Towards more wide-spread electro mobility

Urban traffic in Europe accounts for 40 % of road transport CO2 emissions and up to 70 % of other pollutants from transport. Noise pollution is also a serious environmental health problem in urban areas. According to the European Environment Agency, around 100 million people are affected by harmful levels of noise, mostly in heavily populated areas.
Motorcycles and scooters over short distances are a great solution, especially for everyday travel in cities.
Future battery stations make ‘recharging’ as simple as today is refueling of a motorcycle at a conventional gas station. Standardized stations could be located at gas stations, shopping malls, vehicle charging stations and other public places.
The battery packs available in these stations can be used across different brands and models of the consortium members.
A breakthrough for electric motorcycles in urban areas! 
SBMC believes, that the negative public perception of battery range and vehicle performance, which currently make electric vehicles less attractive than conventional internal combustion engines will be overcome with such a widespread interoperable charging infrastructure that meets consumer needs.

Key advantages of swappable batteries​

For customers

• A longer range by simply swapping the battery at a station
• Peace of mind, less range anxiety
• Widespread charging infrastructure
• No worries about battery deterioration during its lifespan: always a good one
• The ease of not having to set up a charging facility at home or at work​

For the environment

• Earlier electrification (vs gasoline powered vehicles)
• The efficiency of swapping systems
• Light vehicles contribute to less congestion
• Reduced emissions in urban areas
• Improved re-use /  recycling opportunities; enhanced circular economy

For manufacturers

• Efficient R&D due to standardization of components
• Quicker time-to-market
• Efficient production, economies of scale
• Increased attractiveness of the product in the eyes of the consumer

For cities

• Swapping stations for light vehicles are very space efficient compared to car charging stations 
• The ground occupied by a car, in combination with its recharging time, necessitates wide areas for parking while recharging
• Light vehicles could swap their battery on the spot within minutes, with minimal space occupation
• The station's batteries can be stacked in height and will occupy only a minor area on the ground

Technical Scope

What specifications are we talking about?

CORE REQUIREMENTS

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This will set the stage for a 'standard' battery specification and requirements, best fit for light vehicles.

• Suitable for different vehicle categories and usages     ​L1e-B, L2e, L3e-A1/A2, L5e, L6e, L7e 
• Drivetrain power     Up to 11 kW nominal (~20 kWp) 
• Voltage range     Low voltage vehicles (48V)
• Usage range     Commuting, sport, light off-road use; Worldwide usage
• Portable battery     Weight below 12 kg, battery energy up to 2 kWh
​• Battery safety     Battery within voltage Class A limits: Not considered 'dangerous goods' while maintaining cost efficiency
• Multiple batteries     Vehicle usage with single or multiple battery connection possible, max 2 in serial and max 8 in parallel configuration.

SCOPE OF STANDARDIZATION

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​Next to definition of a ‘standard’ battery specification, the consortium also will define a common vehicle interface, which works across all brands and models and complies with an external interface in the swapping station, where the batteries are charged at the same time. This means that connectors will be standardized, as well as the communication protocol between the vehicle, the battery, and the charging station. Electrical, mechanical and safety requirements will need to be addressed too, and in line with international regulations.
Test activities and pilots with prototype motorcycles will proof the technical feasibility. 

• External geometries and vehicle mechanical interface to correspond with the swapping station interface
• Connectors
• Communication protocol between vehicle and swapping station
• Electrical, Mechanical and Safety requirements in line with international regulations

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