Ample is rolling out a network of battery swap stations in Tokyo, with an initial focus on supporting commercial fleets in the logistics sector.

The expansion of EV charging network will provide additional charging coverage and capacity, enabling each station to support more than 100 vehicles. Supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Public Corporation, the initiative will advance Tokyo's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 by providing additional charging solutions for millions of commercial vehicles in the city.

Ample manufactures and operates a modular battery swapping ecosystem that swaps EV batteries in five minutes, providing fleet operators a seamless alternative to gasoline pumps.

Japan is a global leader in automotive manufacturing, and the automotive sector has been a cornerstone of the Japanese economy since the 1970s. However, Japan has been slow to adopt electric vehicles in recent years. Barriers to electrification include long charging times, limited power, and space constraints in Japan's densely populated cities. Battery swapping offers a quick and convenient way to power EVs, similar to the gas station refueling experience.

Ample's modular battery is designed as a replacement for the original EV battery.

Compatible with most EV models, the company's compact, rapidly deployable stations can be installed in days, providing a practical solution for high-utilization vehicles operating in densely populated urban environments like Tokyo.

In early 2024, Ample entered the Japanese market with the rollout of a battery swap station in Kyoto in partnership with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) and ENEOS Holdings.

Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will bring their innovation and EV leadership to the demonstration. MFTBC is known for its leading role in advancing zero-emission commercial vehicles. MMC developed one of the world's first mass-produced EVs and is a trusted mobility provider for urban logistics.

The Kyoto deployment demonstrated the key benefits of modular battery swapping in fleet electrification, including rapid energy supply, minimal changes to fleet operations and reduced strain on the power grid by slowly charging batteries within the swapping station.

"Tokyo is one of the world's most advanced cities for sustainable urban development and one of the largest markets for commercial shipping, making it the perfect location for our next expansion into Japan," said Ample's

"By providing a fast and scalable solution for commercial fleets, we are helping the Tokyo Metropolitan Government lead by example in how to electrify densely populated cities," said CEO Khaled Hasnaa. "We are honored that the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Public Service Corporation selected Ample and its Japanese partners to demonstrate the potential of EV battery swapping."

Here's a video showing Ample's battery swap station in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QeQ3VM4A4w

Contact:
Maggie Philbin<[email protected]>

Source: businesswire.com