Stellantis is going to install a system for changing batteries for electric cars in Madrid

The automotive group Stellantis and the Californian start-up Ample have announced an agreement to deploy a battery changing system for electric cars in Madrid. The project, which is scheduled to begin in 2024, will use a fleet of 100 Fiat 500e units within the Free2move car sharing service.

Ample's battery swapping system uses modular batteries that can be swapped in less than five minutes. The batteries are designed to fit any electric car model, allowing Stellantis to integrate them into its vehicles without the need for major modifications.

The Madrid project is the first in a series of deployments that Stellantis and Ample plan to carry out in Europe. The companies hope the battery swapping system will help accelerate the adoption of electric cars by offering a faster and more convenient way to recharge the batteries.

Ample's battery swapping system uses a trailer that contains a charged battery. The trailer connects to the electric car in seconds, and the battery is automatically swapped. The entire process takes less than five minutes.

Ample's modular batteries are designed to be safe and efficient. They are made of recyclable materials and have a useful life of up to 2,000 charge cycles.

A video can be seen at: https://youtu.be/OlGfkigXRfc

The main advantage of these battery exchange systems is speed, since the change occurs in just 5 minutes, which is similar to the time it takes to fill a fuel tank. And something important is that the car leaves with the battery fully charged, instead of charging it to 80% as is usually done at charging stations, after waiting for about an hour.

There are many stations of this type in China, but the system is not yet used in Europe and the US. The challenge is that the investment can be significant and the cost can be high, but it has the advantage of its practicality and the speed in which the car is operational again.

It is an interesting project for a city (like Madrid), which can facilitate the use of electric cars for both residents and visitors.

I am clear that in large cities we should avoid driving fossil fuel cars, using public transport instead, or electric cars that can be rented for a certain time.

I hope we do it !!