Europe's first battery switch station unveiled in Denmark

In preparation for commercial launch later this year, Better Place has unveiled the company's first battery switch station in Europe at an event in Gladsaxe, just outside Copenhagen.
January 27, 2012 Read time: 2 mins

In preparation for commercial launch later this year, 170 Better Place has unveiled the company’s first battery switch station in Europe at an event in Gladsaxe, just outside Copenhagen. The station, which showcased the company’s battery switch technology, switching a 2453 Renault Fluence Z.E., is the first of 20 stations to be deployed across the country over the next nine months as part of the company’s nationwide network of charging infrastructure that will launch later this year in partnership with Dong Energy and more than 45 municipalities.

“Today marks a significant milestone for the partnership between Better Place and Renault. Together we are unlocking the full potential of electric cars, giving them virtually unlimited range because they no longer have to wait hours to charge. Danish consumers are poised to lead the transition to a more sustainable transportation model,” said Henrik Bang, Renault Denmark.

The battery switch experience is a simple, fully-automated process that together with the Renault Fluence ZE gives drivers the autonomy of unlimited range. Customers simply swipe their membership card, which authenticates the car and subscription via the Operations Centre to activate the switch. The rest of the process is automated, similar to going through a car wash, so the driver never has to leave the car. In just a few minutes, a robotic arm removes the depleted battery and replaces it with a full one and the driver is back on the road.

Related Content

  • January 31, 2012
    North America's first public-use quick-charge station for EVs opens
    Portland General Electric, Oregon’s largest utility, and NEC Corporation, a leading network, communications and information technology company, have opened North America’s first public-use, quick-charge station for electric vehicles.
    Read More
  • January 31, 2012
    North America's first public-use quick-charge station for EVs opens
    Portland General Electric, Oregon’s largest utility, and NEC Corporation, a leading network, communications and information technology company, have opened North America’s first public-use, quick-charge station for electric vehicles.
    Read More
  • February 18, 2014
    Europe lagging behind on standard ESC deployment
    According to Frost & Sullivan, the European Electronic Stability Control (ESC) market is expected to reach a market value of close to US$2.7 billion by 2020. Among the various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), it is the upper tiers in the pyramid that attract maximum fitment rates, with the German big three claiming close to 100 per cent fitment across the eight segments they cater to. ESC is the most dominant enabler for active and passive safety technologies. Built into a car, it is crucial to a
    Read More
  • January 9, 2018
    Authorities switch on to all electric buses as costs tumble
    Alan Dron looks at changes in bus propulsion as cities look to improve air quality and seek to reduce maintenance costs. Despite the ending of various incentives to adopt alternative fuels, the introduction of electric buses by US transit authorities is picking up speed as performance improves, costs drop and air quality considerations become increasingly significant. More US bus manufacturers are introducing zero-emission models and some recent contracts will see many more passengers getting their first
    Read More

Highlighted Content