Major bike builders agree to develop swappable batteries
KTM, Honda, Piaggio and Yamaha have all signed a historic agreement to collaborate on electric motorcycle technologyA group of major motorcycle manufacturers will work together to improve electric motorcycle technology after officially signing an agreement for the creation of the Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC).
KTM, Honda, Piaggio and Yamaha have agreed to collaborate on the development of swappable battery technology that will help soften the range issues that currently plague electric bikes.
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The four companies signed a ‘Letter of Intent’ earlier this year, but the new agreement to establish the Consortium will see the plan put into action.
While electric motorcycle development is accelerating quickly, there are still concerns over battery range and charging times. The concept of swappable batteries would allow riders to swap batteries like they would gas bottles, effectively eliminating range anxiety and pesky charging times.
The goal of the consortium is to not only develop a swappable battery system, but to expand the technology to a universal standard so that all manufacturers can benefit.
Honda and KTM have already experimented with swappable batteries. Honda has explored the tech with its Mobile Power Pack, which is set to feature in its line of ‘business’ scooters, while KTM-owned Husqvarna revealed its E-Pilen concept, complete with a swappable battery, in April.
According to Pierer Mobility (KTM) CEO, Stefan Pierer, the swappable battery technology will target ‘low-voltage vehicles (48V) up to 11kW capacity’.
Currently, there is also a severe lack of charging infrastructure around the globe, and there is no universal technical standard for charging stations or battery technology. The Consortium has also agreed to engage with certain stakeholders and governing bodies to help develop and deploy charging infrastructure.
The founding four members of the consortium have invited other interested parties and stakeholders to join them, with hopes that other manufacturers will agree to a universally-recognised swappable battery standard.
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