Stellantis Trials Battery-Swapping Technology with Fiat 500e in Madrid
Stellantis is currently conducting a trial of battery-swapping technology with the Fiat 500e in Madrid, with the goal of offering full EV recharging in just five minutes. This innovative approach could potentially eliminate one of the major obstacles to widespread EV adoption: long charging times.
The trial involves a fleet of 40 Fiat 500e vehicles that have been modified to accommodate a battery pack from battery-swapping company Ample. These electric cars are being operated by Stellantis-owned car-sharing service Free2Move and are being used by city residents in Madrid.
At present, the fleet is serviced by a single battery-swapping station, but there are plans to establish additional stations throughout the city as part of the trial. The Spanish government has provided a grant of €9.8 million to support this initiative, highlighting the importance of sustainable transportation solutions.
Stellantis intends to expand the fleet to 100 cars in the near future, demonstrating the company’s commitment to advancing electric mobility. If the trial proves successful, Fiat CEO Olivier François has pledged to make this technology available to private customers, signaling a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicle infrastructure.
François expressed confidence in the project, stating, “We are dedicated to thoroughly testing and analyzing this concept in real-world conditions and aiming to expand it to private customers soon. That is why we believe deeply in this project and have chosen our iconic Fiat 500 to spearhead the initiative. It will provide invaluable insights for both our brand and the group as we shape the future of mobility.”
While the focus is currently on the Fiat 500e, it remains to be seen whether this battery-swapping technology will be extended to other Stellantis EVs. The Fiat 500e is built on a unique platform, distinct from the e-CMP EV platform utilized by Citroën, Peugeot, Vauxhall, and other Stellantis brands.
