We addressed the incoming concept of battery standardization in e-mobility before, but we have not looked at the implications of this dynamic upgrade. Let’s hit a few touchpoints on the way to mass adoption. Consider how standard fuel types and service station availability kick-started and shaped the car sector. Apply those principles to urban mobility and connected services, where congestion and pollution are key constraints.
🔋 How Bikes and Light Vehicles Are Sold
Modular Battery Systems: Expect manufacturers to pivot toward modular, swappable battery packs that meet the standardized specs. Brands that have been locked into proprietary formats (looking at you, Bosch and Shimano) will likely develop cross-compatible batteries to stay relevant. We’ll see mergers or partnerships between battery manufacturers and bike brands to share R&D costs and exploit the new capabilities that come onstream (… seeing this already).
Interoperability as a Selling Point: Consumers will favor bikes with interchangeable batteries since they’ll have more options for swapping and replacement. Bike-sharing companies will jump on this; standardized batteries change the charging network concept (downtime) completely. Battery swapping stations (like motorway rest-stop culture) become a “thing.”
None of these ideas are cutting edge, but the core concept of “fuel” shapes how customers interact with their batteries. One of the key issues with batteries up to now has been range anxiety and bulk (weight and size), both of which are addressed with standardization. No manufacturers will favor bulk in a lean competitive process that favors agility, connectivity and circularity.
🔋 Battery Swapping and Charging Infrastructure
Rise of Battery Swapping Stations:: Standardization will make it viable to establish urban swapping networks, similar to what Gogoro did with scooters. Service Standardization: Maintenance centers will carry standard diagnostic and servicing tools, reducing downtime and repair costs. Third-party servicing companies will thrive as they no longer need to stock dozens of unique parts.
Municipalities will be more willing to invest, knowing that infrastructure won’t become obsolete with every new model. Economies of scale will reduce battery costs, making replacements more affordable. Charging and swapping networks will expand as local authorities gain confidence in the longevity of the infrastructure.
Fleet Management Benefits: Fleet operators (like e-cargo bike companies) will centralize their charging and swapping facilities, cutting logistics costs and downtime. Expect Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) models to expand, where users lease higher powered batteries or special use case “power packs,” instead of owning those outright.
Research from the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) shows that 60% of e-bike maintenance costs are battery-related.
ECF – European Cyclists Federation
