Electric vehicle battery swapping services provide opportunities to exchange discharged batteries, and battery packs. This eliminates time-consuming battery recharging, allowing travelers to continue their journeys almost uninterrupted. Allied Market Research describes this as a vibrantly growing industry, although it warns of ‘potential disruptions in the supply chain’.
Potential Disruptions to Battery Swapping Services
Battery swapping services are already popular among owners of small two-and-three-wheel vehicles in Asia. Their batteries are far more portable and standardized than electric automobile power-packs, although switching them is still an attractive possibility.
Allied Market Research points out the importance of a dependable supply, although it is concerned the Russia-Ukraine War could disrupt the chain as follows:
- Disruptions could lead to shortages, or increased prices for battery swapping services.
- This may affect the availability and cost of many batteries in regions across the globe.
- Battery makers may shift their manufacturing facilities away from regions affected by the war.
- Uncertain investor sentiment could affect swapping-company expansion worldwide.
The Potential Impact of Uncertainty in North America
Allied Market Research expects North America will ‘Prioritize supporting local battery production. This could lead to the implementation of trade policies and incentives aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing,’ they believe, ‘thereby reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.’
The European Union is already advocating the development of a sustainable battery industry, which recycles all spent battery materials. Their tighter rules which are ahead of the pack, could attract further investment in their already lively local supply chain.
We should not allow these transient quarrels to disrupt the greater goal of moving rapidly towards a decarbonized transport industry. It would be a sad day if that movement were to lose momentum due to battery shortages. We encourage administrators to support the effort to make battery swapping services freely available everywhere.
More Information
Spent EV Batteries Get New Purpose in U.S.
Greater Battery Recyclability in European Union
