Valeo Partners Modulowatt on its Project for Automatic Docking to a Battery Charging Station

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Oct 04, 2010, 02:58 ET

PARIS, October 4, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Modulowatt Ingenierie, in association with eight partners, including Valeo, is presenting its electronically guided mechanical coupling demonstrator ("AMARE") at the Paris Motor Show. This smart system makes it possible to connect an electric vehicle to an automated charging station.

Automatic docking is handled by an automated arm which connects the vehicle to the charging station. The system however, requires the vehicle to be accurately positioned in front of the arm. To that end, Valeo provides the detection system which localizes the charging zones, either directly on a station, or behind vehicles already coupled to the stations.

The docking maneuver is achieved thanks to the front camera positioned behind the central rearview mirror. As the vehicle approaches, the camera surveys the area and the target, making it possible to define the vehicle's position in relation to the precise docking point, which is the parameter required for automatically maneuvering the vehicle. Dockin is therefore facilitated, enabling an automatic connection so the battery can be recharged.

A full-scale demonstration of this system is presented on the Modulowatt stand, Hall 2/1, Aisle D, Stand no 429.

Valeo is an independent industrial Group fully focused on the design, production and sale of components, integrated systems and modules for the automotive industry, mainly for CO2 emissions reduction. Valeo ranks among the world's top automotive suppliers. The Group has 117 plants, 21 Research centers, 40 Development centers, 10 distribution platforms and employs 56,000 people in 27 countries worldwide.

For more information about the Valeo Group and its activities, please visit our web site

http://www.valeo.com.

SOURCE Valeo