Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping Market Assessment by Vehicle [Two-Wheelers, Three-Wheelers, Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles], By Service [Pay-Per-Use, Subscription], By Station [Manual, Automated], By Battery [Lithium-Ion Battery, Lead-Acid Battery], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F
Global electric vehicle battery swapping market is projected to witness a CAGR of 18.86% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 2.02 billion in 2023 to USD 8.05 billion in 2031. As the adoption of electric vehicles increases, the demand for innovative battery and charging technology is on a surge.
The EV revolution has given birth to the EV component sector including charging modules, battery management technology, and battery swapping systems. The proliferation of electric vehicles along with the advent of electric motorcycles are anticipated to fuel the market expansion. Many electric vehicles are projected to be on the road during the forecast period, but one of the biggest challenges would be building the infrastructure for charging them so they are as simple, affordable, and available as diesel cars. Long charging times are one of the biggest obstacles to the widespread adoption of e-mobility. The EV owners are looking for new technologies that saves charging time while delivering the highest amount of vehicle range. Here battery swapping technology comes into play, saving operational time and vehicle range. Technology enables empty batteries to be quickly replaced with fully charged ones, cutting down on lengthy charging times and increasing vehicle's driving range. The companies are adding stations specific to EV battery swapping to leverage these benefits.
For instance, NIO revealed the next-generation battery swap station along with 640 kW supercharger. The Chinese manufacturer intends to expand its network in the nation by adding approximately 20,000 charging heaps and 1,000 battery switching stations in 2024. NIO effectively completed its 2023-year goal of installing 1,000 stations by year's end, bringing the total number of exchange stations under its purview to 2,305.
Reducing Charging Hassel Along with Extended Driving Range to Fuel Market Expansion
The biggest benefit of battery-swapping technology involves reduced charging hassle as one pair is simply swapped with another battery. Newly available swap stations and higher speeds in which one goes for a full battery are anticipated to garner market growth. Battery-swapping technology simply solves the biggest inconvenience for EV drivers. The increased speed and efficiency with battery swapping technology has facilitated end-users with a higher operational range. Rapid technological advances with battery-swapping technology and stations are expected to reduce the operational cost which further drives the sales of battery-swapping in vehicles including three-wheelers, two-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles. Brands focus on delivering a fully charged battery in the minimum duration.
For instance, in December 2023, Stellantis and Ample signed an agreement to form a partnership in electric vehicle battery charging technology capable of delivering a fully charged electric vehicle battery in less than five minutes. The two players have agreed to work towards integrating Ample’s Modular battery-swapping solution in Stellantis electric vehicles. The first program to be launched in Europe will be in the form of Free2move's car-sharing fleet with the Fiat 500e in 2024. The technology can solve customer infrastructure issues such as charging times, range constraints, and battery wear.
Expansion of Battery-Swapping Stations to Thrive Market Growth
As battery swapping technology delivers less re-usage of the battery, long and enhanced battery health can be achieved. Automakers are equipping their vehicles with swappable batteries to deliver a longer battery shelf-life. The major benefits of exchanging batteries include maintaining battery health, faster charging, and enhanced vehicle range. Replaced batteries add longer lifespan, are affordable, and emit lower emissions. The longer battery life provides economic and environmental benefits to the end-users, expanding the electric vehicle battery swapping market size. Furthermore, the addition of new battery-swapping stations in collaboration with private and public entities is likely to add value to the market. These stations are built to ensure the accurate implementation of battery-swapping infrastructure while promoting sustainable and accessible electric mobility solutions.
For instance, in December 2023, Motorola Mobility Pvt. Ltd. and Swobbee, a German climate technology company partnered to improve the overall user experience. The cooperative initiative tackles issues related to electric vehicles (EVs), with a primary focus on battery charging time, cost, and longevity. With the partnership's promise to build 200 battery switching stations around India in the next 24 months, the industry is set for a change.
Government’s Support to Battery Swapping Infrastructure to Fuel the Market Growth
Implementation and commercialization of battery-swapping technology for electric vehicles couldn’t be implemented without the crucial role of government authorities. From permits to safety regulations, governments across the globe focus on promoting EV technology that restricts fossil fuel consumption and increases sustainability. Governments across the globe to support and fund infrastructure for battery swapping. The ability of battery-swapping technology to lower carbon emissions and enhance air quality has been acknowledged by governments across the world. Governments and private companies are now working together to develop infrastructure for battery charging and standardize battery-swapping procedures. These regulations encourage and recognize new ventures and creative ideas while guaranteeing the proper application of battery-swapping technology.
For instance, in April 2022, the government of India announced plans to create interoperability standards and a battery-swapping policy during budget of financial year 2022–2023, to create and enhance the battery-swapping ecosystem's efficiency and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
Higher Adoption and Expanded BEV Charging Infrastructure to Fuel Segmental Growth
The subscription model segment is anticipated to lead the market throughout the forecast period. The leading share of subscription models is attributed to factors including battery leasing solutions, cheap cost per swap, and affordability. Over the projected period, the pay-per-use (PPU) model is expected to show a higher CAGR. It is explained by the rise in the use of PPU models among private consumers who drive less and don't need to pay capital expenses upfront. The segmental growth is attributed to the economic benefits of this service model. For instance, end-users with frequent short-distance travel choose the pay-per-use model over the subscription model as it saves them money.
Asia-Pacific Leads the Global Electric Vehicle Battery Swapping Market Share
Big Asian automakers are concentrating on providing workable and economically viable solutions for Asia-Pacific's expanding economies. As a result, they work together with domestic battery producers to jointly develop and market vehicles that have integrated modular battery systems. As a workable alternative to cable charging, battery-swapping approach has seen an exponential surge in the use in China. Redesigned cars with an emphasis on the business sector result from domestic companies like BAIC implementing a swapping solution. Thus, these elements are responsible for the region's higher battery-swapping adoption rate. On the contrary, India thrives with government-owned entities setting up their battery-swapping infrastructure.
For instance, in December 2023, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) introduced its first battery-swapping station. Battery-swapping technology has been a game-changer for two-wheelers in the region. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in adopting EVs and spearheading the emerging transition.
Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)
Increased EV adoption, advanced battery systems, and new electric scooters with battery-swapping technology are flourishing in the market. For instance, in November 2022, Hero MotoCorp announced its partnership with Gogoro to bring new electric bikes and scooters that utilize battery-swapping technology.
Expanding facilities and stations and increasing research and development will fuel market growth.
Evolving battery technology with faster charging and recyclable technology is expected to garner market growth.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The electric vehicle battery swapping market players experiment with advanced technology, faster and safer charging, and different payment methods. Furthermore, companies collaborate with government programs for energy transition. Competitors strategize with partnerships, acquisitions, and mergers to expand their supply chain and distribution channels. These collaborations usually utilize the advanced technology delivered by technological giants, majoring in battery-swapping.
For instance, in January 2023, Sun Mobility introduced its new SwapX station and S2.1 battery pack. It aims to power one million EVs by 2025. Currently, SUN Mobility operates more than 210 EV battery exchange locations nationwide. These batteries are compatible with E2W, E3W, and e-rickshaw electric vehicles.
In July 2023, Beijing Foton Daimler Automotive Co. Ltd. partnered with Aulton New Energy Automotive Technology to deliver rapid implementation of battery-swapping projects for heavy-duty trucks. The cooperation would deliver benefits using Daimler’s battery-swappable vehicle models that are based on the GTL platform while Aulton provides global leading battery-swapping solutions dedicated to heavy trucks.