Stellantis has entered into a definitive agreement with Ample, a company specializing in electric vehicle (EV) technology, aiming to revolutionize EV battery charging by reducing charging times to less than five minutes. The partnership will focus on incorporating Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution into Stellantis EVs, a technology that facilitates the exchange of a depleted EV battery with a fully charged one swiftly at dedicated stations, Stellantis said.
Stellantis said broader applications for the technology are being considered to satisfy the demands of Stellantis’ fleet and individual consumers worldwide. An initial project is scheduled for launch in 2024 in Madrid, Spain, employing a fleet of 100 Fiat 500e vehicles, part of Stellantis’ Free2move car-sharing service. The Fiat 500e is a global bestseller for Stellantis and a leader in the EV market in various European countries, Stellantis said.
Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis senior vice president of the charging and energy business unit, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership with Ample.
“The partnership with Ample is another example of how Stellantis is exploring all avenues that enable freedom of mobility for our electric vehicle customers,” Stamatti said. He also highlighted the expected benefits such as increased energy efficiency, performance and reduced range anxiety, particularly with the use of the Fiat 500e.
Khaled Hassounah, CEO of Ample, stressed the alignment of both companies’ objectives and the importance of making EVs widely accessible to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Hassounah said, “The combination of offering compelling electric vehicles that can also receive a full charge in less than five minutes will help remove the remaining impediments to electric vehicle adoption.”
Ample’s approach is set to match the convenience of gasoline refueling, while also enabling the incorporation of renewable energy. The company’s batteries are modular, designed to be universally compatible with any EV, allowing for integration into Stellantis’ existing vehicle designs. Furthermore, Ample’s battery stations are lightweight and can be installed in public areas within three days, promising a quickly scalable infrastructure, Stellantis said. The technology offers a user-friendly experience, recognizing the vehicle upon arrival and facilitating a battery swap via a mobile app in under five minutes, according to Ample.
Ample plans to offer its battery technology on a subscription basis, potentially reducing the overall upfront cost of EVs while ensuring customers have access to the latest in battery advancements. Stellantis has laid out its goals in its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which includes achieving a full electric vehicle sales portfolio in Europe and a substantial mix in the United States by 2030, along with securing significant battery capacity to meet these targets. The company is also committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2038.
