Yamaha, KTM, Honda and Piaggio are combining to use the same swappable batteries for electric motorcycles.
In the process they have created a consortium which could result in you pulling into a service station and swapping out batteries quickly, rather than having to wait while electric batteries recharge.
It’s rather like how we swap BBQ cylinders at the local servo these days rather than have them refilled on the spot.
In a press release from Yamaha the founding members were doing this to aid the transition to ‘electromobility’.
“In the context of the Paris Climate Agreement and the transition to electromobility, the founding members of the Consortium believe that the availability of a standardized swappable battery system would both promote the widespread use of light electric vehicles and contribute to more sustainable life-cycle management of batteries used in the transport sector.
Also, by extending the range, shortening the charging time and lowering vehicle and infrastructure costs, the manufacturers will try to answer customers’ main concerns regarding the future of electromobility.
The aim of the Consortium will, therefore, be to define the standardized technical specifications of the swappable battery system for vehicles belonging to the L-category; mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles. By working closely with interested stakeholders and national, European and international standardization bodies, the founding members of the Consortium will be involved in the creation of international technical standards.
The Consortium will start its activities in May 2021. The four founding members encourage all interested stakeholders to join the cooperation to enrich the consortium’s expertise.”
