The Energy Ministry has issued “2024 Guidelines for Establishment and Operation of Battery Swapping and Charging Stations” to promote the development of electric vehicles (EVs) with integrated batteries and promote battery swapping as an alternative energy solution. The process involves immediate replacement of dead EV batteries with fully charged batteries at designated stations. The guidelines apply to providers, owners and operators of battery swapping and charging stations across the country.
The main objective is to encourage battery swapping as a viable alternative to direct EV charging, advance the “Battery as a Service” (BaaS) model and promote a strong ecosystem for battery swapping. The BaaS model allows third-party providers or battery manufacturers to manage and lease swappable EV batteries to users or fleet operators.
Battery swapping involves replacing a depleted battery with a fully charged battery, while the battery swapping ecosystem includes the infrastructure and services required for this quick exchange. A battery charging station (BCS) recharges the battery, while a battery swapping station (BSS) handles both charging and swapping. Some stations may be exclusive to specific groups, such as fleet operators, and not open to the public.
The guidelines also introduce battery-to-grid (B2G) technology, which enables swappable batteries to store electricity and supply it back to the grid. Swappable batteries are modular units designed to be easily removed and replaced, extending EV range. Battery providers offering swappable batteries, or BaaS, play an important role in supporting EV users.
Key provisions of the comprehensive “2024 Guidelines for Establishment and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure” also apply to battery charging and swapping stations. These include security, operational and infrastructure management requirements. Station owners can use existing power connections for charging, with or without the need for additional load. Additionally, liquid-cooled swappable batteries can be used for larger vehicles such as buses and trucks to increase efficiency and safety.
The guidelines aim to establish a seamless battery-swapping network while ensuring safety, accessibility and efficient energy management for the growing EV ecosystem.
