Stellantis is to roll out a battery swap solution able to deliver a fully charged battery in less than five minutes.

The programme will initially start in Europe in 2024, using a fleet of Fiat 500e’s run by Free2move

It’s signed a deal with California-based Ample to work on integrating the solution in its electric vehicles.

The programme will initially start in Europe in 2024, using a fleet of Fiat 500e’s run by Free2move, Stellantis’ car sharing division, in Madrid, Spain.

However, the two companies are also in discussions on expanding the partnership to other vehicles and markets.

The technology would be made available to EV customers on a subscription basis, reducing the upfront total cost of the vehicle, while giving the customer access to the latest battery technology.

Ample batteries (see video here) are designed to be a drop-in replacement for an electric vehicle’s original battery. The modular batteries can fit into any electric vehicle and would allow Stellantis to integrate Ample’s technology without reengineering its vehicle platforms.

These are accompanied by Ample’s lightweight battery swapping stations, which can be deployed in public areas in as little as three days.

Stellantis said the technology has the potential to address customer infrastructure challenges such as charging time, range anxiety and battery wear.

Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis senior vice president, Charging & Energy Business Unit, said: “The partnership with Ample is another example of how Stellantis is exploring all avenues that enable freedom of mobility for our electric vehicle customers. In addition to other projects we are focused on, Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution has the opportunity to offer our customers greater energy efficiency, outstanding performance and lower range anxiety. We are looking forward to executing the initial programme with our stellar Fiat 500e.”

Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution is designed to be fast and cost-effective, cutting EV downtime. When an Ample-enabled EV approaches the Ample station, the vehicle is immediately recognised by the station. Once parked inside, the driver initiates the battery swap from the mobile app, resulting in a fully charged battery in less than five minutes.

Khaled Hassounah, CEO of Ample, added: “At Ample, we believe in the importance of making electric vehicles accessible to everyone without compromises, which is the only way that we will make a significant impact on lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Stellantis’ ambitious electrification goals, its range of electric vehicles, and the commitment of its leadership, make Stellantis a perfect partner in achieving our goals.”

The partnership supports the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which includes a target to reach a 100% passenger car battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030.