[Ecosystem] Two-Wheelers and BSS(Battery Swapping Station)
May 24, 2024 | SEOUL
DRIMAES product mentioned within these articles are offered by DRIMAES, Inc.
Electric Two-Wheelers and BSS: Opening New Horizons for Future Mobility
The paradigm of urban transportation is rapidly changing, driven by various environmental factors. Since the rapid growth of the domestic delivery industry post-COVID-19, electric two-wheelers have begun to spread, emerging as key players in the future of eco-friendly micro-mobility.
Electric two-wheelers, as ubiquitous as cars on the road and present in every moment we receive food through delivery apps, are actively being promoted by both businesses and governments to address environmental issues arising from the activation of various forms of mobility. The current market for electric two-wheelers is gradually expanding, replacing internal combustion engine motorcycles. Let’s dig into the ecosystem of electric two-wheelers, which boast advantages such as reducing greenhouse gases, decreasing air pollution, and mitigating noise pollution.
According to the Korea Smart e-Mobility Association, the domestic market size for electric two-wheelers was KRW 53.2 billion in 2021, more than doubling from KRW 22.5 billion in 2019. Sales volume also increased from 12,003 units in 2019 to 18,072 units in 2021. However, battery charging issues still pose a hurdle to the widespread adoption of electric two-wheelers. The key solution to overcoming this challenge and ushering in the era of electric two-wheelers is the Battery Swapping Station (BSS).
BSS: Unlocking New Possibilities for Electric Two-Wheelers
While electric two-wheelers are recognized as the optimal choice for eco-friendly mobility, it is true that usability inconveniences arise from battery charging time and driving range issues. This is where the Battery Swapping Station (BSS) infrastructure system comes into play. BSS allows users to swap their depleted battery for a fully charged one, much like refueling at a gas station. The biggest advantage is the simplicity and speed of this process.
The features of utilizing BSS are as follows:
📌 Ultra-fast Charging: Batteries can be swapped quickly in just 2-3 minutes, significantly reducing charging time.
📌 Secured Driving Range: With spare batteries available, users can drive freely for the desired distance, greatly alleviating the inconvenience of limited driving range.
📌 Low Operating Costs: The cost of battery replacement can be covered by service fees, significantly reducing operating costs for both users and operators.
With the spread of electric two-wheelers, the importance of Battery Swapping Stations (BSS) has also increased significantly. Previous BSS systems had limitations, such as the lack of a separate display to intuitively check battery status and reliance on manager servers or LED indicators to determine battery charge status. To address these inconveniences, DRIMAES has been conducting various collaborations and research to develop and supply a new BSS HMI (Human-Machine Interface) solution.
Efficient Data Management Through Local PC
DRIMAES’ BSS solution prioritizes user experience improvement. Traditional BSS systems lacked displays, providing a non-intuitive user experience where battery chargers or status had to be checked through manager servers or LEDs. To resolve this, the new HMI focuses on allowing the BMS (Battery Management System) status to be remotely checked locally via a local PC, making it easier to intuitively monitor the station’s status.
By installing displays, stations can be easily set up, and battery information can be readily managed and checked. Additionally, with the primary data collection occurring at the local PC, which then selectively sends data to the server, data transmission costs and efficiency are significantly improved.
BSS: Poised to Become the Core Infrastructure of Future Urban Transportation
Electric two-wheelers and BSS are key elements in revolutionizing individual transportation modes and creating a sustainable future for urban mobility. Although the domestic BSS market is growing rapidly, many challenges remain. The number of BSS installations nationwide lags behind the spread of electric two-wheelers. Compatibility issues also arise from the lack of standardized batteries. To address these, various players, from major battery manufacturers to small and medium enterprises, are working together to enhance the use of standard batteries and the compatibility of BSS batteries.
BSS systems are already being adopted in major cities worldwide, and the related industry is rapidly growing. BSS with advanced HMI systems is expected to play a significant role in the activation of the electric two-wheeler market in the future. To facilitate the eco-friendly transition of micro-mobility and increase operational efficiency, DRIMAES is committed to creating a sustainable, eco-friendly future that everyone can enjoy through the standardization of BSS batteries, continuous government support, and close cooperation among stakeholders.
