• Discussion Points

What is Battery Swapping? How does it work?

Electronic Vehicles run on battery, battery swapping allows the driver to take their EV to a swapping station and have their batteries changed, similar to changing cells on a TV remote control.

EVs are traditionally purchased with “fixed” batteries, which can only be charged using the power supply while housed within the EV. Like fueling stations for ICE vehicles, adequate, affordable, accessible, and reliable charging networks are prerequisites for mass EV adoption

Battery swapping is an alternative which involves discharged batteries for charged ones and provides flexibility to charge them separately. Swapping will offer key advantages relative to charging: time, space and cost-efficient.

POLICIES PROMOTING EV

• India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in November 2021
• During the budget session 2022, Finance Minister had spoken about the battery swapping policy, to develop special mobility zones (SMZs) for EVs and to promote a shift to the use of public transport in urban areas, SMZs with zero fossil fuels.

https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2022-04/20220420_Battery_Swapping_Policy_Draft.pdf

Tracing Batteries as Mentioned in the draft policy Battery and Swapping Station Unique Identification Number (UIN)

•  To implement unique traceability across the battery lifecycle, a Unique Identification Number (UIN) shall be assigned at the manufacturing stage for tracking and monitoring EV batteries. Various tracking and tracing solutions are used in different industry sectors, and an appropriate system may be applied for EV batteries which is tamper-proof and allows centralized monitoring. The standard or generic methodology and the detailed definition of the UIN system for EV batteries will be developed by the relevant authorities.
•  Required technical data of the battery will be mapped by the OEMs with UIN of battery pack at the manufacturing stage. Battery swapping operator must store the usage history and required performance data of battery with UIN during EV application, and data must be maintained to facilitate the traceability of EV batteries during the entire lifecycle.

SCOPE

The global electric vehicle battery swapping market was valued at US$100.1 million in 2020 and is projected to reach US$852.6 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 24.4%.  In India, the swapping market is predicted to generate a revenue of US$ 6.1 million by 2030, exhibiting a 31.3% CAGR during the forecast period (2020–30)[1].

To fulfil the needs of the above-mentioned market, Battery Charging Stations (BCS), Battery Swapping Stations (BWS) and other related infrastructure will be certainly needed.  https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/electric-vehicle-battery-swapping-market-105602

Battery swapping offers three key advantages relative to charging—time-saving, space-efficient, and cost-effective—provided each swappable battery is actively used. Further, Battery swapping provides a level playing field to innovative and sustainable business models, such as ‘Battery as a Service’.