Ample showcases robotic electric car battery swapping station

[Jan]

Robotic electric car battery swapping station unveiled — 5 minutes from empty to full

Ample has provided a first look at its second-generation robotic electric vehicle (EV) battery swapping station that can switch out batteries in about as long as it takes to refill a petrol or diesel car.

The San Francisco-based startup recently showcased the station to tech publication CNET.

 

[nicroets]

Jeremy Clarkson had a much better idea in New Zealand: Rent a, drive it until it's finished. Visit the nearest Avis branch for a fresh set of wheels.

 

[lkpat]

Jeremy Clarkson had a much better idea in New Zealand: Rent a, drive it until it's finished. Visit the nearest Avis branch for a fresh set of wheels.

With current tech, this is a great idea for long distance trips.

 

[Athos]

Can't install those here. Batteries won't last the night.

 

[WollieVerstege]

Jeremy Clarkson had a much better idea in New Zealand: Rent a, drive it until it's finished. Visit the nearest Avis branch for a fresh set of wheels.

Not actually a new idea. It's what they did with horses in the old west.

 

[Pak Fa Fui]

That name though, sounds like Apple but the amp part can save them from any lawsuits

 

[heartbroken]

You could ideally have a spare at home charger off solar in the day and then swap it out at night vir an instant free full charge for the next day

 

[G.A.S]

Interesting idea, but I think the logistics and industry buy-in (and possible standardization) will make it challenging to say the least.

Not to mention driving up to the station and getting a message that they are out of batteries (again).

 

[lkpat]

You could ideally have a spare at home charger off solar in the day and then swap it out at night vir an instant free full charge for the next day

But if you're driving to Cape town? Do you put the spare on the roof racks?

 

[ajan]

I'm sure this is going to fail just like Nio's attempt.

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

LOVE this Idea, Batteries age, they just do, lose charge over time and need replenishment
instead of chucking the entire car, just chuck the Battery, put in a new one and off you go.

even take it further, you don't own the Battery, its a lease.
you own the car and its motors, but the battery you lease.

I actually think you could go even further, the bodywork and motors can be swapped for something exciting whenever you want.
during the week its a Hatchback, and on weekends its a SUV.
going for a trackday a Sportscar

surprised they haven't taken EV's to the next logical step.
or as its such a new Technology and the big manufacturers want to treat EV's just like ICE cars.

 

[Pineapple Smurf]

Will never work in RSA
Those batteries will be stolen overnight

 

[lkpat]

The answer is to electrify the roads.

Oh wait... seksom.

 

[heartbroken]

But if you're driving to Cape town? Do you put the spare on the roof racks?

Personally, I would just take my luxurious petrol guzzling car, seeing as work&back is for free, I will definitely have money left over to splurge on a roadtrip

 

[WhosThis]

Or just use petrol / diesel. Seems more viable.

 

[lkpat]

Except petrol and diesel create toxic fumes.
Just got back from Addis... Man that air is foul.