Stellantis implements battery swap technology from Ample
The agreement is expressly not a declaration of intent, but a “binding agreement to establish a partnership in the field of battery charging technology for electric vehicles”, according to Stellantis. The Ample approach is designed to allow a battery to be swapped in under five minutes. To this end, appropriately designed cars drive to a battery exchange station developed by Ample. Unlike the Chinese car manufacturers Nio and Xpeng, Ample’s battery swap technology is intended to be used across all manufacturers.
The first program under the new partnership between Stellantis and Ample is scheduled to start in Madrid in 2024 with a fleet of 100 Fiat 500 electric cars as part of Stellantis’ Free2move car-sharing service. Both companies say they are also in talks about an expanded application of Ample’s battery swap technology – “to meet demand from fleet and private customers on other Stellantis platforms and in other regions”, according to the statement.
Ample was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in San Francisco. The company relies on a battery swapping system based on autonomous robotics and intelligent battery technology, which refills an electric car with a full battery within a few minutes. When test stations were installed in Japan and New York in 2021, the company announced that its solution could be “installed in an entire city within six weeks”.
The Stellantis press release also mentions a few other key points about the battery swap technology. For example, Ample’s batteries are designed to replace the original battery of an electric vehicle. This is ensured by Ample’s modular batteries, “which fit into any electric vehicle”. Stellantis claims to be able to integrate Ample’s technology in this way without having to redesign its vehicle platforms.
Ample’s battery exchange stations are described as very lightweight and can be “installed in public areas in just three days”. This guarantees a quickly scalable infrastructure. The station should be able to recognize Ample-enabled electric cars approaching. After parking, the driver then initiates the battery change via the mobile app. The battery technology will be made available to customers on a subscription basis. “This approach would reduce the upfront total cost of the vehicle, as well as allow the customer to benefit from always having the latest battery technology, effectively increasing the EV’s range and lifespan,” says Stellantis.
According to Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Charging & Energy Business Unit, the partnership with Ample is another example of how Stellantis is exploring all opportunities to enable mobility freedom for electric vehicle customers. “In addition to other projects we are focused on, Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution has the opportunity to offer our customers greater energy efficiency, outstanding performance and lower range anxiety. We are looking forward to executing the initial program with our stellar Fiat 500e.”
“At Ample, we believe in the importance of making electric vehicles accessible to everyone without compromises, which is the only way that we will make a significant impact on lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Stellantis’ ambitious electrification goals, its range of electric vehicles, and the commitment of its leadership, make Stellantis a perfect partner in achieving our goals,” said Khaled Hassounah, CEO of Ample.
Other manufacturers testing Ample technology include Fisker, Next.e.GO Mobile and Mitsubishi Fuso.
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