Articles tagged with "battery-swapping"
New Onvo L60 Launches At Low Cost Of $21,020–$29,010 - CleanTechnica
The Chinese smart electric vehicle (EV) company Nio has launched its more affordable family-oriented brand Onvo’s new model, the L60 SUV, priced competitively between $21,020 (with Battery as a Service, BaaS) and $29,010 (battery included). The L60 features Nio’s unique battery swapping technology and offers a suite of advanced tech, including an updated “smart cockpit” system. This cockpit integrates a minimalist interior design with multiple high-resolution displays—a 17.2-inch main screen, a 13-inch head-up display, and an optional 8-inch rear passenger screen—powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset. It also includes an AI voice assistant named Xiaole, a premium 18-speaker Dolby Atmos audio system, and runs on Onvo’s Coconut OS, which supports over-the-air updates and personalization features tailored for families, such as an optional under-floor refrigerator and rear entertainment. Deliveries of the Onvo L60 are
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-swappingsmart-cockpitAI-assistantQualcomm-Snapdragonover-the-air-updatesBarcelona-Based Mobility Company Silence is Building an Ecosystem around Modular Batteries - CleanTechnica
Barcelona-based electric mobility company Silence, along with its parent company Acciona, is developing an innovative ecosystem centered on modular, removable batteries designed primarily for urban electric vehicles. These batteries feature a suitcase-like design with wheels and a handle, making them easy to transport and ideal for apartment dwellers who can leave their vehicles parked outside while bringing the battery indoors for overnight charging. Silence’s vehicle lineup includes various compact electric scooters, a microcar (S04), and a new dual-battery GP-style scooter introduced at EICMA, all benefiting from the flexibility and convenience of the modular battery system. A key aspect of this ecosystem is the bi-directional charging dock, which not only charges the batteries by converting home AC power to DC but also allows the batteries to serve as a backup power source for the home during outages. The dock’s 30 kW inverter can connect up to six 5.5 kWh batteries simultaneously, enabling homeowners to use stored battery power to support their household energy needs. This
energymodular-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-swappingbattery-chargingenergy-storageelectric-scootersThe Catholic Church & EVs — Interesting Collaboration In Kenya - CleanTechnica
Spiro, a leading electric mobility company in Africa, has partnered with the Catholic Church in Kenya to deploy solar-powered battery swap stations nationwide. This collaboration aims to accelerate Kenya’s transition to clean, affordable mobility by combining Spiro’s e-mobility technology with the Catholic Church’s extensive grassroots network, which includes over 1,000 parishes and 5,000 mission stations across the country. The initiative seeks to provide accessible renewable energy solutions in both urban and rural areas, helping reduce emissions, lower transport costs, and support Kenya’s climate goals. The partnership leverages the Catholic Church’s widespread presence, including schools, healthcare centers, and other facilities, to host these swap stations, making electric vehicle charging more convenient for users, particularly motorcycle taxi riders who constitute a significant portion of Kenya’s transport system. Motorcycles represent over half of Kenya’s 4 million registered vehicles and are the primary driver of electric vehicle adoption, with over 7% of new motorcycle registrations in 2024 being electric
energyrenewable-energysolar-powerelectric-vehiclesbattery-swappingclean-mobilitysustainable-transportKOKO & Spiro Partnership Exemplifies Kenya’s Growing Clean Tech Ecosystem & Inherent Synergistic Effects - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a significant partnership between KOKO Networks, a distributor of bio-ethanol cooking fuel, and Spiro, an electric mobility leader, which exemplifies Kenya’s expanding clean technology ecosystem. This collaboration aims to address two critical challenges in Africa: the lack of access to clean cooking and sustainable transport. Over 3,000 KOKO delivery agents will adopt Spiro’s electric motorbikes, integrating Spiro’s e-mobility platform into KOKO’s distribution network. This move not only reduces distribution costs but also advances Kenya’s decarbonization efforts by promoting zero-emission transport. Spiro operates Africa’s largest battery-swapping network with over 35,000 electric motorbikes and 800 swap stations, facilitating reliable clean transport at scale. The partnership underscores the urgent need for clean cooking solutions in Africa, where nearly 1 billion people still rely on harmful fuels like wood and charcoal, causing severe health issues and environmental damage. KOKO Networks promotes liquid
clean-energyelectric-mobilitybio-ethanol-fuelsustainable-transportdecarbonizationbattery-swappingclean-cookingVinFast Expands Electric Vehicle Incentives Nationwide, Plans Massive Battery-Swapping Network - CleanTechnica
Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast has announced a nationwide expansion of its green transformation incentives alongside an ambitious plan to deploy 150,000 battery-swapping stations across Vietnam. This initiative, part of the third-phase “Mighty Spirit of Vietnam — For a Green Future” campaign, will launch its battery-swapping network on September 9, Vietnam’s National Day. The green transformation policy, previously limited to three regions, will now cover all 34 provinces and cities, offering a 4% discount on vehicle prices plus interest rate subsidies for financed purchases. VinFast aims to establish the country’s largest refueling network with battery-swapping stations, starting with 1,000 stations in October 2025, expanding to 50,000 by year-end, and reaching 150,000 within three years. The system uses removable 1.5 kWh battery packs, rentable at about $8.20 per month with a $0.37 swapping fee, each providing roughly 85 km of
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-swappinggreen-transportationVinFastelectric-scooterssustainable-energyWhy The EV Industry Misjudged Battery Swapping — And How We Can Get It Right This Time - CleanTechnica
The article by Lixiong Wu examines why battery swapping in electric vehicles (EVs) has historically failed and how the industry might succeed if it addresses past mistakes. It highlights the case of Better Place, an Israeli startup that invested heavily in battery swap infrastructure but partnered with only one automaker, Renault, producing limited compatible vehicles. This lack of collaboration and standardization among automakers meant the infrastructure was underutilized and economically unsustainable. The article argues that battery swapping requires shared standards and cooperation among multiple OEMs to function like a utility accessible to all brands, similar to gas stations. The article also critiques Tesla’s 2015 battery swap pilot, which is often cited as evidence that consumers reject swapping. However, the pilot’s pricing model—charging $60–$80 per swap while offering free Supercharging—biased user behavior toward the free option, making the test inconclusive about true consumer preferences. Wu suggests that user choices are driven by incentives rather than inherent rejection of swapping. Finally,
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-swappingEV-infrastructuresustainable-energymodular-battery-systemsautomotive-standardsEVs, robots and lockers cut parcel delivery costs by 53%: Study
A study led by Concordia University presents an innovative hybrid parcel delivery system that combines electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous delivery robots, and self-service parcel lockers to significantly reduce last-mile delivery costs and emissions. This model targets priority customers, such as Amazon Prime members, by using EVs for main route deliveries and deploying robots for short-distance deliveries in areas inaccessible to vehicles. Parcels can also be dropped off at strategically located lockers near homes, offices, or transit hubs for convenient customer pickup. The robots return to the delivery van—acting as a “mothership”—for battery swaps and reloading, enabling continuous operation. The researchers developed a customized optimization algorithm that demonstrated a 53% reduction in vehicle usage costs compared to traditional EV-only delivery methods, outperforming existing industry tools in large-scale simulations. The system prioritizes fast delivery for paid subscribers while offering standard delivery options for other customers, with advanced mathematical models determining optimal routes, locker placements, and delivery assignments. This approach not only enhances delivery
robotselectric-vehicleslast-mile-deliveryparcel-lockersautonomous-deliverybattery-swappingdelivery-optimizationEcoSwift Brings Big Rig Battery Swapping To Singapore - CleanTechnica
EcoSwift has introduced a battery swapping station for heavy-duty electric trucks in Singapore, addressing key challenges faced by densely populated cities in transitioning from diesel to electric freight transport. Traditional fast-charging infrastructure for big rigs requires large spaces and significant electrical capacity, which are scarce and costly in Singapore. EcoSwift’s automated swapping station can replace truck batteries in under five minutes, occupies only one-sixteenth of the space needed for conventional charging of 30 trucks, and uses significantly less power (1,600 amps versus 6,000 amps). The facility can service up to 60 trucks daily and costs about one-third as much to build as a typical charging hub. Currently, only one truck model from China’s Sany Group is compatible, but the project aims to encourage other manufacturers to adopt swappable battery designs. Battery swapping technology is well established in China, where it accounts for a substantial share of electric heavy-duty truck sales, and is gaining traction globally as a solution to urban space and grid constraints. European
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-swappingheavy-duty-truckscharging-infrastructureSingaporeclean-energyONVO’s Flagship SUV L90 Officially Launched, Starting at RMB 265,800 - CleanTechnica
ONVO, NIO’s second brand, has officially launched its flagship Smart Large-Space SUV, the L90, in Hangzhou, with prices starting at RMB 265,800 or RMB 179,800 with a battery subscription (BaaS) option. The L90 is available in six- and seven-seat layouts, with deliveries beginning August 1 for the six-seater and late September for the seven-seater. The SUV features a commanding exterior and premium interior, emphasizing six key innovations: flagship-level safety, extraordinary space, premium comfort, joyful ride, superior energy efficiency, and all-scenario intelligence. The L90 prioritizes safety with a three-compartment steel-aluminum hybrid body, 84% aluminum alloy and high-strength steel, and a torsional stiffness of 38,150 N·m/Deg. It has passed 62 rigorous crash tests, including China’s first high-speed front-and-rear truck collision test in rainy conditions. Standard safety features include nine airbags
energyelectric-vehiclebattery-swappingsmart-SUVvehicle-safetyautomotive-materialsautonomous-emergency-brakingNIO Looks to Shatter 3-Row SUV Market with ONVO L90 - CleanTechnica
NIO has launched the ONVO L90, a large, high-end 3-row SUV under its family-oriented ONVO brand, aiming to disrupt the segment with a competitive starting price of approximately $39,000 RMB (about $39,000 USD) or as low as RMB 193,900 (~$27,000 USD) with the Battery as a Service (BaaS) option. Designed by former Bentley designer Raul Pires, the L90 boasts a sleek aerodynamic profile with a drag coefficient of 0.25. Key features include a spacious 3-row layout accommodating 6 or 7 seats, premium interior materials like genuine wood trims and titanium accents, and a choice of five exterior colors and three interior themes. The vehicle offers a CLTC-rated range of 605 km (375 miles) with its two-motor 85 kWh battery version and achieves an efficiency rating of 14.5 kWh/100 km. NIO emphasizes the advantages of a fully electric
energyelectric-vehiclebattery-swappinghigh-voltage-platformSUVNIOEV-charging-infrastructureWhat’s New with NIO in June 2025 - CleanTechnica
In June 2025, NIO Inc. delivered 24,925 vehicles, marking a 17.5% year-over-year increase and a 71.2% rise quarter-over-quarter, with total second-quarter deliveries reaching 72,056 units. The deliveries spanned three brands: 14,593 from NIO’s premium smart EV line, 6,400 from the family-oriented ONVO brand, and 3,932 from the small high-end firefly brand. Year-to-date, NIO delivered 114,150 vehicles, a 30.6% increase compared to the previous year, bringing the total cumulative deliveries to 785,714 vehicles. In June, NIO expanded its infrastructure by opening 5 new NIO Houses, 41 Power Swap Stations, and 69 charging stations globally, totaling 187 NIO Houses and 3,445 Power Swap Stations worldwide. The company has facilitated over 78.36 million battery swaps and operates extensive charging networks,
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-swappingcharging-stationssmart-EVsustainable-transportationNIOThe 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
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-swappingEV-infrastructureenergy-storagegrid-managementautomationSpiro's Rapid Progress On The African Continent Shows That The Transition To EVs Is Well Underway - CleanTechnica
Spiro, Africa’s largest electric vehicle company by deployed vehicles, is rapidly advancing the continent’s transition to electric mobility through its extensive electric motorcycle and battery swapping network. Operating across eight African countries—including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Cameroon—Spiro has deployed over 60,000 lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and operates a fleet of 35,000 electric motorcycles. The company’s battery swapping network has completed over 20 million swaps, making it the world’s second largest in this domain. This shift to electric motorcycles has enabled riders, such as female moto-taxi operator Ange Uwingeneye in Rwanda, to increase earnings due to lower total cost of ownership and easier vehicle operation, while collectively reducing CO2 emissions by 33,000 tonnes. Spiro’s growth is supported by four assembly plants in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Nigeria, with Kenya hosting the largest facility capable of producing 50,000 motorcycles annually and expandable
electric-vehiclesbattery-swappingelectric-motorcyclesenergy-transitionrenewable-energyelectric-mobilitysustainable-transportationAmple Brings Modular Battery Swapping Technology to Madrid with Support from the Spanish Government and the Moves Singulares Award - CleanTechnica
Ample has launched its first modular battery swapping stations in Madrid, supported by a €9.76 million grant from Spain’s Institute for the Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE). This funding, part of the Moves Singulares award initiative by the Spanish government, aims to accelerate the transition to electric mobility by expanding Ample’s battery swapping infrastructure in Madrid’s city center. The technology enables electric vehicles (EVs) to be fully charged in five minutes by swapping depleted batteries for fully charged ones, offering a fast and convenient alternative to traditional charging and addressing key barriers such as charging time, range anxiety, and infrastructure scalability. Madrid, which leads Spain in EV adoption, is targeting a 65% reduction in emissions by 2030 and supports the national goal of 5.5 million EVs on the road within the decade. Ample’s modular system, capable of rapid deployment in urban environments, is designed to integrate with any EV model and supports high-utilization fleets. The company is
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-swappingmodular-technologyEV-charging-infrastructuresustainable-mobilitySpain-energy-policyMitsubishi's battery swap network to cut EV charging time to 5 mins
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), Mitsubishi Motors, U.S. startup Ample, and Yamato Transport have launched a major battery swapping initiative in Tokyo to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption and support Japan’s climate goals of reducing emissions by 46% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The project, backed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, will deploy over 150 battery-swappable commercial EVs and 14 automated modular swapping stations by September 2025. This follows a successful 2024 pilot in Kyoto that demonstrated cross-brand battery swapping feasibility for commercial deliveries and taxi services. The initiative focuses on commercial fleet electrification, a strategic priority since transportation accounted for about 19% of Japan’s CO2 emissions in 2022. The vehicles involved include MFTBC’s eCanter light-duty electric truck and Mitsubishi Motors’ kei-class Minicab EV, with Yamato Transport as the first major customer for last-mile delivery operations. The key technological advantage lies in Ample’s fully automated swapping stations, which can replace batteries in just five minutes without drivers leaving their vehicles, minimizing downtime and labor challenges. These compact stations are designed for quick deployment in urban environments and may also provide grid services such as renewable energy storage, further contributing to emission reductions. The consortium aims to build a robust battery swapping infrastructure in Tokyo and invites additional automakers, fleets, and logistics companies to participate, expanding the initiative’s impact on Japan’s sustainable transportation future.
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-swappingMitsubishi-Motorscarbon-neutralitysustainable-transportationEV-charging-infrastructureAfrobeats Superstar Davido & Spiro Collaborate to Launch New Range of Electric Motorcycles for Africa
electric-motorcycleselectric-mobilitybattery-swappingsustainable-transportationclean-energyAfricamotorcycle-taxiSpiro Launches In Cameroon & Tanzania
electric-vehicleselectric-motorcyclesbattery-swappingclean-energydecarbonisationurban-transportAfrica