The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) has published a report outlining the potential of battery-swapping technology as a viable alternative to traditional charging methods, particularly for heavy vehicles.

Battery-swapping involves replacing a depleted battery with a fully charged one, a process that can be completed in just a few minutes. This technology offers several advantages, including reduced downtime for vehicles, lower investment costs for truck owners, and minimal impact on the local power grid. Moreover, it separates the lifecycle of the vehicle from that of the battery, potentially extending the operational life of both.

Battery-swapping has already been a working model in Asia; Taiwanese electric scooter manufacturer Gogoro currently runs the world’s largest battery swap network for electric mopeds, with almost 11,000 GoStations in Taiwan and an additional 250 stations in Mainland China. In the automotive sector, Chinese luxury carmaker Nio stands out as the primary operator of public battery-swapping stations. Nio has established approximately 2,250 swap stations across China and Europe, offering a quick three-minute battery replacement process.

Standardisation

However, it is not only lighter vehicles that could be “recharged” quickly using this method. According to a study by researchers from the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute and Linköping University, battery swapping has become the dominant technology for electric trucks in China as it is supported by a well-developed ecosystem that includes energy producers, battery manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers.

The Chinese model demonstrates how a coordinated effort across multiple industries can lead to the successful deployment of disruptive technologies. Key players in China, such as energy companies, vehicle manufacturers, and new entrants from the machinery industry, have collaborated to push the development and diffusion of battery-swapping stations.

One of the main factors contributing to the success of battery-swapping in China is the establishment of a unified national standard for battery interchangeability. This standardisation has been crucial in enabling widespread adoption, as it allows different manufacturers to produce batteries that can be used interchangeably across various brands of trucks.

Practical challenges

Despite the promise of battery-swapping, the report identifies several challenges that need to be addressed before the technology can be successfully implemented in Sweden. Firstly, there is a lack of clear industry proponents for battery-swapping within Europe. Major vehicle manufacturers in Sweden and the broader European market have shown hesitation, largely due to the disruption it poses to their existing business models. For instance, the separation of battery ownership from vehicle ownership challenges the traditional revenue streams of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), who currently benefit from selling vehicles with integrated batteries.

Additionally, current standards and regulations within Sweden and the European Union do not accommodate battery-swapping, necessitating the development of new frameworks. The report recommends that Sweden draws from China’s experience in standardisation to overcome these regulatory hurdles. Without such standardisation, the risk of fragmented solutions that are incompatible with each other could undermine the feasibility of a widespread battery-swapping network.

Carbon footprint

A critical question addressed by the feasibility study is whether the introduction of a battery-swapping scheme might increase the carbon footprint of electric vehicles due to the increased number of batteries required to maintain a ready supply for swapping.

The study suggests that while battery-swapping may require more batteries in circulation compared to cable charging, this does not necessarily lead to a higher carbon footprint. By optimising battery sizes for specific trips and utilising batteries more efficiently, the overall environmental impact could be mitigated. Moreover, the ability to charge batteries under optimal conditions—typically slower and during off-peak hours—can extend battery life and reduce the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.

Dual infrastructure

Another significant concern is the potential redundancy of the existing and planned electric truck charging infrastructure, which manufacturers have already started building out. The study indicates that battery-swapping stations are not intended to replace conventional charging stations but to complement them. Trucks equipped for battery-swapping can also use traditional charging stations, offering flexibility and ensuring that electric trucks can operate efficiently across various scenarios. This dual infrastructure approach could help address the limitations of cable charging, such as long recharging times and the need for extensive downtime.

Cooperation stakeholders

For the successful introduction of battery-swapping in Sweden, the report stresses the need for close cooperation between various stakeholders, including vehicle manufacturers, energy providers, and regulatory bodies. It also underlines the importance of developing a European consensus on battery-swapping standards to facilitate broader adoption across the continent. The involvement of diverse actors, from energy companies to logistics providers, will be essential in building a supportive ecosystem that can drive the adoption of this technology.