CATL claims that the first standardized batteries for commercial electric vehicles like heavy-duty trucks will save their owners $8,000 per 60,000 miles compared to gas trucks. CATL is now spearheading the battery swap concept and building stations for both passenger EVs and heavy-duty trucks.https://www.notebookcheck.net/First-swappable-battery-for-heavy-trucks-takes-5-minutes-to-replace-and-brings-8-000-in-fuel-savings-over-60-000-miles.1019445.0.html
Swapping makes a ton more sense than sitting 20-60 minutes for a full charge.
- Faster turnover. (Can get 6-15 more cars in in an hour, equivalent to gas queues)
- Guaranteed full charge.
- No/ smaller queues, so less infrastructure needed (waiting for available spots, etc.)
Swappable batteries require a huge upfront investment. It is likely only feasible in China where a battery manufacturer can deploy the needed infrastructure.