Efficiency and cycle potentials of battery systems in e-mobility Comparative analysis of fully integrated and swappable battery systems

E-mobility is a major trend in the mobility sector. Compared to the fossil combustion engine and other alternatives such as hydrogen or e-fuels, it offers significant ecological advantages. Therefore, it is – besides a significant reduction in private motorized transport – a central component of the mobility transition. The critical vehicle component in e-mobility in terms of raw materials and energy consumption is the traction battery. For economic, ecological and social reasons, it is particularly important that the resources are used as efficiently as possible. So far, the focus in electromobility has been on fully integrated batteries. Swappable battery systems are still in their early stages in Germany.

Based on a survey of around 2,000 users and an analysis of the impacts on batteries, vehicle design, and infrastructure, it was shown that swappable battery systems can address several key challenges of electromobility. They offer solutions to various obstacles that users currently associate with electromobility, such as limited range. They also reduce peak loads in the power grid and enable older vehicles to be retrofitted with modern battery technologies, thereby facilitating a circular economy. However, swappable battery systems require a high initial investment, extensive standardization measures and adjustments to the vehicle design.

Economically, swappable battery systems and conventionally integrated battery systems have advantages and disadvantages. While charging stations are currently more profitable, business models such as “battery-as-a-service” – i.e., leasing batteries – could increase the profitability of exchangeable batteries. The regional economic effects are higher for charging stations in the production phase, but significantly lower in the operating phase.

Ecologically, the emissions and resource consumption of both concepts are comparable. Swappable batteries, however, offer potential resource savings as batteries can be tailored to mobility needs, and their standardization enables more efficient recycling processes.