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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • EU Commissioner Violeta Bulc launches European Mobility Week
    September 16, 2015
    European Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc will today inaugurate a series of sustainable transport activities at the launch of European Mobility Week, which takes place from 16 to 22 September at the European Parliament. Speaking ahead of the launch event, Bulc said: “European Mobility Week is a reminder that each and every one of us can make a difference. If we choose to walk or cycle more, to favour collective or public transport or to combine these sustainable modes, Europe as a whole can reap c
    Read More
  • Smart parking key to sustainable urban mobility
    April 26, 2013
    Smart parking looks like a market poised to take off in the US. It could bring many benefits, not just for parking facility operators and their customers but also for society as a whole. Steven Bayless, senior director, telecommunications and telematics at ITS America, looks at some of the opportunities and challenges involved. Parking is an estimated $24-25 billion industry in the US and although highly fragmented, it is experiencing a growing trend towards consolidation and outsourcing of parking operatio
    Read More
  • Pioneering sensors collect weather data from moving vehicles
    January 20, 2012
    ITS International contributing editor David Crawford foresees the vehicle as 'sentinel being'
    Read More
  • PBSC Urban Solutions deploys electric bikes in Barcelona
    September 27, 2018
    PBSC Urban Solutions will make 1,000 Boost electric pedal-assist bikes available in Barcelona in 2019. The company says the bikes are easy to ride across longer distances, up steeper hills and against stronger headwinds. The deployment is part of an agreement with infrastructure operator Ferrovial and will also include 6,000 Iconic bikes. PBSC chief executive Luc Sabbatini says the partnership aims to promote the use of ‘hybrid bike-sharing’ technology as a convenient option for daily commuting. PBSC w
    Read More

Highlighted Content