Automated charging technologies are becoming increasingly important in the electrification of heavy road freight transport, especially in combination with autonomous driving. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of automated charging technologies for electric heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). It encompasses the entire spectrum of feasible technologies, including static and dynamic approaches, with each charging technology evaluated for its advantages, potentials, challenges and technology readiness level (TRL). Static conductive charging methods such as charging robots, underbody couplers, or pantographs show good potential, with pantographs being the most mature option. These technologies are progressing towards higher TRLs, with a focus on standardization and adaptability. While static wireless charging is operational for some prototype solutions, it encounters challenges related to implementation and efficiency. Dynamic conductive charging through an overhead contact line or contact rails holds promise for high-traffic HDV routes with the overhead contact line being the most developed option. Dynamic wireless charging, although facing efficiency challenges, offers the potential for seamless integration into roads and minimal wear and tear. Battery swapping is emerging as a practical solution to reduce downtime for charging, with varying levels of readiness across different implementations. To facilitate large-scale deployment, further standardization efforts are required. This study emphasizes the necessity for continued research and development to enhance efficiency, decrease costs and ensure seamless integration into existing infrastructures. Technologies that achieve this best will have the highest potential to significantly contribute to the creation of an efficiently automated and environmentally friendly transport sector.

Automated charging technologies are becoming increasingly important in the electrification of heavy road freight transport, especially in combination with autonomous driving. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of automated charging technologies for electric heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). It encompasses the entire spectrum of feasible technologies, including static and dynamic approaches, with each charging technology evaluated for its advantages, potentials, challenges, and technology readiness level (TRL). Static conductive charging methods such as charging robots, underbody-couplers or pantographs show good potential, with pantographs being the most mature option. These technologies are progressing towards higher TRLs, with a focus on standardization and adaptability. While static wireless charging is operational for some prototype solutions, it encounters challenges related to implementation and efficiency. Dynamic conductive charging through an overhead contact line or contact rails holds promise for high-traffic HDV routes with the overhead contact line being the most developed option. Dynamic wireless charging, although facing efficiency challenges, offers potential for seamless integration into roads and minimal wear and tear. Battery swapping is emerging as a practical solution to reduce downtime for charging, with varying levels of readiness across different implementations. To facilitate large-scale deployment further standardization efforts are required. The study emphasizes the necessity for continued research and development to enhance efficiency, decrease costs, and ensure seamless integration into existing infrastructures. Technologies that achieve this best will have the highest potential to significantly contribute to the creation of an efficiently automated and environmentally friendly transport sector.

The rapid expansion of renewable energy sources and the growing adoption of electric passenger vehicles (EVs) necessitate intelligent energy management strategies to ensure grid stability and operational efficiency. Achieving a sustainable energy system requires very high shares of renewable energy, potentially up to 100%. To balance fluctuations in renewable generation and electricity demand, energy storage technologies are essential. Stationary battery storage is an effective solution, but battery production is associated with significant emissions and resource consumption. From a sustainability perspective, minimizing additional battery production is therefore desirable. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G), which enables bidirectional energy exchange between EVs and the power grid, offers a promising alternative by utilizing batteries that are already installed in electric vehicles instead of deploying additional stationary storage systems. This increases resource efficiency and reduces the environmental impact of energy storage deployment. At the same time, automated charging technologies can further improve the sustainability of future mobility and energy systems by increasing the usability of electric vehicles and optimizing charging infrastructure utilization, particularly in long-term parking scenarios such as airports. As vehicle automation advances, the relevance of automated charging solutions will continue to grow. However, it remains unclear whether automation will support or hinder the implementation of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) concepts and their potential contribution to a more sustainable transport and energy sector. This paper therefore provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in automated charging systems and evaluates their suitability for enabling grid-supportive V2G applications. Using a weighted point rating system, different technologies are systematically assessed across relevant EV use cases. The results highlight both synergies and trade-offs between automation and V2G, offering insights into how automated charging technologies can be designed to maximize their contribution to sustainable mobility and energy systems.