Source: Li Auto

Li Auto has begun testing an automated robotic arm that can scan a vehicle’s charging port and connect the plug without driver assistance.

The system is designed to work with all existing Li Auto models and operates within specially equipped charging stations.

Li Auto is partnering with Chang Guang Xi Intelligent Manufacturing (CGXi) to develop this unmanned robotic arm.

Unmanned Robotic Arm and Charging Infrastructure

On July 29, 2025, during the launch event of the Li i8 electric SUV, Li Xiang, founder and CEO of Li Auto (NYSE:LI), confirmed that the company is actively testing the robotic charging arm.

Shaped as a mechanical arm, this robot is capable of automatically inserting the charging connector into a vehicle's port, aiming to improve charging convenience.

The robotic arm integrates sensor arrays and vision systems to precisely identify the charging port location and orientation before initiating the plug-in process.

Source: Li Auto

It is deployed exclusively within compatible fast-charging stations equipped to support the robotic technology.

The newly introduced Li i8 SUV offers a CLTC-rated range of up to 720 km (approximately 450 miles).

Li Auto’s broader charging infrastructure, known as the "5C" network, allows vehicles to regain up to 500 km of CLTC range (approximately 310 miles) within roughly ten minutes.

Li Auto provides exclusive services at its fast-charging stations, including charging reservations, battery preheating, Visual Language Action (VLA) direct navigation to stations via future OTA updates, and seamless payment methods.

Currently, cost estimates and timelines for widespread public deployment of the robotic arm have not been disclosed.

Li Xiang also explained that Li Auto has optimized its fast-charging stations for improved user experience.

On highways, the company rents five parking spaces but installs only four charging stalls, while in urban areas, it rents ten parking spaces but installs eight charging stalls. This approach provides additional parking convenience for vehicle owners.

As of July 29, Li Auto's nationwide fast-charging network includes 3,000 charging stations and 16,000 individual charging stalls, covering extensive areas to deliver convenient charging services.