Stellantis will become one of the first Western automakers to adopt battery-swapping technology after signing a binding agreement with battery-swapping technology company Ample.
The partnership will initially see the two companies work to integrate Ample’s modular battery-swapping solution in battery-electric vehicles from Stellantis. Initially, a fleet of 100 Fiat 500e models from the Free2move car-sharing service in Madrid, Spain, will be fitted with swappable batteries in 2024. Ample’s technology allows a battery to be swapped in less than 5 minutes.
The modular batteries to be used have been designed as a drop-in replacement for an EV’s original battery. Ample’s batteries can fit into any EV and can suit all Stellantis EVs without requiring the car manufacturer to reengineer its vehicle platforms.
“The partnership with Ample is another example of how Stellantis is exploring all avenues that enable freedom of mobility for our electric vehicle customers,” Stellantis senior vice president of the Charging & Energy Business Unit, Ricardo Stamatti said. “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. We are looking forward to executing the initial program with our stellar Fiat 500e.”
Ample can establish a battery swapping station in as little as three days. When an Ample vehicle approaches the station, the vehicle is immediately recognized and the driver initiates the battery swap through a dedicated mobile app. The service can be made available on a subscription service basis, reducing the total upfront cost of an EV.
Watch: Ample Moves Closer To 5-Minute EV Battery Swaps As The Future Of Charging Up
“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,” Ample chief executive Khaled Hassounah said. “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. We look forward to working with Stellantis to deploy our joint solution across communities around the world.”
The two companies are in discussions to potentially implement battery swapping technology “to meet Stellantis fleet and consumer demand across other Stellantis platforms and geographies.”
