Due to existing technological limitations, the range of new energy vehicles (NEVs) is limited. Traditional charging methods are not only time-consuming but also face numerous constraints in the layout and construction of charging infrastructure. The battery swap model fills this gap, solving the long-standing problem of low charging efficiency. By enabling standardized "swap and go" batteries, recharging time is reduced to 1.5-3 minutes. It also offers multiple benefits, including easier battery maintenance, energy storage, and reduced vehicle purchase costs.

Q: What is battery swapping? What is a battery swap station?

Simply put, battery swapping is to "quickly replace the battery" of an electric car - remove the battery that is running low on power and replace it with a fully charged new battery. The whole process is more efficient than refueling a fuel car.

The battery swap station is an "energy supply station" that provides this service. It is equipped with automated equipment, fully charged batteries in reserve, and can also recharge removed old batteries to "restore their power."

As a full-scenario battery swap solution provider, EAX's battery swap stations have covered passenger cars (taxis, online ride-hailing vehicles, etc.) and commercial vehicles (heavy trucks, light trucks, etc.), forming a multi-dimensional energy replenishment service system.

Q The principle of battery replacement actually consists of three steps!

1. Precise positioning: After the vehicle enters the battery swap station, the vehicle body is fixed using positioning technologies such as lasers and cameras to ensure precise alignment of the battery during installation and removal.

2. Automated battery swapping: Leveraging core equipment such as intelligent gantry robots and battery swapping modules, the system unlocks and removes old batteries and installs and secures new ones, eliminating the need for human intervention.

3. Battery cycle management: Removed old batteries are moved to the station's charging area for standardized slow charging. At the same time, the battery health, temperature and other parameters are monitored in real time through the battery management platform to ensure performance for the next use.

Taking the EAX chassis-type passenger car battery swap station as an example, it adopts the "chassis battery swap + RGV vehicle lifting and leveling" technology, with a battery swap success rate of more than 99.9%. The single battery swap time can be controlled within 2 minutes, reflecting the technical advantages of automation and precision.

Q Advantages and disadvantages of battery swapping mode

Advantages:

1. Significant recharging efficiency: Compared to fast charging (which typically takes over 30 minutes), battery swapping significantly reduces this time. EAX passenger car chassis-mounted battery swap stations only take 2 minutes, while heavy truck battery swap stations can achieve a single battery swap in as little as 3 minutes. This makes it particularly suitable for time-sensitive scenarios such as commercial vehicles and fleet operations.

2. Lowering the barrier to entry for car purchases: Supporting a "car-battery separation" model, users can reduce initial car purchase costs and alleviate financial pressure by leasing batteries;

3. Professional battery operation and maintenance: Battery swap stations are centrally responsible for battery charging, testing, and maintenance. EAX uses a cloud platform to monitor the entire battery lifecycle and employs a slow-charging mode to minimize battery wear and extend battery life.

Disadvantages:

1. High initial construction costs: Battery swap stations require a large amount of battery storage, automation equipment, and site facilities, resulting in significant initial investment.

2. Industry standards need to be unified: Battery specifications and interfaces vary among automakers, requiring greater interoperability. EAX is driving breakthroughs in adaptability by designing equipment for multiple vehicle types (heavy trucks, light trucks, and passenger cars).

Battery swapping has become a new option for recharging electric vehicles, especially for commercial vehicles and fleet operators, where the efficiency advantages are significant. EAX is working to bring battery swapping closer to home through more efficient equipment and more comprehensive scenario coverage.