The Chinese company Wuling launches two self-driving mobile charging stations that work like power banks on wheels
Mobile Charging Stations: China’s Next Step in EV Infrastructure
At the 2024 Canton Fair, Chinese automotive giant Wuling introduced two innovative models of mobile charging stations for electric vehicles. The smaller station, roughly the size of an ice cream cart, is paired with a larger unit standing 2.3 meters tall, 2.2 meters long, and just under one meter wide. Both stations are fully autonomous and designed to tackle a challenge China faces ahead of other countries: the saturation of charging stations.
A Growing Demand for EV Infrastructure in China
The rate of electric vehicle (EV) adoption in China is steadily climbing, far outpacing rates in the Western world and rivaling those in smaller Scandinavian nations. Projections indicate that a majority of Chinese vehicles will soon be electric, creating an urgent need for dynamic, scalable charging infrastructure.
Models, Pricing, and Applications of Wuling’s Mobile Charging Stations
Wuling’s solution, the Mobile Energy Storage Charging Vehicle (MESCV), fits into this growing landscape. Equipped with powerful batteries and capable of reaching speeds up to 5 km/h, the MESCV can autonomously navigate crowded charging points, effectively improving access to recharging. In company tests, the MESCV has demonstrated its potential to enhance both the efficiency and operational capacity of these charging networks.
The mobile stations are available in various configurations. Wuling has developed a 141 kWh model, priced around $42,000, targeting large businesses and commercial complexes. This power bank on wheels can charge 3–4 vehicles. A smaller version with a 30 kWh battery and 20 kW charger is expected to be priced at approximately $11,000.
Expanding Use Cases for Wuling’s MESCV
Wuling envisions the MESCV serving beyond traditional charging stations, including at car dealerships, campuses, and factories, where portable energy offers clear operational advantages. The mobile units can also assist stranded vehicles with drained batteries. Flexible energy management for EVs is an emerging field, and Wuling is positioning itself as a front-runner. Soon, roadside assistance services may also adopt these solutions to deliver quick and efficient charging to EV drivers.
