Thailand: Toshiba and Naturenix test battery swapping for electric motorcycle taxis
The demonstrator tests now kicked off in Bangkok. It uses Toshiba’s lithium-ion battery called ‘SCiB,’ while Naturenix will develop and manufacture the battery packs. The two companies will lease the batteries through a subscription model. They emphasise that it would help fleet operators lower their initial costs, as they can purchase vehicles without batteries.
Toshiba explains that lithium-ion-based batteries degrade when subjected to high temperatures, which is the case in Thailand. That is why two- and three-wheeled vehicle users frequently change their batteries, as it is challenging to incorporate a cooling mechanism into the vehicles.
Pairing the battery with battery pack technology from Naturenix , it is said to minimise heat generation. According to the press release, the battery packs come with data analysis functionality, which monitors the battery’s condition and reports to an AI-enabled system that can provide “highly accurate estimates of battery degradation. Moreover, the technology promises to accelerate charging time. The company says the battery could be recharged “in as short a time as six minutes.”
Naturenix is a battery tech startup from Shimane University. The collaboration will see the duo engage in asset management, system development, installation, and battery subscription services. If the service is successful, it could be rolled out on a wider basis in the fiscal year 2025.
0 Comments