Ample Expends EV Fleet Charging: Battery Swapping in Tokyo

Ample, a modular battery-swapping technology provider, is set to deploy a network of battery-swapping stations in Tokyo, furthering its commitment to accelerating commercial fleet electrification. The initiative follows a successful demonstration in Kyoto and is supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Public Corporation. By leveraging its innovative battery-swapping solutions, Ample aims to enhance charging infrastructure for commercial EVs while aligning with Tokyo’s ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

A collaborative approach to sustainable transport

Key Japanese automotive giants, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), are partnering with Ample to facilitate the deployment of battery-swapping EVs. Their involvement highlights Japan’s evolving commitment to sustainable mobility.

MFTBC, renowned for its leadership in zero-emission commercial vehicles and MMC, a pioneer in mass-produced EVs, bring their industry expertise to the initiative. By integrating Ample’s modular swapping technology with their vehicles, they aim to provide a seamless, scalable charging solution for commercial fleets in Tokyo.

Addressing urban challenges with battery swapping

Japan has long been a global leader in automotive manufacturing. Still, its transition to EV adoption has faced long charging times, power limitations and space constraints in densely populated cities.

Traditional charging stations require considerable infrastructure and time, making them less viable for high-utilisation commercial fleets. Ample’s battery-swapping technology presents a solution by enabling a fully charged battery replacement in just five minutes—mirroring the speed and convenience of refuelling at a petrol station.

Building on Kyoto’s success

Ample entered the Japanese market in early 2024 through a strategic deployment in Kyoto, collaborating with MFTBC and energy company ENEOS Holdings. The pilot programme successfully demonstrated the advantages of modular battery swapping, including:

• Rapid energy replenishment, minimising vehicle downtime.
• Reduced strain on the electrical grid, as batteries are charged slowly at the station.
• Seamless integration into fleet operations without requiring major infrastructure modifications.

Following the positive outcome, the expansion into Tokyo will establish a more extensive network of swapping stations, each capable of supporting more than 100 vehicles. The development is expected to significantly boost the adoption of electric commercial fleets in one of the world’s busiest urban environments.

Commenting on the expansion, Khaled Hassounah, CEO at  Ample highlighted the significance of Tokyo as a strategic location for scaling the company’s presence in Japan, stating: “Tokyo is one of the world’s most advanced cities in sustainable urban development and one of the largest markets for commercial deliveries, making it the perfect place for our next deployments as we expand our presence in Japan.

“By providing a fast and scalable solution for commercial fleets, we’re helping the City of Tokyo set an example for how densely populated cities can electrify. We’re honoured that the Tokyo Metropolitan Environmental Public Corporation has selected Ample and its Japanese partners to demonstrate the potential of EV battery swapping.”

Ample’s modular battery-swapping ecosystem offers an efficient alternative to traditional EV charging infrastructure. Its proprietary technology allows its batteries to replace existing EV batteries, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of models. Its compact stations, which can be deployed within days, provide a practical solution for businesses transitioning to electric fleets without major operational disruptions.

As Tokyo continues its efforts to establish a more sustainable transport system, partnerships like these will play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban mobility. Ample’s initiative, in collaboration with Japanese automotive leaders, represents a significant step towards achieving a cleaner, more efficient commercial transport network in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

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