Geely is investigating how to introduce the battery swapping system in the electric truck market. This would be how it works.
In full transition to an electricity market, there are several proposals that manufacturers are offering. Some of them are betting on having larger batteries, while there are others who believe that the differentiation must be directly related to the incorporation of a fast charging system. Whichever method is chosen, important changes and solutions are being introduced to favor electric technology in the market.
Still, there is a third way is gaining popularity in the market. It is the exchange of batteries, a solution that comes directly from China through the NIO company. The solution is based on outsourcing the acquisition of a set of batteries to opt for a rental and replacement option. The distinctive formula lies in the inclusion of the vehicle in a machine capable of changing equipment without a charged battery for another that offers maximum autonomy.
Among the advantages of this technology, it draws attention the reduction of the time necessary to have autonomy complete. After all, it would only take a couple of minutes to have all the autonomy available. In the automotive industry, this system has not yet taken off, since the main manufacturers in the sector are not betting on the system. Now, what if you had a commercial path in other types of products?
In the segment of electric trucks, there could be room for its incorporation. This is what can be understood after the study being carried out by Geely, one of the most important manufacturers in the automotive market. This is so due to the difficulties that exist in this complex market in the face of correct electrification. The null provision of extensive autonomies would make this type of solution make sense in the medium and long term.
Let us see, therefore, what the study consists of and pilot test being carried outwhy we are facing a key moment to understand the future of the sector and, of course, what conclusions can we draw in this regard.
Truck Battery Swap, Why We Hadn’t Thought of It Before
Naturally, a very expensive infrastructure is required, since we are talking about battery blocks weighing up to 3 and a half tons. Now, what does this very special program consist of more specifically? The first thing to note is the capacity offered by each of the sets. While the Tesla Model S or Model X with the largest battery has up to 100 kWh, the units being tested have 280 kWh.
Despite the enormous size of the batteries, the truth is that trucks they only have up to 190 kilometers of autonomy. This perfectly explains why the standardization of the electric truck in the freight market will not be an easy task. Even so, what is the difference between a variant present in a company like NIO and the one that is in the testing phase at Geely? Without a doubt, the time that passes during the exchange of batteries.
While in the case of the car around 2 minutes are required, the truck alternative lengthens the stay up to 5 minutes. Even so, we find ourselves before a great source of competitiveness. Since refilling the fuel tank of a current truck involves much more time at a conventional gas station. Even so, it is important to observe other factors to understand the potential viability of a project of these characteristics.
Electrolineras focused on the exchange of batteries as a proposal
At present, a charging station basically consists of have multiple charging stations to be able to connect our electric vehicle. Its counterpart in battery exchange technology would be the provision of a space capable of robotically performing all the necessary replacement maneuvers. What would be the appropriate size to be able to have this service provision? As can be read in Electrekeach of the units would occupy a space around 18 square meters.
It is an alternative that has a long road ahead. Even so, as is the case in the electric transport sector, multiple tests are required, which will make it possible to find the most profitable projects for users and suppliers. Now, what room for maneuver does a product with these characteristics have?
Certainly the electric truck has more projection in the conventional field, that is, with the provision of its own battery pack equipped with a fast charging system. Despite this, innovation in this particular segment is a slower process, so there will be room for the investigation of proposals of these characteristics.
Related topics: Motor
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