The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) has published a report outlining the potential of battery-swapping technology as a viable alternative to traditional charging methods, particularly for heavy vehicles.
Battery-swapping involves replacing a depleted battery with a fully charged one, a process that can be completed in just a few minutes. This technology offers several advantages, including reduced downtime for vehicles, lower investment costs for truck owners, and minimal impact on the local power grid. Moreover, it separates the lifecycle of the vehicle from that of the battery, potentially extending the operational life of both.
Lessons from the Chinese model
Battery-swapping has already been a working model in Aisa; Taiwanese electric scooter manufacturer Gogoro currently runs the world’s largest battery swap network for electric mopeds, with almost 11,000 GoStations in Taiwan and an additional 250 stations in Mainland China.
In the automotive sector, Chinese luxury carmaker Nio stands out as the primary operator of public battery-swapping stations. Nio has established approximately 2,250 swap stations across China and Europe, offering a quick three-minute battery replacement process.
In the past, companies like Renault and Tesla also explored the potential for battery-swapping capabilities in their vehicles.
However, it is not only lighter vehicles that could be “recharged” quickly using this method. According to “Battery swapping for heavy duty vehicles: A Feasibility Study on Up-Scaling in Sweden”, published by researchers from the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute and Linköping University, battery swapping has become the dominant technology for electric trucks in China as it is supported by a well-developed ecosystem that includes energy producers, battery manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers.
The Chinese model demonstrates how a coordinated effort across multiple industries can lead to the successful deployment of disruptive technologies. Key players in China, such as energy companies, vehicle manufacturers, and new entrants from the machinery industry, have collaborated to push the development and diffusion of battery-swapping stations.
One of the main factors contributing to the success of battery-swapping in China is the establishment of a unified national standard for battery interchangeability. This standardisation has been crucial in enabling widespread adoption, as it allows different manufacturers to produce batteries that can be used interchangeably across various brands of trucks.
Practical challenges in Sweden
Despite the promise of battery-swapping, the report identifies several challenges that need to be addressed before the technology can be successfully implemented in Sweden. Firstly, there is a lack of clear industry proponents for battery-swapping within Europe. Major vehicle manufacturers in Sweden and the broader European market have shown hesitation, largely due to the disruption it poses to their existing business models. For instance, the separation of battery ownership from vehicle ownership challenges the traditional revenue streams of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), who currently benefit from selling vehicles with integrated batteries.
Additionally, current standards and regulations within Sweden and the European Union do not accommodate battery-swapping, necessitating the development of new frameworks. The report recommends that Sweden draws from China’s experience in standardisation to overcome these regulatory hurdles. Without such standardisation, the risk of fragmented solutions that are incompatible with each other could undermine the feasibility of a widespread battery-swapping network.
Environmental considerations: carbon footprint and resource use
A critical question addressed by the feasibility study is whether the introduction of a battery-swapping scheme might increase the carbon footprint of electric vehicles due to the increased number of batteries required to maintain a ready supply for swapping.
The study suggests that while battery-swapping may require more batteries in circulation compared to cable charging, this does not necessarily lead to a higher carbon footprint. By optimising battery sizes for specific trips and utilising batteries more efficiently, the overall environmental impact could be mitigated.
Moreover, the ability to charge batteries under optimal conditions—typically slower and during off-peak hours—can extend battery life and reduce the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.
Coexistence with existing charging facilities
Another significant concern is the potential redundancy of the existing and planned electric truck charging infrastructure, which manufacturers have already started building out.
The study indicates that battery-swapping stations are not intended to replace conventional charging stations but to complement them. Trucks equipped for battery-swapping can also use traditional charging stations, offering flexibility and ensuring that electric trucks can operate efficiently across various scenarios.
This dual infrastructure approach could help address the limitations of cable charging, such as long recharging times and the need for extensive downtime.
Battery swapping hub capacity and operational efficiency
The capacity of battery-swapping stations to serve high volumes of traffic is another crucial factor in their feasibility. According to the study, a single swap bay could potentially handle numerous swaps per hour, depending on the swap time (typically around 3-5 minutes).
The overall capacity of a station would depend on the number of bays, the efficiency of battery charging, and the arrival rate of trucks.
The study provides theoretical models to estimate the capacity needed to serve different levels of demand, stressing that careful planning and sufficient infrastructure are necessary to avoid bottlenecks during peak times.
Weather-related challenges: mud, ice and snow
Sweden’s harsh winter conditions, including mud, ice, and snow, present potential challenges for the operation of battery-swapping stations.
The study acknowledges these concerns and suggests that further testing is necessary to fully understand the impact of severe weather on the functionality and reliability of the stations. While the technology has been tested in industrial zones and ports, which experience challenging conditions, these are not directly comparable to the extremes of a Swedish winter.
The study also notes that certain configurations, such as placing the battery behind the cabin, might offer some protection against environmental factors, though this requires further investigation to confirm its effectiveness in cold climates
Social-environmental sustainability and need for collaboration
The report also touches on the social and environmental implications of transitioning to battery-swapping. One concern is the need for extensive training and upskilling of personnel to manage and operate battery-swapping stations. The Chinese experience shows that such stations require a high level of technical expertise to ensure safety and efficiency, particularly as the process becomes increasingly automated. This aspect of social sustainability is critical, as it affects the acceptance and smooth operation of the new technology.
Environmentally, battery-swapping offers several advantages over traditional charging methods. By enabling batteries to be charged slowly and off-peak, the system can reduce the strain on the electrical grid and extend the life of the batteries, which are critical factors in reducing the overall environmental impact of electric lorries. Additionally, the use of standardised batteries could facilitate recycling and reuse, further contributing to a circular economy.
For the successful introduction of battery-swapping in Sweden, the report stresses the need for close cooperation between various stakeholders, including vehicle manufacturers, energy providers, and regulatory bodies. It also underlines the importance of developing a European consensus on battery-swapping standards to facilitate broader adoption across the continent. The involvement of diverse actors, from energy companies to logistics providers, will be essential in building a supportive ecosystem that can drive the adoption of this technology.