The electric vehicle (EV) market is proliferating, as more consumers are looking for eco-friendly, cost-effective, and convenient alternatives to conventional cars. However, one of the main challenges that EV drivers face is the availability and accessibility of charging stations, especially for long-distance trips or in areas with limited infrastructure. Charging an EV can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the battery size, the charger type, and the state of charge. This can be a major inconvenience for drivers who need to plan their trips around charging stops, or who may face anxiety about running out of battery power.
To address this challenge, Stellantis, one of the world’s leading automakers, has partnered with Ample, a San Francisco-based startup that has developed a modular battery swapping technology that can deliver a full charge to any EV in under 10 minutes. The partnership aims to leverage Ample’s innovative solution for use in Stellantis’ electric vehicles, starting with the Fiat 500e model. The collaboration will enable Stellantis to offer its customers a fast, convenient, and affordable way to recharge their EVs, while also reducing the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.
What is Modular Battery Swapping?
Modular battery swapping is a technology that allows EV drivers to exchange their depleted batteries for fully charged ones at automated stations, without having to plug in their vehicles or wait for hours. The process is similar to refueling a gas car, except that instead of pumping gas, the station swaps out the batteries.
Ample’s modular battery swapping technology is based on a unique architecture consisting of Lego-like battery modules that can accommodate any EV make, model, or design. Each module has its own battery management system and can be individually swapped based on the driver’s needs. The technology also allows for the number of modules to be variable from one vehicle to another, depending on the battery capacity and configuration.
Ample’s stations are lightweight, compact, and easy to install, requiring no construction or grid upgrades. They can be deployed in urban areas, along highways, or at existing gas stations, creating a ubiquitous network of charging points. The stations use computer vision and secure wireless communication to identify the vehicle and the location of each battery module, and then perform the swap in a fully automated manner. The driver simply drives into the station, presses a button on a connected app, and waits for a few minutes while the swap is completed.
The swapped batteries are then placed on shelves inside the station, where they can be recharged using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar. This way, Ample separates the recharging of batteries from the delivery of energy to vehicles, filling a key gap in the zero-carbon energy system of the future. Ample also monitors the health and performance of each battery module and optimizes the charging and swapping algorithms to extend the battery life and reduce degradation.
What are the Benefits of Modular Battery Swapping?
Modular battery swapping offers several benefits for EV drivers, automakers, and the environment. Some of the main advantages are:
- Speed: Modular battery swapping can provide a full charge to any EV in under 10 minutes, compared to 30 minutes or more for fast charging, and several hours for normal charging. This can save drivers time and hassle, and allow them to travel longer distances without worrying about finding a charging station or running out of power.
- Cost: Modular battery swapping can reduce the cost of owning and operating an EV, as drivers do not have to pay for the battery upfront or the electricity to charge it. Instead, they pay a subscription fee or a per-swap fee, similar to paying for gas. Ample claims that its service is 10-20% cheaper than gas, and 50% cheaper than fast charging. Moreover, modular battery swapping can lower the cost of EV production, as automakers do not have to invest in developing and manufacturing large and complex battery packs or installing charging infrastructure. Ample provides battery modules and swapping stations and works with automakers to integrate its technology into their vehicles.
- Convenience: Modular battery swapping can enhance the convenience and flexibility of driving an EV, as drivers do not have to worry about finding a compatible charger, plugging in their vehicle, or waiting for hours. They can simply drive into a nearby station, swap their batteries, and drive away. Ample’s stations are designed to be user-friendly and accessible and can be integrated into existing gas stations or other locations. Drivers can also use Ample’s app to locate the nearest station, reserve a spot, and start the swap.
- Sustainability: Modular battery swapping can improve the sustainability and circularity of the EV ecosystem, as it reduces the environmental impact of battery production and disposal. By using modular and swappable batteries, Ample can extend the battery life and reuse the battery modules across different vehicles and applications. Ample also recycles the battery modules at the end of their life cycle, and uses renewable energy sources to charge them. This way, Ample can minimize the carbon footprint and the resource consumption of the EV industry, and contribute to the global transition to clean energy and transportation.
How Stellantis and Ample are Collaborating to Bring Modular Battery Swapping to the EV Market
Stellantis, the result of the merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, is one of the world’s leading automakers, with a portfolio of 14 brands, including Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Maserati. Stellantis has a strong commitment to electrification and plans to launch 30 new EV models by 2025, covering all segments and markets. Stellantis aims to achieve a 38% share of low-emission vehicles (including EVs and hybrids) in Europe, and a 40% share in the US by 2030.
To support its electrification strategy, Stellantis has partnered with Ample to leverage its modular battery-swapping technology for use in its EVs. The partnership will initially focus on the Fiat 500e model, which is a popular and iconic city car that was launched in 2020 as a fully electric version. Stellantis will enable battery swapping on 100 Fiat 500e vehicles that are used in the Free2Move car-sharing service, which operates in several cities in the US and Europe. Free2Move customers will be able to use Ample’s stations to swap their batteries and continue their trips, without having to wait for charging or pay for electricity.
The collaboration between Stellantis and Ample will allow both companies to test and validate the modular battery-swapping technology in real-world conditions, and to collect valuable data and feedback from drivers and operators. The partnership will also demonstrate the feasibility and the benefits of modular battery swapping for EVs, and pave the way for further expansion and adoption of the technology in the EV market. Stellantis and Ample plan to extend their partnership to other EV models and markets in the future, and to explore new opportunities and applications for modular battery swapping.
Conclusion
Modular battery swapping is a promising technology that can revolutionize the EV market, by providing a fast, convenient, affordable, and sustainable way to recharge electric cars. Stellantis and Ample have established a partnership to leverage this technology for use in Stellantis’ EVs, starting with the Fiat 500e model. The partnership will enable Stellantis to offer its customers a better EV experience, while also reducing the cost and the environmental impact of electric vehicle production and operation. The partnership will also showcase the potential and the advantages of modular battery swapping for the EV industry, and encourage more automakers and drivers to adopt this technology. Modular battery swapping can be a game-changer for the EV market, and help accelerate the global transition to clean and smart mobility.
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