Battery Swapping Model

Electric vehicle technology has evolved rapidly in recent years, with innovative solutions to make E-Mobility more accessible and convenient. One such solution is the battery swapping model for light electric vehicles. Instead of waiting hours to recharge an electric vehicle battery, battery swapping allows a discharged battery to be replaced with a fully charged one in minutes.

This article will explain the battery swapping model.

What is battery swapping?

Battery swapping is an alternative method of replacing discharged batteries with charged ones. Battery swapping decouples the vehicle from the fuel (in this case the battery), thereby reducing the initial cost. Battery swapping is popular for smaller vehicles, such as electric two-and-three-wheelers, with smaller batteries that are easier to swap compared to other vehicle segments where the same can be done mechanically.

The next diagram shows a simulation of a swapping station.

Click to expand. Simulation of a swapping station. PEM Motion (2024)

The advantages of the battery swapping over charging are:

• Time saving.
• Space efficient.
• Cost effective.

Example of battery swapping stations implemented

The next map shows an example of battery swapping stations implemented in New Delhi, India.

Click to expand. Battery swapping stations in New Delhi, India. Government of India (n.d.)

Battery swapping for e-rickshaw fleets

Battery swapping is best suited for fleets of electric two-and-three-wheelers, but the weight of the battery complicates the swapping process. A 3kWh battery for passenger e-rickshaws weighs at least 20 kg. The company Lithium-ion Power therefore offers assisted two-person operations at its swapping stations.

Sun Mobility has taken a different approach to the weight problem by designing battery packs that are easy to lift. Each electric three-wheeler uses more than one battery pack. In a swapping facility, several batteries are charged simultaneously in stack chargers.

Swapping point station. AEEE (n.d.)

Battery swapping packs. India Today (n.d.)

Conclusion

The battery swapping model is an exciting and promising solution to address some of the challenges of electric mobility, such as battery charging time and the lack of charging infrastructure.

Although certain technical, financial and infrastructure challenges need to be addressed, battery swapping has the potential to transform the way electric vehicles are charged and operated in our cities.