Autev is a Seattle-based startup founded by Osama AlSalloum, Syd Manna, and Jay Strickland, who envision a future where electric vehicle drivers can easily charge their cars using autonomous robots. These robots are essentially giant, mobile batteries with a robotic arm and a charging nozzle that can navigate to vehicles and charge them without human assistance. The team hopes to target workplaces, apartments, and condo buildings to provide a much-needed solution to the lack of EV charging infrastructure. The robots are recharged from a battery-powered docking station, eliminating the need for costly electrical upgrades to existing infrastructure.
The Autev system allows any parking spot to become an EV charging stall, offering users the ability to schedule half-hour reservations for the robotic units. Each location will have multiple DC fast-charging robots, allowing some to charge vehicles while others recharge themselves at the base. The startup plans to price the system at $50,000, including one robot charger and the base for recharging, with additional robots costing $20,000-to-$30,000 depending on the number ordered. While still expensive, this can be a more cost-effective option compared to traditional charging installations.
Customers for the Autev system would include property owners and managers of residential buildings and office spaces. The team is considering offering the system as a service in addition to selling it to customers. Matthew Metz, co-founder of Coltura, a nonprofit promoting EV use, sees potential in the Autev solution but raises concerns about the size of the charging units, potential technical issues with the autonomous service, and the evolving EV charging landscape. The team aims to address these concerns by having on-site support when the devices are deployed and remote monitoring to quickly respond to any problems.
Autev launched in October 2022 and has built a proof-of-concept device for slower Level 1 charging, followed by a second prototype for Level 2 charging that operates autonomously. The startup founders are bootstrapping their effort but plan to raise funds in the coming months for production by the end of the next year. The team, which includes students from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, is optimistic about the future success of their system, noting that all the components have been proven technologically in other applications. Other companies like Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Electric Era are also developing EV charging technologies, but Autev’s unique approach using mobile robots with batteries sets it apart in the market.
Autev’s system aims to address the challenges of building out EV charging infrastructure by providing a mobile, plug-and-play solution that does not require costly infrastructure upgrades. The team believes that their system could be a cost-effective and convenient option for property owners and managers looking to provide EV charging options to their residents and employees. By leveraging autonomous robots with charging capabilities, Autev is positioning itself as an innovative player in the growing EV market, offering a unique solution to the evolving needs of electric vehicle owners. With plans for production in the near future, Autev is poised to make a significant impact on the EV charging industry.
