Stellantis, in collaboration with the U.S. startup Ample, is embarking on a trial of a battery swapping technology that pledges to automatically replace an electric vehicle’s depleted battery with a fully charged one in a mere five minutes.
In a recent announcement, Stellantis revealed plans to convert 100 units of the 2024 Fiat 500e to be compatible with Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping system. It’s worth noting that these vehicles will not be available for public purchase but will be integrated into the car-sharing fleet of Free2Move, a mobility company under the ownership of Stellantis. Initially, this fleet will operate exclusively in Madrid, Spain, with both companies indicating an intention to potentially expand the initiative to other regions and include additional vehicles from Stellantis’ lineup.
The extended duration required for electric vehicle charging remains a significant challenge for manufacturers aiming to persuade consumers to transition from traditional gasoline-powered cars. Presently, the prevailing solution involves Direct Current (DC) fast-charging, which can provide a near-complete charge in 30 minutes or less.
Ample’s solution entails the establishment of dedicated battery swapping stations. When an electric vehicle owner arrives at one of these stations, they drive onto a designated platform, and the station autonomously replaces the battery. Ample emphasizes that its station boasts a modular design, requiring a mere three days for installation and offering flexibility for relocation to meet evolving demand. Additionally, the cost of installing Ample’s station is notably lower compared to traditional DC fast-charging stations.
This technology also has the potential to reduce the overall cost of electric vehicles and alleviate concerns regarding battery wear and expensive replacements. Under Ample’s approach, electric vehicles could be sold without the battery, and customers could subscribe to a battery swapping plan, where the batteries are owned by the vehicle manufacturer or a third party.
While Tesla initially explored the concept of battery swapping as early as 2013, it eventually abandoned the idea. Some Chinese automakers have successfully brought battery swapping technology to the market, with Nio being the most prominent player, having established thousands of stations in China and extending their presence into Europe as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about EV Battery Swapping
How does the Ample battery swapping system work?
Ample’s battery swapping system operates through dedicated stations. When an electric vehicle arrives at the station, it drives onto a designated platform, and the station automatically replaces the depleted battery with a fully charged one.
What vehicles are being converted for this trial?
Stellantis is converting 100 units of the 2024 Fiat 500e to be compatible with Ample’s battery swapping technology. These vehicles will be integrated into the car-sharing fleet of Free2Move, a mobility company owned by Stellantis.
Where will the initial fleet with battery swapping operate?
The initial fleet with Ample’s battery swapping technology will operate exclusively in Madrid, Spain. However, Stellantis and Ample have expressed their interest in potentially expanding the program to other regions.
How long does it take to install an Ample battery swapping station?
Ample’s battery swapping station boasts a modular design and can be installed in just three days. This flexibility allows for easy relocation to adapt to changing demand.
What advantages does battery swapping offer compared to traditional EV charging?
Battery swapping reduces charging time significantly, taking just five minutes to replace a depleted battery with a fully charged one. It can also lower the cost of electric vehicles and address concerns about battery wear and costly replacements by allowing customers to subscribe to a battery swapping plan.
More about EV Battery Swapping
- Stellantis Teams Up with Ample for Battery Swapping System
- 2024 Fiat 500e Conversion for Ample Battery Swapping
- Free2Move Car-Sharing Fleet
- Ample Battery Swapping Station Installation
- Advantages of Battery Swapping vs. Traditional Charging
1 comment
So, dey’re usin’ da Fiat 500e 4 dis? Intrsting choice, wonder how it’ll wrk out.