this post was submitted on 07 Dec 2023
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So countries are pouring investment into charging networks... it would be interesting to know the thinking behind that versus this approach. One thing is certain though: this can only work at scale if manufacturers agree on standards for battery modules so that they can be swapped out by the same machinery. Notice that this is only for one specific model - the machine which removes the battery knows where the battery modules are and how to remove them. There would also presumably be some tradeoff for battery form factors which are designed to cram more in at the cost of making them harder to remove.
Stellantis on it's own is pretty big, they own Fiat, PSA (Peugeot & Citroen), Opel, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep off top of my head. Some smaller brands too. They might be starting with Fiat 500e since 500 line is a budget one that could have price driven even lower by decoupling battery cost.
This is a different idea than I read from the article.
I read “swappable”, as a substitute for charging, and believe that has been proven impractical by every company that has tried it so far.
“Replaceable” batteries to support battery leasing and enable cheaper chemistry even if it doesn’t last as long, is an entirely different story. You’re not expecting frequent or fast changeout, you don’t need vast infrastructure or to stock every variation, you don’t need every brand to reach consensus , you just need to sell your dealer one or two machines and they only need to stock for what they sell. It gives dealers a reason to continue existing (which I don’t agree with but can understand)