In a move that could revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) industry in Japan, Mitsubishi Motors plans to introduce battery swapping for its electric trucks. The company is collaborating with Israeli tech firm CLOE and French energy firm Electricité de France (EDF) to provide the technology and expertise necessary to make battery swapping a viable option for Mitsubishi’s EV fleet.
The system, called “Ample”, is designed to increase the range and efficiency of electric vehicles by allowing drivers to exchange their depleted batteries for fully-charged batteries in a matter of minutes. The battery swapping system will be available in 90 locations across Japan, with 1,000 battery changing stations expected to be installed by 2021.
During the battery swapping process, the vehicle is parked in an automated lane, where a robotic arm retrieves and replaces the depleted battery with a fully-charged one. The process is completed in less than a minute and the driver is able to immediately resume their journey without the wait associated with plugging in at a charging station.
The system also allows for custom-fit batteries for various vehicle types, with battery capacities ranging from 65kWh to 120kWh ensuring that drivers have access to enough range for their needs. Additionally, the batteries are expected to be 40% lighter than conventional batteries, further increasing the efficiency gains from battery swapping.
The Ample system has already been deployed in China in recent months, and is now making its way to Japan. Mitsubishi Motors is hoping that the system will revolutionize the EV industry in the country and help accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. With the increasing range and efficiency gains from battery swapping, as well as the faster wait times associated with its use, it’s certainly a promising initiative from the Japanese automotive giant.
