Stellantis joins battery swapping system and partners with Ample

The French automotive group Stellantis and battery swapping specialist Ample have signed a binding agreement to form a partnership in the field of battery charging technology for electric vehicles (EV). According to the provider, this technology allows a fully charged EV battery to be installed in an electric vehicle in less than five minutes. The partners have agreed to work on integrating Ample's modular battery swapping solution into Stellantis electric vehicles.

They are also in talks about an extended application of Ample's modular battery swapping technology to meet the demand from Stellantis fleet and private customers on other Stellantis platforms and in other regions. So far, only the Chinese start-up Nio relies on battery swapping systems and has put initial stations into operation in Germany. Recently, it announced a cooperation with Changan and Geely to scale the system.

Start in Madrid with the 500e fleet from Free2Move

The first program from Stellantis is set to begin in 2024 in Madrid (Spain) with a fleet of one hundred Fiat 500 electric vehicles as part of Stellantis's Free2move car-sharing offer. The Fiat 500 electric is the best-selling electric vehicle of the group. It is offered worldwide and is leading in several European EV markets.

“In addition to other projects we are focusing on, Ample's modular battery swapping solution offers the opportunity to provide our customers with higher energy efficiency and outstanding performance while alleviating range anxiety,” believes Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Charging & Energy Business Unit.

At the specialist Ample, it is emphasized that it is important to make electric vehicles accessible to everyone without compromise. Only in this way can they make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, says Khaled Hassounah, CEO of Ample.

“The combination of compelling electric vehicles with the ability to have a fully charged battery in less than five minutes will help eliminate the remaining obstacles to the adoption of electric vehicles,” Hassounah is convinced.

Set Up in Just Three Days

Ample's technology is an alternative for supplying electric vehicles with energy, designed to make charging as quick and convenient as refueling. It simultaneously offers an environmentally friendly solution for customers, allowing them to integrate renewable energy sources more seamlessly. Ample's batteries are designed as replacements for the original battery of an electric vehicle. This is made possible by Ample's modular batteries, which can fit into any electric vehicle. This way, Stellantis can integrate Ample's technology without redesigning its vehicle platforms.

Moreover, Ample's lightweight battery swap stations can be set up in public areas in just three days, according to the providers. This enables rapidly scalable infrastructure that can meet the demand of drivers.