Summary: Swappable Batteries - a clean revolution for European urban mobility?

The event ‘Swappable Batteries: A Clean Revolution for European Urban Mobility?’ brought together diverse stakeholders to explore the future of swappable battery systems and the crucial role of standardization in supporting cleaner, more efficient urban mobility.

The panel discussion opened with Chiara Marinai from the European Commission’s EU Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) who presented the role and objectives of STAN4SWAP. Funded by Horizon Europe, the project involves eight project partners – Piaggio Group, Fraunhofer ISI, Hyba, CENELEC, VUB, KTM F&E, Swobbee, and BMGI Consulting. The project aims to develop a standardization roadmap to facilitate the use of swapable battery systems for light category electric vehicles, helping to overcome the barrier of lengthy battery charging times and range anxiety as well as supporting the decarbonization of urban mobility.

Ms Marinai, who is also the EC’s designated Project Officer on Stan4SWAP, explained the participants that the project falls under the Horizon Europe industry program and covers pre-normative research, standardization activities in industrial ecosystems. The project aims at supporting deployment, increase stakeholder engagement, and raising awareness of the role of standardization in supporting the decarbonization of mobility and transportation ecosystem. The main deliverable of the project will be European Standardization Roadmap on swappable batteries by November this year.

Tiberio Schmidlin, Environment & Climate Coordinator at the Permanent Representation of Italy to the EU, reflected on his own experience as a motorbike user, calling swappable batteries a significant step forward. He praised STAN4SWAP as an example of the EU-backed innovation driving change and providing solutions to better protect the environment.

Enrico Mayrhofer, Coordinator of STAN4SWAP, stressed the value of a dialogue between industry, research, and standardization bodies. In his presentation, he emphasized the important role standardization plays in decarbonization and welcomed the strong commitment from both the European Commission and CENELEC.

Renato Mazzoncini, CEO of A2A and Professor of Mobility Engineering at Politecnico Milano, turned the focus to a non-technical aspect of the project: the issue of building a sustainable business model. Interoperability is key, and a swapping station is an opportunity to standardize charging, thus improving the lifetime of batteries. Mr Mazzoncini welcomed the idea of electric mobility in urban areas (distinguishing it from long-distance mobility), claiming battery as a commodity – similar to the current use of gasoline – is the future.

Arianna Censi, Member of the Committee of the Regions and Rapporteur of European Declaration on Cycling, brought the view from local and regional authorities, particularly her city Milano, and acknowledged that the task at hand – shifting mobility habits – is not simple. However, she highlighted the clear benefits swappable batteries offer urban areas, including improved air quality and convenience for users and underlined the willingness of cities to be more than just a sandbox, to be co-creators.

Ivo Cré, Director Policy & Projects at Polis network, pointed out that in order to continue to increase GDP, we need to do more in less space, especially in urban areas where the ultimate scarce commodity is space. As it is crucial to find inclusive, fair, and affordable solutions as part of the just transition. He expressed his support to the mission of the project, stating that any system that supports modes of electric mobility is welcome.

Riccardo Lama, President of CENELEC, highlighted that “Standards don’t make revolutions, but they allow revolutions to become successful”. Interoperability and compatibility are key, and standards allow both, while at the same time also ensuring compatibility with the past.

The following discussion touched technical and regulatory aspects. First, the type of swappable battery in question is expected to weigh about 10 kg and can be used in various categories of electric vehicles. In the smaller vehicles such as mopeds, only one battery will be necessary, while for larger vehicles such as mini cars combining multiple units will be the solution. Speakers stressed the need to align with the EU Batteries Regulation, describing it as the "polar star" guiding future development including recyclability. Noise pollution reduction, another benefit of electric mobility, was highlighted by the participants. It was once again emphasized that standards are needed to make swappable batteries a reality and as a way to get both public authorities and industry on board.

Lorena Ionita, Deputy Head of Unit for Mobility from DG GROW, and Axel Volkery, Deputy Head of Unit for Sustainable & Intelligent Transport from DG MOVE, delivered the closing remarks. Ms Ionita recognized the importance of standardization in making swappable battery systems viable, emphasizing the benefits it brings to industry and EU citizens, as well as circularity, economies of scale, and innovation. Mr Volkery also highlighted the need for standards in accelerating the process from research to real-world implementation. Host MEP Maran urged making the technology a reality while keeping it simple. With standards in place, the market can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Overall, participants agreed that the swappable battery technology holds immense promise for urban mobility. However, to unlock its full potential standardization is the key, to ensure compatibility and interoperability as summarized by the event moderator, Euractiv’s Angelo Di Mambro. By aligning industry, research, policymakers, and standardization bodies, Europe can develop a modern, interoperable, and sustainable mobility solution that supports both people and the planet.

In July Stan4SWAP will host an online stakeholder consultation to further the discussion and engage with stakeholders from various geographical locations.