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Tesla Shows Automatic Charger

Tesla Motors Inc. is developing a robotic self-charging system for its electric vehicles.
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Tesla Motors Inc. is developing a robotic self-charging system for its electric vehicles. The company released a video demonstrating a prototype of the device charging a Model S electric sedan.

CEO Elon Musk said in December the company was developing such a system, which uses an articulated "metal snake" to plug in the vehicle. He envisions the technology enabling a Model S to drop off its driver, then automatically park itself and be plugged in automatically.

When the door to the car's charging port opens, the charging cord automatically docks into it. Once charging is completed, the cord disengages.

Tesla hasn't said if it will use the system in its network of public Supercharger stations or offer it to consumers for home use. The company also is developing a quick-charge technology that uses a liquid-cooled cable.

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