Daily EV news · Global · 24 June 2026
EV Charging
Xiaomi launches robotic EV charging arm for automated home charging, reviving undelivered Tesla concept
Xiaomi Corp. has launched a fully automated robotic arm that plugs into and unplugs from parked electric vehicles without human assistance, with mass production preparations complete and a launch planned for later this year according to CarNewsChina. The device supports remote charging control via smartphone and will join Xiaomi's consumer product ecosystem. Tesla showed a similar prototype in 2015 but never brought an automated charging product to market despite CEO Elon Musk announcing plans in 2014.
Why it matters
The product represents the first mass market automated charging hardware from a major manufacturer, potentially creating new procurement opportunities for residential charging infrastructure that reduces user friction. Xiaomi's move into automated charging equipment may pressure other hardware suppliers to develop competing solutions for the home charging segment.