A new residential complex in Menlo Park, California, features a fully automated parking garage capable of not only parking electric vehicles (EVs) but also charging them without human intervention. The innovative system utilizes a robotic arm to connect and disconnect charging cables, addressing a unique challenge in automated parking environments.
Automated Parking Meets EV Charging
The Lume apartment complex, which opened in late 2024, boasts a state-of-the-art, three-level automated parking system designed to accommodate over 450 vehicles. This high-density solution was necessitated by the building’s location in a FEMA flood zone, prohibiting below-grade parking, and by zoning height restrictions that limited parking area.
Residents simply leave their vehicles at the garage entrance. The automated system then transports the car to an available parking spot. For EV owners, a smartphone app allows them to request a charging session. If a charging bay is available, the vehicle is automatically moved to it, where a robotic arm attaches a Level 2 charging cable.
Seamless Charging and Relocation
Once the EV reaches its desired charge level, the robotic arm automatically unplugs the cable. The vehicle is then relocated to a regular parking space, freeing up the charging bay for another EV. This process ensures efficient utilization of charging infrastructure within the automated garage.
Project Development and Features
The automated parking system was developed by Switzerland-based Sotefin and installed by California’s Parkworks. The Lume apartment complex itself, designed by Heller Manus Architects, includes 441 multi-family units and offers amenities such as co-working spaces, a pool, and a yoga studio. The project reflects the advanced technological integration common in Silicon Valley, with monthly leases starting around $3,300.
While Tesla previously announced plans for a robotic charging arm, it never materialized. However, companies like Sotefin are now bringing such automated charging solutions to reality, particularly in contexts where manual charging within an automated parking system would be impractical.