Fiat Begins Battery Swapping Pilot In Madrid For 500e Electric Vehicles

The pilot started in the second half of 2024 with 40 Fiat 500e vehicles. These vehicles are fitted with Ample’s modular battery packs. The number of vehicles is expected to reach 100 by mid-2025. Madrid was selected because of its EV usage and emission reduction goals.

Ample’s battery stations detect vehicles that support the system. Drivers use a mobile app to start the battery swap. The process takes under five minutes. The modular batteries replace standard EV batteries and are made to work with different vehicle models, including those in the Stellantis group.

Fiat and Stellantis, through Free2move Charge, are collecting operational data during the pilot. This includes battery use, vehicle availability and swap station performance. The data will help decide whether to expand the system to other markets or vehicles.

Stellantis Ventures will show a demonstration of the Ample battery-swapping system at MOVE 2025, a transport and mobility event, on June 18–19 at ExCeL London.

Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, said, “At FIAT, we are committed to sustainable mobility. Guided by lateral thinking and a focus on simplicity, this new battery swapping technology reflects these values. It significantly reduces the fear of depleting battery mid-trip and dramatically cuts recharge time, delivering a seamless and effortless experience for drivers. We are dedicated to thoroughly testing and analysing this concept in real-world conditions and aiming to expand it to private customers soon. That is why we believe deeply in this project and have chosen our iconic Fiat 500 to spearhead the initiative. It will provide invaluable insights for both our brand and the Group as we shape the future of mobility."