Startup Ample is closing partnerships with Japanese electricity company ENEOS and US electric vehicle rental company Sally. Ample is supplying a system that uses a robot to automatically replace electric vehicle batteries at dedicated changing stations. This allows users to continue their journeys immediately.
Ample claims its system offers a "new way of delivering energy to any electric vehicle". It involves a modular battery for electric vehicles that is fully automatically interchangeable. Thanks to this system, Ample claims it can deliver a 100% full battery to any electric vehicle in less than 10 minutes. The startup also points out that if the energy density of batteries increases, this speed will be maintained.
Modular design
The technology is suitable for any electric vehicle, regardless of model or manufacturer. Car models do not need to be redesigned to be compatible with Ample, the startup stresses. This is possible thanks to the system's modular design. In a video, Ample shows how a vehicle rides on a kind of bridge and is lifted into the air. A robot then removes the battery from the vehicle and replaces it with a full one.
Rapid rollout
Ample says the system is also attractive financially. For instance, the construction and installation of an Ample station is three to 10 times cheaper than that of a fast-charging installation. For instance, Ample stations are lightweight and their installation requires no construction work. This simplifies deployment and, according to the startup, makes it possible to roll out a wide network in just a few weeks.
The electricity Ample uses to charge its batteries comes from renewable energy sources. The company deploys wind and solar power for local renewable energy production. With this, the startup provides batteries at Ample stations with a full charge. Energy generation and battery charging are thereby completely separated from the transfer of energy to vehicles.
Partnership with ENEOS
The company is entering into a partnership with Japanese oil and power company ENEOS. The parties intend to jointly roll out Ample stations in Japan. The cooperation will initially focus on passenger transport and last-mile delivery services.
The parties are also experimenting with using Ample stations as large stationary batteries, which then act as an emergency source of energy.
Network in major US cities
Ample is also entering into a partnership with Sally. The US company that rents electric vehicles to taxi drivers, delivery services and ridesharing services among others wants to roll out a network of Ample stations in major US cities, including San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. Sally drivers can use the stations to recharge their vehicle in a short time, so that charging time does not come at the expense of their income. The stations will also have areas where drivers can rest, among other things.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
