Summary
- EV battery swapping movement catching fire overseas, with US startup Ample launching venture in Japan
- Ample’s pursuit of quick, automated battery exchange as a rapid charging option for EV drivers and fleet managers
- Benefits of battery swapping include full charge every time, monitoring, and diagnostic services
- Ample partnering with Mitsubishi for EV battery swapping stations in Tokyo, focusing on commercial vehicles
- Global growth potential for EV battery swapping technology, with market value estimated to reach $1.5 billion by 2023
Article
The EV battery swapping movement is gaining popularity overseas, with startups like Ample making strides in the industry. While Tesla initially aimed to lead the US in battery swapping, Ample has taken up the mantle by developing automated, 5-minute battery exchange stations. This technology provides EV drivers with a rapid charging option that delivers a full charge every time, offering convenience and efficiency. In addition, battery swapping can benefit grid planners, drivers, and battery swapping firms by allowing slow charging during off-peak hours and reducing strain on the grid.
Ample has been making waves in the EV industry since coming out of stealth mode in 2021, with a focus on developing a fast EV battery swapping system. The startup recently entered into a partnership with Mitsubishi to demonstrate its swapping stations in Tokyo, targeting the commercial vehicle market. The Tokyo deployment follows a successful test run in Kyoto, showcasing the benefits of modular battery swapping for fleet electrification. By slowly charging batteries in the station, Ample aims to minimize fleet operational changes and reduce the strain on the electric grid.
In Japan, where EV adoption has been slower compared to other markets, battery swapping could help accelerate the electrification journey, especially with legacy firms like Mitsubishi Fuso and Mitsubishi Motors on board. Ample’s lightweight and modular swapping stations are designed for rapid deployment and can accommodate any vehicle make. Additionally, the integration of EV batteries into virtual power plants could further optimize grid storage and swapping capabilities. The strategic partnership between NIO and CATL in China also highlights the growing interest in battery swapping for electric vehicles globally.
While the US EV market remains politically charged, companies like Ample are forging partnerships and exploring opportunities abroad. With the global electric vehicle battery swapping market estimated to reach $1.5 billion by 2023, there is significant growth potential driven by technological advancements, collaborations, and government support. In regions like the EU, EV battery swapping activity is on the rise, indicating a shift towards more efficient and sustainable urban transportation solutions. As battery swapping technology evolves, it may play a crucial role in accelerating the transition to electric mobility worldwide.
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