Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer Kymco, a leading global player in the production of motorcycles, scooters, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), has unveiled a significant expansion to its Ionex platform for swappable battery electric vehicles.
As the years have passed, KYMCO has continued to evolve its Ionex technology, deploying hundreds of battery-swap stations across Taiwan, its domestic market, and offering a diverse range of electric scooters tailored to suit local needs.
Ionex operates a membership-based platform, allowing customers to acquire its electric scooters while paying for battery replacement services rather than purchasing batteries upfront, similar to prominent main battery-swapping companies.
Batteries often prove to be the most expensive component in electric vehicles, making this innovative setup a game-changer for reducing the upfront cost of EVs.
Battery swapping, while challenging for full-size electric vehicles, has proven to be a viable option for smaller EVs like motorcycles, where batteries can be easily lifted and exchanged by hand.
Now, KYMCO is poised to make a significant impact in the battery-swapping market by expanding its Ionex offerings. Here is the rewritten text: Or, to put it accurately, it’s showcasing three key takeaways – ones we were able to witness firsthand at the 2023 EICMA Milan Bike Show just last week.
I’ve observed KYMCO’s updates up close through the accompanying video.
We are pleased to announce the launch of Ionex’s pioneering “Battery-as-a-Service Solution” for energy companies seeking to offer battery-as-a-service (BaaS) solutions to their customers.
KYMCO has unveiled an innovative development in the electric vehicle sector with the announcement of a Battery Metering Unit (BMU) that could empower third-party car manufacturers to produce EVs powered by the Ionex Widespread Battery, a pioneering battery technology designed specifically for KYMCO’s Ionex platform.
The third major announcement is the launch of Ionex Power Station, a core component in the battery swap model, designed to meet the needs of third-party network operators through its swapping kiosk facility.
Ionex Battery-as-a-Service Resolution
Kymco is expanding its ecosystem to enable power companies to offer battery-as-a-service solutions by integrating their Ionex Wide-range Battery and Ionex Operating System, allowing for seamless energy storage and management capabilities.
With hundreds of thousands of battery swaps successfully executed within its Taiwanese home market, KYMCO is poised to empower utilities to integrate this technology into their systems.
Energy companies can potentially equip their existing locations, akin to gas stations, with the capability to swap out and charge batteries alongside offering car charging from the same kiosk.
“The Ionex Battery-as-a-Service model not only accelerates electric vehicle adoption but also redefines the business,” said Ken Ma, President of MEV at Ampace, a joint venture between ATL and CATL. “EVE Power’s Ionex Battery-as-a-Service enables energy companies to focus on crafting top-tier battery solutions specifically tailored to the demands of all-electric motorcycle enthusiasts,” said Vincent Wong, Senior Vice President.
What sets Ionex apart from other battery monitoring solutions is its seamless integration with production lines. By incorporating our advanced metering technology into your manufacturing process, you’ll gain real-time visibility into the performance of every battery leaving the factory floor. This means you can identify and address any issues early on, reducing waste and ensuring higher quality products for your customers.
What’s more, our battery metering units are designed to withstand even the toughest production environments, so you don’t have to worry about them failing or requiring constant maintenance. With Ionex, you’ll enjoy greater control over your manufacturing process and improved overall efficiency.
Introducing the Ionex Battery Metering Unit (BMU), a groundbreaking innovation poised to revolutionize the industry by empowering third-party original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to seamlessly integrate electrical scooters and bicycles equipped with Ionex batteries.
The BMU functions as a repository of magical energy, allowing various manufacturers to accelerate their vehicle development processes by leveraging Ionex’s specialized knowledge in powering automobiles.
As defined by the corporation, the BMU accurately monitors real-time battery utilization, offering a Web of Autos (IoV) management interface that enables seamless connectivity between the vehicle and rider through the Ionex Consumer App, effectively transforming the rider’s mobile phone into a keyless entry device for enhanced car control. Equipped with cutting-edge innovations, this device boasts seamless Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware updates and robust financial-grade encryption for secure knowledge transmission, a testament to its forward-thinking design in line with the most advanced electrical standards.
Ionex Power Stations capable of rapid deployment?
The Ionex Power Station is a innovative battery-swapping kiosk developed by the company, designed not only to charge but also deploy batteries for seamless swapping and electric vehicle recharging capabilities. The cloud-connected system offers a range of sizes, from compact mini-stations featuring just five battery bays to larger units catering to diverse needs.
With seamless compatibility, Ionex’s charging stations are ready to accommodate a wide range of BMU-equipped electric vehicles, fostering a diverse fleet of EVs operating on the platform.
Last summer, news emerged about KYMCO’s collaboration with PTT, a prominent Thai energy company, which has led to the rollout of Ionex charging stations across Thailand.
As the managing director of Arun Plus, the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem flagship of PTT, Ekachai Yimsakul outlined:
The Ionex Power Station offers a comprehensive solution to establish battery-swapping networks, catering specifically to the needs of electric motorcycle enthusiasts. As a linchpin in our quest to become the world’s premier energy provider during this electric age, it plays a fundamentally essential role.
Although KYMCO isn’t the only player in the battery-swapping scooter game, the company has made significant progress over the past few years. With a rapidly expanding customer base and a national presence established, Ionex has proven itself as a platform worthy of attention and regulation.
