cars, which can move freely without a driver

Picture 7 of China launches 'mobile charger' for electric cars, which can move freely without a driver
 This product not only brings convenience in use but also promotes the development of the electric vehicle industry.

With its growing population and vehicle density, China is taking the lead in establishing infrastructure for new energy vehicles, from charging stations to mobile vehicles such as MESCV. This product not only brings convenience in use but also promotes the development of the electric vehicle industry more strongly. In the future, as the demand for electric vehicles increases further, the emergence of mobile charging stations with higher capacity and higher speed will be an indispensable trend, not only in China but also around the world.

Wuling, with its innovative steps, has demonstrated its vision in providing flexible and convenient electric vehicle charging solutions to the market, creating a new direction for the renewable energy vehicle industry.