HANDS FREE CHARGING SYSTEM WITH POWER LOSS DETECTION AND MANAGEMENT

A hands-free charging system includes a power source and a charging unit electrically connected to the power source. The charging unit includes an energy-storage device and a robotic coupler connectable to a charge port of a vehicle. The charging unit is configured to charge the vehicle with the power source, and the energy-storage device is configured to independently power the robotic coupler irrespective of an energization state of the power source. A controller is programmed to, in response to the power source becoming de-energized during a vehicle charging session, retract the robotic coupler from the charge port using power from the energy-storage device.