Whereas electric cars are still held back by the time it takes to recharge (and the price, and the range), FIAT launches an innovation. In Madrid, the Italian brand is experimenting with an innovative technology that allows a Fiat 500e to be "recharged" in less than five minutes. The secret? Battery replacement, a solution developed in collaboration with American company Ample and mobility service Free2move.
Electric revolution in the streets of Madrid
While conventional recharging of an electric vehicle can take hours, even with a wallbox, FIAT and its partners offer an alternative: swap an empty battery for a full one, in the blink of an eye. This "battery swapping" system, already in use on a pilot fleet of Fiat 500e in Madrid, could well transform the electric vehicle experience.
Thanks to a battery replacement station installed by Ample, compatible electric cars can enter an automated center, where their battery is replaced in less than five minutes. The operation is so seamless that it can be launched via a simple app on your smartphone. The vehicles, automatically identified by the station, leave immediately with a fully charged battery.
Fiat 500e modified for this technology
The Fiat 500e has been adapted to incorporate Ample's interchangeable modular batteries. This fleet of cars is operated by Free2move, Stellantis' mobility subsidiary, which plans to increase the number of vehicles from 40 to 100 by mid-2025. For Olivier François, CEO of FIAT and CMO of Stellantis, "this new technology reflects our values of simplicity and sustainability. It removes the fear of breaking down and offers an effortless experience".
Battery replacement offers many advantages:
- Time-saving: less than 5 minutes to leave with full autonomy.
- Fleet optimization for rental companies: cars spend less time charging while stationary.
- Technical flexibility: Ample batteries are compatible with several electric vehicle platforms.
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A me me pare na strunzata !!!!
I don't think it's silly at all, since the stations can be used to store renewable energy that is not consumed (e.g. during the night with wind power) to power a district and smooth out production needs. Furthermore, the durability of electric cars often raises questions. Being able to change the battery (the main consumable) so easily makes it possible to "refurbish" the vehicle in terms of autonomy, reassures us of its value and enables it to be kept in operation for a very long time. It's even possible to upgrade the vehicle with higher-density batteries.
In a way, it's the culmination of the Centoventi concept.