Stellantis has signed a binding agreement with US-based battery-swap startup Ample Energy to establish a partnership in electric vehicle battery-charging technology capable of delivering a fully charged EV battery in less than five minutes, the carmaker announced Dec. 7.
Under the agreement, Stellantis plans to integrate Ample’s modular battery-swapping solution in its EVs. The battery-swapping technology will allow an EV customer to swap his depleted EV battery for a fully charged unit in a matter of minutes. The technology is focused on using standard batteries in EVs to achieve a quick turnaround, similar to the time taken in refueling a traditional gasoline or diesel vehicle.
The two companies are also in discussions regarding the expansion of the application of Ample’s modular battery-swapping technology to meet Stellantis' fleet and consumer demand across other Stellantis platforms and geographies, the carmaker said.
It further said that the initial program is planned to begin in Madrid in 2024 using a fleet of 100 Fiat 500es within Stellantis’ Free2move car sharing service.
Notably, the Fiat 500e is the best-selling EV within Stellantis. The model is sold globally and is an EV leader in multiple European markets.
Commenting on the new partnership, Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis' senior vice president of Charging and Energy Business Unit, said, “The partnership with Ample is another example of how Stellantis is exploring all avenues that enable freedom of mobility for our 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.”
Ample CEO Khaled Hassounah said, “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.”
Ample said that its lightweight battery-swapping stations can be deployed in public areas in as little as three days, allowing for a rapidly scalable infrastructure that can meet EV drivers’ demand. The company said that its battery technology would be made available to EV customers on a subscription service basis, reducing the upfront total cost of an EV as well as allowing the customer to benefit from always having the latest battery technology, effectively increasing the EV’s driving range and lifespan.
