Hella has developed an intelligent system components for the automated charging of electric vehicles. The electronic charging lid actuator (eLA) makes the tank cap intelligent and thus supports robot-assisted charging processes. Innovative light components intuitively visualise the status of the battery and charging mode and set additional design accents.

The company claims that customer-specific functions for more convenience and safety can be integrated in the future. Bjorn Twiehaus, managing director- Global electronics business, Hella explained that "automated charging processes, in which a robot takes over the charging process, for example, will be an important lever in this process. Based on our strong lighting and electronics expertise, we are therefore working on further automating the charging process. Partially automated charging processes are also conceivable as a first step."

One important requirement is that the charging lid opens and closes independently; at the same time, the charging robot must be able to communicate with the charging lid and the vehicle. This requires new technologies and mechatronic systems that must be able to be implemented in the smallest possible space near the charging connection.

To protect against trapped fingers, the actuator has an integrated protective mechanism. Additional functions can also be integrated depending on the manufacturer's requirements. Hella has developed a space-saving concept based on red, green and amber LEDs as well as EdgeLight technology, which is based on the experience of end consumers in the field of consumer electronics.

To make it easier for the robot to position the charging plug, HELLA has also designed a so-called ring light with two white or RGB LEDs. Furthermore, lighting elements can be used for additional design accents like illuminating the charging port of the electric vehicle with static or dynamic animations.