Gachaco battery swap service - Tokyo
Discussion
I read a time back about the big 4 Japanese manufacturers working together for a swappable universal battery to power their bikes.
Now a service has been launched with battery vending machine (not a surprise) in 18 places around Tokyo. Just pull-up swap your depleted battery for a full one and ride off again.
What a great initiative, although I imagine in the UK where theft and vandalism seems to be the major pastime for many people, it just wouldn’t work
Now a service has been launched with battery vending machine (not a surprise) in 18 places around Tokyo. Just pull-up swap your depleted battery for a full one and ride off again.
What a great initiative, although I imagine in the UK where theft and vandalism seems to be the major pastime for many people, it just wouldn’t work
mersontheperson said:
What a great initiative, although I imagine in the UK where theft and vandalism seems to be the major pastime for many people, it just wouldn’t work
Yup. Wouldn't be long before the 'depleted' battery was depleted because 90% of its components had been sold from scrap prior to presentation for a swap.Its admirable that it may work in Japan but over here it would just make Albanian gangsters even better off.
The good thing about exchangeable batteries is that not a lot of capacity (=range) has to be designed into the bike. This of course only works when the network of stations is close enough. Bikes will be lighter and cheaper, and they don't have to be parked close to a charger - just take the battery indoor and charge it where the most convenient mains outlet is (if no swap station is used).
The downside is that small Li batteries that can still be handled <10kg will not have enough power for a satisfying motorcycle experience, even if three are combined. Ie. they will only be useful for commuting with small bikes <90km/h.
For now with Li technology, batteries that give enjoyable motorcycle power have to be heavy (50...150kg) and irremovable. They will give a real world range of 100...250km and can be charged with up to 400km/h, but this requires extra weight in chargers or dependency on CCS charging.
The downside is that small Li batteries that can still be handled <10kg will not have enough power for a satisfying motorcycle experience, even if three are combined. Ie. they will only be useful for commuting with small bikes <90km/h.
For now with Li technology, batteries that give enjoyable motorcycle power have to be heavy (50...150kg) and irremovable. They will give a real world range of 100...250km and can be charged with up to 400km/h, but this requires extra weight in chargers or dependency on CCS charging.
mersontheperson said:
I read a time back about the big 4 Japanese manufacturers working together for a swappable universal battery to power their bikes.
Now a service has been launched with battery vending machine (not a surprise) in 18 places around Tokyo. Just pull-up swap your depleted battery for a full one and ride off again.
What a great initiative, although I imagine in the UK where theft and vandalism seems to be the major pastime for many people, it just wouldn’t work
Depleted batteries on a motorbike? What, the regulator is knackered? Now a service has been launched with battery vending machine (not a surprise) in 18 places around Tokyo. Just pull-up swap your depleted battery for a full one and ride off again.
What a great initiative, although I imagine in the UK where theft and vandalism seems to be the major pastime for many people, it just wouldn’t work
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