Stellantis, the industrial giant behind Vauxhall, Peugeot, Fiat and Citroen, will start testing electric car battery swap stations in Europe from 2024. 

As part of a partnership with US-based specialists Ample, Fiat will become the first Stellantis brand to test the Ample Modular Battery Swapping system, which can change a depleted battery for a fully charged one in less than five minutes. 

The firms say the programme aims to make electric car refuelling as “fast and convenient” as filling a petrol or diesel model, while allowing for more charging via renewable sources.

The trial scheme will take place in Madrid, using a fleet of 100 Fiat 500es from Stellantis’s Free2move car sharing service. The test cars will be fitted with Ample’s own modular batteries, which slot directly in place of the original 42kWh unit and can be swapped out in a at a specially designed station. 

Drivers simply park in the station and activate the swap via a mobile app, with the entire process taking less than five minutes. Ample says the compact stations can be set up in as little as three days, allowing for the network to be quickly scaled up to meet demand. 

If the scheme is deemed a success Ample’s system could be integrated into other Stellantis models - which range from the Citroen e-C4 to the Maserati Grantourismo Fulgore - and in markets beyond Europe. The US firm says that the modular nature of its batteries means they can be adapted to fit any electric vehicle without any reengineering of the car’s platform. 

The technology would be offered to drivers on a subscription basis, which the firm says could reduce the upfront cost of a new vehicle and allow access to the latest battery technology as it develops, bringing potential improvements in range and lifespan. 

Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis senior vice president for charging and energy, said: “Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution has the opportunity to offer our customers greater energy efficiency, outstanding performance and lower range anxiety. We are looking forward to executing the initial program with our stellar Fiat 500e.