Stellantis and Ample will trial battery swapping stations to charge EVs in five minutes
A top motoring company has teamed up with an electric vehicle expert to trial a way of recharging EVs in as little as five minutes.
The vehicle manufacturer Stellantis has teamed up with electric vehicle technology company Ample to provide a method that could rapidly speed up EV charging.
As more motorists make the switch from gasoline to electric, many share the frustration of spending hours at the chargers, waiting for their car’s battery to be replenished.
Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Charging & Energy Business Unit, explained that this issue could be resolved by fitting the cars with interchangeable batteries.
He said: “The partnership with Amble is another example of how Stellantis is exploring all avenues that enable freedom of mobility for our electric vehicle customers.
“In addition to other projects we are focused on, Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution has the opportunity to offer our customers greater energy efficiency, outstanding performance and lower range anxiety.”
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According to proposals, Stellantis and Amble will set up a number of drive-in service stations, which can be used by especially modified electric vehicles.
Under the trial, which will take place in Madrid, Spain during 2024, a fleet of Fiat 500e’s especially fitted with removable batteries will be able to have their power source completely changed in as little as five minutes.
The original battery will be taken into the station to be recharged, with the vehicle receiving a fully replenished example.
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Khaled Hassounah, CEO of Ample, added that the technology used in the trial could help to drive the price of electric cars down, making them more affordable for consumers.
He added: “At Ample, we believe in the importance of making electric vehicles accessible to everyone without compromises, which is the only way that we will make a significant impact on lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
“Stellantis’ ambitious electrification goals, its range of electric vehicles, and the commitment of its leadership, make Stellantis a perfect partner in achieving our goals.”
According to Cox Automotive, the average price of an electric vehicle in America during July 2023 was $53,469, more than $5,000 more than the typical gas-powered car.
Whilst drivers can buy a new electric car for as little as $27,495, many experts state that the automotive industry need to do more before a proposed ban on gas cars.
Currently, ten states, including California and New York, plan to ban the sale of gasoline-powered cars from 2035.
