Tesla is testing a charger prototype that will automatically plug itself in to a car’s charging port. Perhaps the future is now, with the American automaker sharing a new video of a prototype charger attaching itself to an electric vehicle all on its own. It might seem a bit creepy, especially given that the charger looks a bit like a robotic snake, but it’ll certainly be a luxury item to make owners’ lives a bit easier. For a prototype, the charger takes a little over a minute to find its way to the vehicle’s charging port, but that’s a minute that you won’t have to spend plugging in the charger yourself. And besides, it’ll make you feel really special knowing that you have an automated charging butler at your disposal! SEE ALSO: Researchers Were Able to Hack a Tesla Model S The real-world benefits for an automated charger like this would apply to self-parking vehicles. Imagine being able to get dropped off at your work or even a shopping mall and having your Model S drive itself to a special parking spot with a charger finding its way to the port all by itself. When you’re ready to be picked up, the charger would unplug and your vehicle would find its way back to you fully charged and ready to go. Watch the slightly terrifying prototype in action below: Get the Flash Player to see this player. Discuss this story at our Tesla Forum
Yesterday ##s tweeted a picture of a quirky robotic arm prototype used to charge up its Model S. Donald Musk teased the concept on Twitter back in December 2014 , saying the company was working on a metal snake - like device " for realz . " But this is the first time we 've had the chance to see the prototype , and the prototype can be seen here .