Fiat has launched a pilot program in Madrid in collaboration with technology firm Ample and mobility provider Free2move to test battery-swapping technology for electric vehicles. The initiative features a dedicated fleet of Fiat 500e models equipped with Ample’s modular battery system, aiming to reduce vehicle downtime by enabling full battery replacement in under five minutes.
The project marks an effort to address common barriers to EV adoption, such as long charging times and limited infrastructure. The pilot includes a single battery-swapping station in Madrid, where the integrated system automatically replaces depleted batteries with fully charged units. The fleet is currently in operation and is expected to expand to 100 vehicles by mid-2025.
“This technology addresses the fear of depleting the battery mid-trip and eliminates the waiting time for a full charge,” said Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and Stellantis Global CMO.
Drivers use a mobile app to initiate the battery-swap process, which is designed for automation and minimal human intervention. Once recognized by the station, the vehicle undergoes a battery exchange that allows for immediate continued use. The system is intended to complement existing EV infrastructure, particularly for fleet operations and urban use cases.
Madrid was selected for the trial due to its active promotion of sustainable transportation and plans to reduce emissions by 65% by 2030. Spain is also aiming to have 5.5 million electric vehicles on the road within the next decade.
Stellantis Ventures, the investment unit of Fiat’s parent company, plans to showcase the system at MOVE 2025, a mobility-focused industry event in London, to highlight its potential applications across broader vehicle platforms.