Swappable Battery System for Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is hindered by perceived unreliability, long charging times, low availability of charging stations, and high battery costs, which are exacerbated by the expensive nature of batteries representing about 25% of the vehicle's cost, making EVs less economical compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A business-to-business platform with a swappable battery system and method, known as Battery as a Service (BaaS), which includes a connected EV ecosystem, a battery swapping network, and a user leasing or subscription service app, allowing for 24/7 vehicle use without downtime for recharging, safer battery management, efficient usage, lower costs, and modular infrastructure, enabling widespread adoption of EVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If EVs use traditional charging stations, then vehicles can be recharged, but charging time is long and availability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into removable battery packs that can be independently swapped out, separating the charging function from the vehicle operation. This allows the vehicle to be quickly serviced by exchanging battery packs rather than waiting for in-situ charging.
Solution Approach 2:
Battery packs are pre-charged at centralized stations before being deployed to vehicles. This preliminary charging action ensures that when a vehicle needs power, a fully charged battery is already available for immediate exchange, eliminating waiting time.
2Duration of action of moving object
If EVs include expensive batteries, then vehicles can operate for extended periods, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery capacity becomes dynamic rather than fixed - users can swap between different battery pack sizes based on their immediate needs. This allows the system to provide extended operational duration when needed while keeping costs down by using smaller, cheaper packs for routine use.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery swapping system enables users to independently exchange battery packs without requiring expensive charging infrastructure at every location. This self-service model reduces the overall system cost while maintaining extended operational capability through multiple swap points.
3Ease of operation
If users charge batteries themselves, then convenience is reduced, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery charging function is extracted from the user's responsibility and transferred to centralized professional facilities. Users simply swap battery packs rather than performing charging operations, while specialized facilities handle the potentially hazardous charging process under controlled conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack itself serves as an intermediary that transfers energy between the centralized charging infrastructure and the vehicle. This mediator allows users to benefit from professional charging without directly handling the charging process or exposed battery terminals.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention broadly disclose electric vehicles (EVs), and a business to business platform including a swappable battery system and method, and systems and methods providing battery as a service (BaaS). In some embodiments a BaaS system and method are provided that create B2B opportunities to drive widespread, economical adoption of EVs.