The EV Battery Swapping Movement Has Legs

The article discusses the resurgence and growing momentum of electric vehicle (EV) battery swapping, a concept that briefly appeared in the US during the Obama administration but failed to gain traction. Globally, however, battery swapping is gaining popularity across various EV classes, from lightweight two-wheelers like scooters to heavy-duty trucks. Two-wheelers have been early adopters due to their small, easily swappable batteries and the ability to install swapping stations in compact urban spaces. The four-wheeler market is more complex, requiring automation and significant infrastructure investment, but companies like Chinese automaker Nio have successfully integrated swapping into their business models, offering battery leasing to reduce upfront costs for consumers. Battery swapping also presents advantages for commercial and fleet EV users, such as gig economy drivers who benefit from rapid battery replacement and lack of home charging options. Swapping stations help optimize battery health and can serve as flexible energy storage units, recharging batteries during low grid demand and potentially supplying power back to the grid. US startup Am