Piaggio-Ktm-Honda-Yamaha agreement on interchangeable batteries

The Piaggio group has signed a letter of intent with Ktm, Honda Motor and Yamaha Motor, to create a consortium to develop interchangeable batteries for motorcycles and light electric vehicles.

    The consortium's activities will begin in May 2021. The four founders invite all stakeholders who are interested to join the project to expand the consortium's knowledge and skills.

    The consortium between Piaggio, Ktm, Honda and Yamaha aims to define the standard technical specifications of the interchangeable battery system for vehicles belonging to the "L" category: mopeds, motorcycles and other small motor vehicles with three or four wheels.

In the context of the Paris Agreement on climate and the transition to electric mobility, the founders of the consortium are convinced that having a "system of interchangeable batteries can promote the use of electric vehicles, helping to make the management of the cycle more sustainable. life of batteries used in the transport industry, "explains a note.

Furthermore, by broadening the range offered, reducing charging times and vehicle and infrastructure costs, manufacturers intend to respond to the main concerns of consumers regarding electric mobility.

Working in concert with stakeholders and regulatory bodies at national, European and international level, the founders of the consortium will take part in the creation of international technical standards "By signing this letter of intent, the parties intend to respond to the main concerns of their customers and contribute the realization of the political priorities linked to the transition to electric mobility ", says Michele Colaninno, chief of strategy and product of the Piaggio Group, about the letter of intent signed with Ktm, Honda and Yamaha on interchangeable batteries.

    "The introduction - he adds - of an international standard for an interchangeable battery system will guarantee the efficiency of this technology, making it available to consumers. Finally," concluded Michele Colaninno "the strong cooperation between producers and institutions will allow the sector to face the challenges of the future of mobility in the best possible way ".