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Swift battery swapping in micromobility

Light electric vehicles, such as e-scooters and e-bikes revolutionizes urban transit. Battery swapping enhances this by swiftly replacing drained batteries, minimizing downtime. This synergy offers eco-friendly, efficient, and convenient transportation.

Mobility
Infrastructure
Article

Jun 30, 2025

E-bikes and e-scooters: Stars of urban mobility

The share of e-bikes of the total bicycle market has become substantial – and is expected to rise up in many countries. Instead of being specialty recreational devices as they were a couple of years ago, e-bikes are evolving into a standard means of transport, especially for work commuters.

Key drivers for increased e-bike and e-scooter sales

  • Low purchase and running cost
    Flexibility of transportation; lower cost of electricity compared to gasoline; li-ion battery costs decreasing
  • Convenience
    Reduced physical effort compared to a regular bicycle: can be charged at home (e.g. overnight)
  • Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries
    Weigh less than lead-acid batteries; have lower detrimental environmental impact; can be removed for charging
  • Pollution and over-crowded cities
    Successful worldwide rollout of new shared mobility concepts

Industry innovations address charging flexibility and range concerns

At the moment, there are two dissuasive concerns potential users have: lack of flexible charging and related to this, the limited range. The industry is working on solutions to overcome any existing barriers of adoption of light electric vehicles. Different battery technologies, use of solar power, battery swapping stations plus the development of a supercharger network are only few examples under consideration. Infineon is significantly involved in these developments.

Our LEV portfolio covers multiple functional blocks found in e-skateboards, e-scooters, pedal electric cycles (i.e. pedelecs), low speed electric cars, electrical three-wheelers, e.g. e-rickshaws, and many other applications. We are offering all the necessary components needed for motor control and inverters, battery chargers, battery management, air-conditioning systems, hydraulic control, sensing, as well as security and authentication.

Charging challenges in micromobility:

Traditional charging methods relying on conventional electrical outlets can be time-consuming, hampering the swift pace of micromobility services. Moreover, the sheer volume of devices requiring charging can strain local energy grids, demanding alternative solutions. One solution is battery swapping.

Future trend: Battery swapping in micromobility

Battery swapping refers to the practice of quickly exchanging a depleted battery with a fully charged one in electric vehicles (EVs) such as e-bikes or e-scooters 

One of the most significant benefits of battery swapping for micromobility lies in the ability to significantly reduce downtime. Unlike conventional charging methods, which require vehicles to be parked and plugged in for extended periods, battery swapping enables a seamless exchange of depleted batteries for fully charged ones. This translates to minimal disruption in the user experience, ensuring that micromobility vehicles remain readily available for use.

The convenience factor is further enhanced by elimination of the need to locate and wait for charging stations. With strategically placed battery swapping stations spread throughout urban areas, users can effortlessly swap their depleted battery for a charged one and continue their journey without interruption. This user-centric approach not only enhances convenience but also encourages greater adoption of micromobility options as a reliable mode of urban travel.

Smiling Business Colleagues Cycling
Smiling Business Colleagues Cycling
Smiling Business Colleagues Cycling

Beyond convenience, battery swapping holds a key to enhanced sustainability. By extending the overall lifespan of batteries through optimized cycling, this technology contributes to the reduction of electronic waste. Moreover, the centralized management and monitoring of batteries enables efficient energy storage and distribution, aligning with the overarching goal of creating greener urban environments.

Scalability and cost-efficiency emerge as inherent advantages of battery swapping in micromobility networks. The modular design of battery swapping stations allows for easy adaptation to different vehicle types, facilitating the expansion of micromobility fleets without necessitating a proportional increase in charging infrastructure. This scalability not only optimizes resource utilization but also translates into cost savings for micromobility providers.

Battery swapping's integration fosters a culture of ongoing technological innovation within the micromobility sector. As companies invest in research and development to create more efficient and lighter batteries, users can expect improved vehicle performance and extended travel ranges. Furthermore, battery swapping stations can serve as multifunctional hubs, offering services beyond battery exchange, such as maintenance and diagnostics, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

Battery Swapping: A game-changer

Battery swapping will revolutionize the landscape of micromobility by addressing fundamental challenges and enhancing user convenience. Reduced downtime, heightened user accessibility, sustainability benefits, scalability advantages, and the stimulation of technological advances all underscore the transformative power of battery swapping. As urban centers continue to prioritize sustainable transportation options, the integration of battery swapping technology within micromobility networks is carving out a path towards a more efficient, user-friendly, and environmentally conscious urban mobility ecosystem.

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