Interviewer: Why can’t all electric vehicles use the same battery for swapping? 

Expert: The concept of battery swapping seems so simple and convenient at the forefront. But it’s far more complex. Batteries are not like credit cards, SIM cards, or gas cylinders. Each battery pack is made up of hundreds or even thousands of cells working together, and if even one of those cells has a slight difference, like internal resistance, it can cause something called thermal runaway, a situation where the battery could catch fire. It is a reminder that batteries are delicate, and small imbalances in their internal components can have dangerous consequences, making the idea of a universal, interchangeable battery system much harder to achieve. 

Interviewer: I understand that the dangers are too critical. Is there any way to make it work safely despite these challenges?” 

Expert: Let us assume for a moment that the concept works. Take, for example, an electric auto-rickshaw, or e-auto. To make this interoperable, the battery would need to be broken into smaller packs—maybe 3 to 5 batteries. Even if the batteries are the same size externally, they could have entirely different internals, like chemistries, electronics, or cooling systems. Batteries behave like cells, and any slight imbalance between them can lead to serious problems. If that’s the case at the cell level, imagine the risks of making entirely different battery packs with different chemistries work together. It is not just complex—it is outright dangerous. 

Interviewer: Beyond technology, what are the other challenges? 

Expert: On the operational side, it is an even bigger challenge. Let me ask you this. Who owns the stations? Who owns the batteries? Are the batteries and stations always under the same operator? That’s nearly impossible to manage! Now, let us say a thermal runaway happens due to a poorly built battery pack. If an entire station catches fire, how do we identify which battery caused the issue? There is no accountability for safety. 

Interviewer: Do you think standardization of battery is the answer to these challenges? 

Expert: Standardization sounds great in theory, but I will not vouch for it at least today. Battery technology is one of the fastest-evolving fields. Every year, we see battery volumes cut down by 30% and energy density increase by 20%. Right now, the industry is still experimenting with the dimensions and form factors of batteries to find what works best for specific vehicle types. If we enforce standardization too early, it will place a cap on this much-needed innovation and research. 

Interviewer: If standardization is not the answer, then what is? How do we make battery swapping safe and efficient? 

Expert: Instead of pushing for one-size-fits-all standardization, we should focus on building area-specific micro-swap networks. Most two and three-wheeler EVs that adopt swapping don’t travel long distances. So, a nationalized swapping network is not the way forward. These micro-networks can operate at a city or even neighborhood level, tailored to local needs. 

Interviewer: But wouldn’t consumers face difficulty switching between networks if there is no standardization? 

Expert: Most swapping players already offer to port. If you are on another swap network or using a fixed battery, you can switch to the new network with relative ease. It is even faster than porting your SIM from one telecom operator to another. This makes the approach customer-centric, where customer satisfaction becomes critical to a network’s success. If a better or more advanced swapping network emerges, customers will naturally migrate. 

Interviewer: So, is it less about a universal solution and more about tailoring solutions to specific needs?  

Expert: Exactly. One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to battery swapping. By focusing on micro-networks and allowing flexibility between systems, we can address the challenges without compromising safety or innovation. 

While the vision of a universal battery swapping network may seem appealing, the reality is that the complexities of battery technology, safety concerns, and logistical challenges make it far from straightforward. Rather than pushing for a one-size-fits-all solution, the future of battery swapping likely lies in tailored, micro-network systems that address local needs while prioritizing safety and innovation. By focusing on flexibility and allowing for seamless transitions between different networks, we can pave the way for a more practical and sustainable clean mobility ecosystem. As the EV industry continues to evolve, so too will the approaches to making battery swapping a safe, efficient, and viable solution for the future. 

Which technology, fast charging or battery swapping, is more viable for large-scale EV adoption?  In this video, hear from Arun Sreyas Reddy (Founder @RACE Energy), who champions Battery Swapping as a revolutionary option for fleet operators and commercial EVs needing quick turnaround times and Rahul Lamba (Founder @The Energy Company), who makes a strong case for Fast Charging as a scalable and seamless solution for urban commuters.   
 

(Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely of the expert. Micelio does not claim ownership and serves only as a platform to share insights from industry leaders)

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About Expert: 

Arun Sreyas Reddy
Cco-founder and CEO, RACEnergy.

Arun did his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from BITS Pilani. He has been involved in the field of automotive and motorsports building race cars from a young age of 17, developing powertrains for Formula-styled race cars in partnership with Honda and Honeywell. He has also worked in the fields of Waste-to-Energy and Refrigeration and holds several patents across these fields. Arun is a recipient of several awards including Forbes 30 Under 30 and FIA Asia-Pacific Global Startup Competition. Today, Arun along with his co-founder Gautham have built cutting edge battery swapping technology designed for multiple vehicle segments.