Shell PH explores deployment of advanced battery-swapping tech for 2- and 3-wheeled EVs

MANILA: Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation inked a strategic agreement with energy infrastructure and service provider Sun Mobility. The partnership aims to use the advanced battery-swapping technology of Sun Mobility in the country for two- and three-wheel electric vehicles.

Pilipinas Shell and Sun Mobility supports the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) that promotes sustainable mobility in the country. The objective of the partnership is to speed up the adoption of electric vehicles in the Philippines through practical solutions. Through this partnership, select Shell Mobility stations will be equipped with Swap Points that leverage interoperable battery-swapping technology consisting of Smart Batteries, Quick Interchange Stations, and Smart Network. This pilot project will allow two- and three-wheel electric vehicles to swap batteries in less than two minutes. According to Pilipinas Shell, the project will begin within the first half of 2023.

“Shell is happy to work with both the private and public sectors to develop solutions that will decarbonize mobility and transport. Both two-wheel and three-wheel electric vehicles are projected to be a major use case for logistics companies and other fleet operators in the coming decades, and this pilot deployment aims to test the feasibility of smart battery swapping services and technology for the Philippine B2B use case. We are also happy to receive support from our government agencies to test these new technologies and solutions,” Pilipinas Shell E-Mobility and Innovations Manager Jolo Valdez stated.

“The pilot deployment and its success will definitely be a pathfinder for similar technologies and solutions in the EV space,” Department of Energy – Energy Utilization Management Bureau (DOE-EUMB) Director Patrick Aquino stated. “We hope these new solutions will encourage more businesses and drivers to switch to electric vehicles.”

Meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Innovation Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba acknowledged the pilot deployment of Sun Mobility and Shell as “a pioneer for smart battery swapping in the Philippines.”

In July 2022, Pilipinas Shell launched an ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging station at Shell Mamplasan in Laguna. The ultra-rapid 180kW charger is powered by 100% renewable energy and can charge an electric vehicle to optimal battery levels in less than 30 minutes.

Pilipinas Shell also launched its nature-based Carbon Offset Offer which allows customers to voluntarily offset carbon emissions from their vehicles with credits from Shell’s reforestation projects around the world.

“SUN Mobility is proud to collaborate with Pilipinas Shell to explore the mass adoption of EVs across the region, starting with the Philippines. In the future, we intend to bring our industry-leading technology along with our substantial on-ground experience after having deployed 250+ Swap Points in 18 cities across India, powering over 55 million km and ~3 million swaps so far.” Sun Mobility Co-Founder and Executive Director Ajay Goel stated.

During the signing ceremony, Pilipinas Shell Vice President and General Manager for Mobility Randy Del Valle reaffirmed the fuel company’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in the Philippines. “We are already a global leader in the EV space, and we are optimistic that working with Sun Mobility will unlock practical, economical, and convenient EV solutions specific to the needs of the Philippine market,” he said.

Photos from Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation

Also read: Renewable energy will power Shell Mamplasan