Enlarge image
Will there soon be standardized batteries for e-scooters?
The vehicle manufacturers Piaggio, Honda Motor, KTM and Yamaha Motor are developing a joint system for replaceable batteries.
To this end, the "Consortium for Exchangeable Motorcycle Batteries", the Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC), was founded.
The idea is to establish sustainable battery systems for scooters and mopeds that allow a quick and uncomplicated change.
Four signatories, four goals
From this, the companies hoped to find "solutions to customers' concerns about the future of electromobility," as stated in a press release from Honda.
It's about range, charging time and infrastructure, but also about costs.
A jointly developed, replaceable battery system is the key to low-voltage electromobility, the company announcement said.
The spread of light electric vehicles in the transport sector should be promoted.
So it's about an alternative to large and expensive e-cars.
Open platform
According to their own statements, the founding members see the consortium as an open platform - interested parties are invited to cooperate.
The more companies join, the greater the number of those who can use the new standardized battery systems.
“Urban mobility is in a difficult transition phase towards electrification.
Thanks to this consortium, motorcycles will retain their key role, ”said Michele Colaninno, who works as Head of Strategy and Product at the Italian vehicle manufacturer Piaggio.
The consortium aims to make electric motorcycles more convenient for customers, said Yoshishige Nomura, chief officer at Honda's Motorcycle Operations.
"Their use can, on a large scale, contribute significantly to the creation of a more sustainable society."
vki / Reuters