Stellantis battery swap JV announced

STELLANTIS and US-headquartered Ample have signed a binding agreement to establish a partnership in electric vehicle battery swapping technology the duo says can deliver a fully charged battery into an EV in under five minutes.

The two partners have agreed to work toward integrating Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution into future Stellantis EVs, the technology allowing an EV customer who visits a battery swapping station to have a depleted battery swapped for a fully charged one in “a matter of minutes”.

The two companies are also in discussions regarding the expansion of the application of Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping Technology to meet Stellantis fleet and consumer demand across other Stellantis platforms and geographies.

The initial program is planned to begin in Madrid, Spain in 2024 with a fleet of 100 Fiat 500e models within Stellantis’ Free2move car sharing service. The 500e is the highest selling electric vehicle within the Stellantis portfolio.

“The partnership with Ample is another example of how Stellantis is exploring all avenues that enable freedom of mobility for our electric vehicle customers,” said Stellantis Charging & Energy senior vice president, Ricardo Stamatti.

“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.”

Ample CEO, Khaled Hassounah said the technology provides an alternative way to deliver energy to electric vehicles that makes the refuelling experience as fast and convenient as refuelling a petrol-powered car, while at the same time offering a “green solution” to customers that can “more seamlessly integrate renewable energy sources”.

“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,” he said.

“Stellantis’ ambitious electrification goals, its range of electric vehicles, and the commitment of its leadership, make Stellantis a perfect partner in achieving our goals.

“The combination of offering compelling electric vehicles that can also receive a full charge in less than five minutes will help remove the remaining impediments to electric vehicle adoption.”

The Ample Modular Battery Swapping can be erected at a site in as little as three days, allowing for a rapidly scalable infrastructure that can meet drivers’ demand. It is designed to be fast and cost-effective, minimising the time the EVs are out of service.

The program would be offered to customers on a subscription basis, helping to reduce the upfront price of the car.

The technology – which recalls that of failed start-up BetterPlace – further allows EV customers the benefit of always having the latest battery technology, effectively increasing the vehicle’s range and lifespan.