Mitsubishi is on the verge of revolutionizing electric vehicle charging with a battery swap network. This innovation promises to slash waiting times to just 5 minutes. Imagine pulling into a station, swapping your battery, and hitting the road again in the time it takes to grab a coffee.
How it works
The pilot program starts with over 150 commercial electric vehicles designed for battery swaps. There will be 14 modular swap stations, strategically located in urban areas. This initiative is backed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Project for Support of Technological Development for the Promotion of New Energies”. The goal? To help Japan cut greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030, based on 2013 levels.
The bigger picture
The ultimate target is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with global environmental commitments. This battery swap network is a crucial step towards making electric mobility more practical and accessible. With the support of companies like Yamato Transport, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, and Ample, a California-based battery swap specialist, this project is gaining momentum.
Testing the waters
A smaller-scale pilot project in Kyoto last year demonstrated the feasibility of battery swaps between different vehicle brands, specifically in commercial fleets used for deliveries and taxi services. This test, which involved collaboration between Yamato Transport, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, and Ample, validated the effectiveness of Ample’s platform. The results showed that this technological solution can operate efficiently with various types of vehicles and manufacturers, paving the way for greater interoperability in the industry.
A game-changer for logistics
Yamato Transport, Japan’s largest logistics company and one of the first to adopt fleet electrification, will be the first major client to use the new electric vehicles with swappable batteries for delivery operations. With the transportation sector accounting for around 19% of Japan’s total CO2 emissions in 2022, electrifying commercial fleets is a strategic priority in the country’s decarbonization efforts. The Tokyo consortium aims to achieve battery swap times of just five minutes, making it a convenient and efficient option for drivers. Unlike conventional charging or refueling, battery swaps are fully automated, eliminating the need for drivers to leave their vehicles.
According to Mitsubishi Motors, this initiative is a significant step forward in making electric mobility more accessible and sustainable. Mitsubishi Motors press release provides more details on the project.