Honda , KTM AG , Piaggio & C SpA and Yamaha Motor Co ., LTD together have announced the creation of a consortium to look at an effective way to create swap [ able batteries for motorcycles and light electrified vehicles . In the context of the Paris Climate Agreement and the transition to electromobility , the founding members of the Swappable Batteries Consortium for Motorcycles and Light Electric Vehicles believe that the availability of a standardised swappable battery system would both promote the widespread use of light electric vehicles and contribute to a more sustainable life-cycle management of batteries used in the transport sector . Also , by extending the range , shortening the charging time , and lowering vehicle and infrastructure costs , the manufacturers will try to answer customers ’ main concerns regarding the future of electromobility .
The aim of the Consortium will , therefore , be to define the standardised technical specifications of the swappable battery system for vehicles belonging to the L-category ; mopeds , motorcycles , tricycles , and quadricycles . By working closely with interested stakeholders and national , European , and international standardisation bodies , the founding members of the Consortium will be involved in the creation of international technical standards .
“ The worldwide electrification effort to reduce CO2 on a global scale is accelerating ,” explained Noriaki Abe , Managing Officer of Motorcycle Operations , Honda . “ For the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles , problems such as travel distance and charging times need to be addressed , and swappable batteries are a promising solution . Considering customer convenience , standardisation of swappable batteries and wide adoption of battery systems is vital , which is why the four member manufacturers agreed to form the Consortium .
Honda views improving the customers ’ usage environment as an area to explore cooperation with other manufacturers , while bringing better products and services to customers through competition . Honda will work hard on both fronts to be the ‘ chosen ’ manufacturer for customer mobility .”
The Consortium will start its activities in May 2021 . The four founding members encourage all interested stakeholders to join the cooperation to enrich the Consortium ’ s expertise .
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