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FIAT, in collaboration with Ample and Free2move, has introduced a groundbreaking battery-swapping technology in Madrid. This initiative marks a significant step in electric vehicle (EV) innovation by enabling a full recharge in under five minutes. A dedicated fleet of Fiat 500e vehicles, operated by Free2move, will utilize Ample’s newly installed swapping station, aiming to streamline the EV experience and address common barriers to adoption, such as charging time.
Key Highlights
- FIAT has partnered with Ample and Free2move to launch a battery-swapping program for electric vehicles in Madrid.
- The new technology allows a Fiat 500e to be fully recharged in less than five minutes.
- An initial fleet is already operational, with plans to expand to 100 vehicles by mid-2025.
- The project is designed to test the efficiency of this technology with the goal of future expansion to private customers.
A Revolutionary Partnership
This strategic collaboration brings together FIAT’s automotive manufacturing excellence, Ample’s innovative battery technology, and Free2move’s mobility solutions. The core of the project is Ample’s modular battery design, which allows for a direct replacement of the original EV battery. The Fiat 500e was selected as the ideal vehicle for this integration, showcasing the adaptability of its platform.
The process is designed for maximum efficiency. When an Ample-enabled EV arrives at a swapping station, it is automatically recognized. Drivers can initiate the swap using a mobile app, completing the entire battery exchange swiftly. This system offers a scalable and flexible alternative to traditional charging methods, enhancing fleet availability and reducing dependency on existing charging infrastructure.
Advancing Sustainable Urban Mobility
Madrid was chosen as the pilot city due to its commitment to advancing sustainable transportation. The city aims to cut emissions by 65% by 2030 and supports Spain’s national goal of having 5.5 million EVs on the road in the same timeframe. This project directly contributes to these ambitious targets by making electric vehicles a more convenient option for car-sharing services.
According to Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, this technology directly addresses “the fear of depleting the battery mid-trip” and dramatically reduces recharge time. The initiative will provide crucial data and insights for FIAT and its parent company, Stellantis, as they continue to shape the future of mobility.
The Future of Charging Technology
The initial phase involves a thorough testing and analysis period to gauge the real-world performance of the battery-swapping technology. Insights gathered from the Madrid car-sharing fleet will be instrumental in refining the system for potential large-scale implementation.
Stellantis Ventures plans to feature a live demonstration of Ample’s modular battery-swapping system at MOVE 2025, a premier event for technology and sustainable mobility in London. This will offer a broader audience a firsthand look at the pioneering solution that could redefine the rules of electric vehicle recharging.
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