China is set for a significant expansion of electric vehicle (EV) battery swapping, with global battery manufacturer CATL announcing this week that it will be making substantial investments in stations across the country next year.
Battery swapping isn't a new concept, but its journey has been fraught with challenges. The uptake of EVs has varied globally over recent years, which can complicate the development of new infrastructure.
Could battery swapping change the landscape for electric cars in the UK? While this technology could thrive in China, its success in other nations remains uncertain. Battery swapping enables EV drivers to exchange their depleted battery for a fully charged one within minutes at a designated station.
However, not many current EV models worldwide are equipped with the necessary technology for this process. For it to become widespread, automakers need to embrace the concept, consumer adoption of EVs needs to increase, and people must be comfortable with not owning their battery.
China is significantly ahead in terms of EV adoption compared to other countries. It's not only the world's largest car market, but as of July, 50% of new car sales were electric, contributing to the majority of this year's global EV sales.
With government subsidies and mandates supporting the growth of EVs, it makes more sense for companies to invest in unique EV infrastructure in China, where it's likely to be needed.
One of the most prominent examples is the Israeli startup Better Place, which attempted battery swapping in 2007. However, after investing heavily and encountering logistical challenges, the company closed down a few years later.
At that time, EV adoption was particularly low. For instance, Ample, another startup, boasts a modular battery swapping station capable of completing a swap in just 5 minutes. This is crucial as charging times remain a concern for potential EV buyers.
Even the quickest fast chargers require at least 15 minutes to provide a substantial charge. Yet, as of November, pure EVs only made up 8% of new vehicle sales in the US
Meanwhile, Nio, a competing Chinese EV brand, operates around 60 swap stations in northern Europe where EV adoption is higher than in the US, but similar challenges persist. Different car manufacturers use different batteries in their various EV models, meaning a station would need to stock all these if the industry didn't agree on a standardised battery, and not all of these models are yet available in large numbers.
This is something that truly requires scale. Swapping could help reduce the cost of EVs — currently a barrier to adoption for many — because a driver wouldn’t necessarily own the most expensive part of an EV: the battery.
Greg Less, the chief at University of Michigan's Battery Lab, has implied there could be a shift in public sentiment regarding battery swapping with the right approach. He likens it to how we purchase propane for grills—buying a refilled tank as needed.
"Where I could see it working is if we went entirely away from vehicle ownership and we went to a use-on-demand model," Less stated. But he was quick to note, "I don’t think we’re there yet."
The practicality of battery swapping might lie predominantly with commercial use; drivers clocking miles in taxis, buses, or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are inclined to prefer being on the move, earning fares.
If swapping batteries slashes EV charging times, it's logical that the innovation would resonate with those seeking minimal downtime.