Infra Power Networks is a newly formed consortium with the aim of bringing together industry stakeholders to coordinate a new and improved infrastructure for electric vehicle (“EV”) charging based on battery swapping. The formation of Infra Power Networks is initiated by the innovation company Auto Energy One AB (publ), which has developed Power Swap, a fully automated system for battery swapping of electric cars. In collaboration with authorities, power companies, oil companies, battery manufacturers, OEMs, and others, the future electric vehicle infrastructure is now being developed, starting in Sweden.
The world is facing a global trend in electrification. The entire mobility market is transitioning to electric, and authorities worldwide are working to increase the adoption of electric cars. However, despite significant government and private investments in the sector, the transition is not happening fast enough. In just a few years, public perception and media coverage have shifted from once-positive headlines to predominantly negative ones. It has been realized that there are limitations with electric vehicles and their infrastructure.
In order to accelerate EV uptake on the market.
Problems with electric cars
Electric cars take a long time to charge, are expensive due to their heavy batteries, and their charging infrastructure is still limited, creating range anxiety and requiring careful trip planning. To reach our climate goals and accelerate the adoption of electric cars in the market, new and more efficient methods are needed.
Problems with charging infrastructure
Despite expansion efforts, there remains a shortage of charging points in society. This in combination with the resource-inefficient nature of long charging times further amplifies the need for an expanded infrastructure. Accommodating the surging demand for these stations requires large areas, adding to the existing challenges. The power grid experiences strain, particularly during peak hours when drivers frequently charge their vehicles, contributing to grid overload. Additionally, residents in multi-family buildings face difficulties accessing charging points, exacerbating the limited availability in residential areas.
As the electric vehicle fleet expands, these issues will magnify, compounded by existing limitations in the power grids. Traditional service stations are also ill-equipped to cater to the significant demand for electric vehicle charging.
Efforts to tackle EV challenges often involve increasing battery sizes, leading to heavier, pricier vehicles that consume more power and take longer to charge. Concurrently, substantial investments are directed towards high-output fast-charging technologies, aiming to quickly recharge EV batteries. However, as the electric vehicle fleet grows, this places an increasingly large strain on the power grid.
Incentives from authorities, such as subsidies and tax benefits, play a crucial role in encouraging electric vehicle adoption. However, sustaining sales beyond incentive periods requires ongoing efforts.
Infra Power Networks was founded with the purpose to expedite the integration of electric vehicles into the market by developing an infrastructure that overcomes existing limitations. Our battery swap-based infrastructure allows for quicker and more cost-effective deployment compared to traditional charging networks. Through seamless coordination across the value chain, we aim to establish a scalable infrastructure rapidly, delivering value to all stakeholders. Time is of the essence for our environment—change must happen now.
Infra Power Networks owes its inception to the visionary efforts of Auto Energy One AB (publ). Joining forces in this venture is the Organization of Swedish Service Stations (”OSS”).
Power Swap is a patented battery swap system that automatically replaces depleted electric vehicle batteries with fully charged ones in just 3 minutes. The battery charging takes place outside the car, eliminating concerns about charging times and range anxiety for the driver. The charging process occurs in a dedicated battery storage unit, reducing strain on both the battery and the power grid.
What makes Power Swap truly unique is its compact battery swap machines, which can be seamlessly integrated into existing gas stations or parking lots, resembling traditional gas pumps. These units can be installed in short time frames, with each unit capable of servicing up to 100 cars per day.
Power Swap distinguishes itself by swapping batteries horizontally, which allows for a number of benefits. The initial compatible car models include HYCAN Z03 and A06. However, designed with automakers in mind, Power Swap is easily implementable in production processes and more models will come.
The battery is replaced in under 3 minutes, faster than fueling a petrol car.
Electric cars can be sold without the batteries and obtained through leasing.
To establish a cutting-edge electric vehicle charging infrastructure, it’s imperative to synchronize efforts among various public and private stakeholders. Joining forces with government bodies, service stations, oil companies, power utilities, system providers, financial institutions, battery manufacturers, and OEMs, we have the collective resources necessary to rapidly and efficiently shape the future of EV charging. This collaborative initiative benefits all involved parties.
The infrastructure will be rolled out in phases and will expand similarly as for mobile phones in the 80s, starting in the bigger cities and then expanding.
As the consortium Infra Power Networks takes shape, relevant stakeholders are currently being identified. The initial phase involves planning a pilot project in collaboration with several municipalities belonging to R10, a regional association in northern Sweden, including Arjeplog, Arvidsjaur, Dorotea, Lycksele, Malå, Norsjö, Sorsele, Storuman, Vilhelmina, and Åsele. This project aims to establish a new infrastructure for electric vehicles. Strategic service stations in these regions will see the installation of Power Swap units, accompanied by a number of Power Swap-compatible Hycan vehicles.
The infrastructure in the R10 region expands and becomes accessible to the public. Simultaneously, additional pilot projects kick off in Stockholm and Gothenburg. Initially, fleet operators with significant volumes, such as taxis, courier services, and last-minute delivery, prioritizing uninterrupted mobility needs, will be the focus.
Further installations will occur in key communities and along major highways between cities. Gas stations will be recommended to provide battery swapping as a service based on motorists' preferences. Approximately 100 Battery Swap Stations (BSS) are planned to be operational in the southern part of Sweden, creating the necessary density and showcasing the positive impact of battery swapping at multiple alternative locations for longer journeys without a large built-in battery.
The rollout of approximately 1300 battery swap units across the country will commence to establish comprehensive infrastructure. Given the historical proliferation of gas stations due to competition between operators, around 30 percent of existing stations are targeted for nationwide deployment of battery swap equipment, estimated to serve approximately 2 million electric vehicles.
Following this, the solution will be promoted in the remaining Nordic countries, encouraging OEM manufacturers to adapt more car models for battery swap services. Simultaneously, AEO will penetrate markets outside the Nordic region after demonstrating success in Sweden.
The first selected battery swap-compatible car model is the Hycan Z03, an SUV offering exceptional performance and quality comparable to current European premium cars but at half the price. Hycan is developed by GAC Motor Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd, a Fortune 500 company with 119,000 employees. Auto Energy One AB (publ) holds the Nordic rights for Hycan.