A French startup is piloting a novel solution to accelerate electric vehicle charging times, offering a towable battery pack that can be swapped in minutes.
The technology, developed by EP Tender and evolved by Far-a-Day, aims to provide a rapid alternative to the typical 20-minute or longer wait at fast-charging stations.
Drivers can attach a trailer equipped with a 60 kWh battery, adding approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) of range to their electric vehicle.
When the trailer’s battery is depleted, it can be exchanged for a fully charged unit in about two minutes. This process bypasses traditional charging infrastructure and does not directly affect the car’s onboard battery.
Long-distance travel remains a primary challenge for electric vehicle adoption, despite advancements in battery range and the expansion of charging networks.
While EV charging speeds have improved, they still fall short of the quick refueling times for internal combustion engine vehicles. China has seen success with battery swap stations, a concept less common in Europe.
The EP Tender trailer itself weighs 0.5 metric tons and measures 1.30 meters (4.26 feet) in length.
Adopting the system requires a special installation kit on the vehicle, which costs approximately $645 (600 euros) to enable both towing and electrical connection.
The company initially explored a gasoline-powered range extender before transitioning to the current 60 kWh battery solution.