Tesla Will Launch A Battery-Swapping Program
As time goes by, electric car naysayers see their arguments dwindle. Modern electric cars are easy to use, boast an adequate range, and, in the case of the Tesla Model S, are faster than a lot of sport cars. However, one of the arguments that often comes up is recharge time: even with Tesla’s Supercharger recharge stations, topping up the battery in your Model S can take up to an hour.
The Californian manufacturer will start testing out a system in Harris Ranch, California that could solve this problem: battery-swapping.
In theory, a Model S could roll up to a swapping station, and 3 minutes later, drive out with a new, fully-charged battery in it. This operation will cost about as much as a full tank of fuel in a sedan, though Tesla hopes it will cost less in the future. For those who are not in a hurry, the regular Supercharger stations will remain free.
As a reminder, Elon Musk showed us how Tesla planned to change batteries underneath a Model S in less than 30 seconds. However, after a recent problem where debris that hit the underside of the car could create a fire hazard, Tesla added a titanium plate under their cars. Said plate takes time to remove, which is why the process is now longer.