Multinational automaker Stellantis partnered with California-based startup Ample to test battery swapping technology on a fleet of shared Fiat 500e vehicles in Spain. It can facilitate the rapid exchange of depleted batteries to a fully charged unit in just a few minutes.
Partnership details
According to the press release published on Thursday, Stellantis and Ample inked a binding agreement to integrate the latter’s Modular Battery Swapping technology in a fleet of 100 Fiat 500e.
They will launch the program through Stellantis’ Free2Move car-sharing service in Madrid in 2024. Notably, the Fiat500e is currently the most popular electric vehicle model in Stellantis’ global portfolio.
The partners also explore the possibility of expanding the technology testing across Stellantis’ platforms and geographies.
“The partnership with Ample 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. We are looking forward to executing the initial program with our stellar Fiat 500e.”
Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis Senior VP, Charging & Energy Business Unit
Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping tech
Ample claims that its Modular Battery Swapping solutions can offer drivers a more convenient process of transmitting power to electric vehicles, matching the time it takes for a gas-powered car to replenish.
In that sense, the company developed its batteries to be a drop-in replacement for EVs’ original battery packs. Its modular batteries can apparently accommodate any model, which will cut the need for Stellantis to redesign its EV platforms.
How would it work?
The press release noted that developing Ample’s lightweight battery swapping stations in public locations is easier compared to traditional charging infrastructures. Installments can apparently take just three days to ensure fast and scalable infrastructure to meet the growing demand for such technology.
The battery swapping stations feature smart technologies that can easily identify an Ample-integrated EV. As soon as the EV is parked, the driver can immediately start the process from the mobile app. The company estimates that each swap only takes less than five minutes on average.
“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.
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.”
Khaled Hassounah, Ample CEO
Stellantis and Ample’s partnership can potentially bridge the gap between the number of currently available charging infrastructures and the growing number of electric vehicles in Europe. It offers faster and cheaper charging solutions that can significantly boost EV uptake in the region. The partners aim to offer the technology to EV customers on a subscription service system.
It is also worth noting that the Fiat 500e is set to hit the US markets in 2024, while the Free2Move is already available in several US cities.
