Automated Parking Garage Charges EVs Hands-Free in California

Residents at Menlo Park's Lume apartment complex can drop off their cars and let the garage handle the rest.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new residential parking garage in Menlo Park, California has implemented a fully automated system that parks vehicles and charges electric cars without any human involvement. The Lume apartment complex's garage uses a robotic arm to plug in and unplug Level 2 charging cables, allowing EV owners to simply drop off their cars and have them charged and ready to go.

Why it matters

This innovative parking garage solution addresses challenges faced by developers in dense urban areas, such as limited space and zoning restrictions. The automated system maximizes parking capacity and provides a convenient charging experience for EV owners, potentially encouraging more widespread EV adoption.

The details

The Lume apartment complex's automated parking garage was developed by Swiss company Sofetin and installed by California-based Parkworks. Drivers pull up to the garage entrance and the system automatically parks the vehicle in an available spot. EV owners can then request a charging session through a smartphone app, and the car is moved to a charging bay where a robotic arm plugs in the charging cable. Once the desired charge level is reached, the car is unplugged and moved to another spot, ready for the owner to retrieve.

  • The Lume apartment complex opened in late 2024.
  • The automated parking garage with robotic EV charging was completed in 2025.

The players

Lume Menlo Park

A residential apartment complex in Menlo Park, California that features a fully automated parking garage with robotic EV charging capabilities.

Sofetin

A Swiss company that developed the automated parking system used in the Lume apartment complex garage.

Parkworks

A California-based company that installed the automated parking and EV charging system at the Lume apartment complex.

Heller Manus Architects

The architectural firm that designed the Lume apartment complex housing project.

Watry Design

The firm responsible for the design of the Lume apartment complex's automated parking garage.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This automated parking garage with robotic EV charging showcases innovative solutions to address the challenges of limited space and zoning restrictions in dense urban areas. By maximizing parking capacity and providing a convenient charging experience, this system has the potential to accelerate EV adoption and serve as a model for future residential and commercial developments.