Battery Swapping Is Finally Coming To The USA, Starting With Two Wheels

New York City is deploying 25 battery swapping stations for e-bikes by 2028 to enhance safety and convenience.

The New York City Department of Transportation, partnering with Swobbee and the US branch of SINBON, launched a pilot test of public battery swapping stations for e-bike delivery workers in 2024. This initiative addresses safety concerns highlighted by 30 deaths and 400 injuries linked to e-bike battery fires between 2022 and 2025, aiming to reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency.

The first station opened at City Hall Park in April, followed by approval for two locations on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in July. Installation of the full network is scheduled to begin early next year, with commissioning planned for 2028. Honda’s recent introduction of the ‘Honda Mobile Power Pack e:’ battery in the US also signals growing industry support for swappable battery technology. Meanwhile, Europe advances battery swapping for trucks under the Swaptopus initiative, with plans for over 30 stations by 2035.

Full Community Board hearings are set for July 15 to finalize station placements.

Although Montana is not directly involved, the state’s vast geography and rural economy might make battery swapping attractive for electric vehicle users facing long distances and limited charging infrastructure. If adopted, this technology could support Montana businesses by reducing charging times and enhancing electric mobility in a landscape where convenience and safety are paramount. Eventually conductive charging could replace both static charging as well as battery swapping.

Battery Swapping Is Finally Coming To The USA, Two Wheels At A Time
By Tina Casey, CleanTechnica