Does battery swapping have a future? One of China’s largest battery suppliers thinks so. Contemporary Amperex Energy Service (CAES), a subsidiary of Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), has rolled out a modular battery swap solution called EVOGO, which is comprised of battery blocks, fast battery swap stations and an app.
Designed to look like a bar of chocolate, Choco-SEB (swapping electric block) is a battery specially developed for swapping. It features cell-to-pack technology (which dispenses with the usual battery modules) and wireless BMS technology, and boasts energy density of 325 Wh/l. CAES says a single block can provide a driving range of 200 km.
The battery swap station has a footprint equivalent to three parking spaces, and can house up to 48 Choco-SEBs. The idea is that customers can take one, two or three blocks at a swap station in order to meet different range requirements. CAES says a single battery block can be swapped in one minute.
At the recent launch event, CAES also unveiled the first EVOGO-compatible vehicle, a version of the Bestune NAT. “More vehicle models that can enjoy EVOGO’s service will be launched in the future,” says CAES.
EVOGO’s initial launch phase will include ten cities.
Source: CATL