EV Company ACCIONA’s New Car Offers Swappable Batteries

In the last few years, the market for electric vehicles (EVs) has blossomed quite rapidly, leading to a wide range of new companies entering the sector, while existing “traditional” automakers are also investing heavily in electric cars and tech companies from outside the automobile industry are creating in-roads.

However, one challenge that has been hindering its adoption is that of charging anxiety.

Where internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles can fill up their tanks with gasoline in a matter of minutes, EVs can take hours to get fully charged. Additionally, limited charging infrastructure has been a further cause for concern.

To address these issues, EV companies and charging and battery manufacturers have been working to introduce new products and services.

This includes ABB launching a new powerful charger for fast charging, Korea’s KAIST building batteries capable of charging in mere seconds, Airbnb partnering with ChargePoint to install charging stations, while Mullen Automotive introduced a zero-emissions, all-electric mobile EV charging truck.

Now, Spanish EV maker ACCIONA, through its EV brand Silence, has launched a new car – NanoCar Silence S04 – that features removable batteries.

So, what is ACCIONA’s new EV all about? Let’s explore!
 

What Did ACCIONA Say About Its New NanoCar Silence S04?

 

• Through a news release published on its website, ACCIONA announced the market launch of its Silence S04 NanoCar, which is a light, 100% electric, four-wheeled, two-seater EV.

• Designed specifically for urban living, the S04 is currently available at Silence’s Flagship Stores in Madrid and Barcelona and can be bought from Silence’s existing network of dealerships across Europe.

• This includes distribution through automaker Nissan’s network in Italy and France (and other European countries from September), a partnership that was announced April-end, 2024.

• The EV comes in two models, L7e and L6e, which offer varied range, top speed, acceleration and pricing.

• Users can purchase the EV with two options: buy or rent batteries. Renting batteries reduces the purchase cost by up to 35% and comes with a €19.99 ($21.63) monthly fee with three battery swaps.

• With a starting price of €9,870 ($10,681) for the L6e model and €11,680 ($12,640) for the L7e model under subscription, purchasing a S04 comes cost reductions in the form of grants and tax deductions.

• The stand-out feature of the EV though, is its two removable and swappable batteries.

 

What’s Special About Silence S04’s Batteries?

 

• Silence S04 comes with two batteries that can be removed and charged at any domestic socket.

• Alternatively, they can be replaced at any of the 1,200 exchange points across 120 battery stations spread across major Spanish cities, while the company plans to expand to 160 stations and 1,600 points by the end of the year.

• The exchange of depleted batteries with charged ones can be executed in less than 30 seconds.

• S04 sports two removable lithium-ion batteries with 11.2kWh of total capacity (2x5.6kWh).

• The battery units are designed with a patented extraction system, allowing users to move them using a handle and retractable wheels, “which allow the battery to be transported as a trolley-type suitcase comfortably, easily and safely.”

• The EV’s batteries enable a very low operating and maintenance cost for users, which is further enhanced by other features the EV offers.

 

What Other Features Does Silence S04 Offer?

 

• The S04 measures 2.28 meters (7.48 feet) in length, 1.26 meters (4.13 feet) in width and 1.57 meters (5.15 feet) in height, characteristics that allow it to fit into the space occupied by one medium-sized car.

• The Silence S04 L7e model comes with a 14kW (19hp) electric motor (made of two 7kW motors), peak power of 22kW (29.9hp), a top speed of 85 kmph (53 mph) that can go from 0 to 50 kmph (31 mph) in less than 7 seconds.

• The S04 L6e model possesses identical battery power that hits a maximum speed of 45 kmph (28 mph) powered by two 3kW (8.1hp) motors that peak at 10.6kW (14.4hp).

• “In both models, the Silence S04 offers the highest levels of comfort, equipment, safety and technological features in its class.”

• The S04 offers three driving modes (Eco, City and Sport). Eco enables battery saving, City balances performance, consumption and speed, while Sport boosts the EV’s output and performance.

• Furthermore, it offers a load capacity of 247 liters (about 65.25 gal), air conditioning, LED headlights, disc brakes, a multifunction steering wheel, a TFT seven-inch digital screen, a Bluetooth audio system, a smartphone holder with an integrated charger and keyless access via Silence’s smartphone app.

 

What Does ACCIONA’s My Silence App Bring?

 

• ACCIONA’s My Silence app, which is compatible with iOS and Android, connects users with their vehicles.

• The app enables keyless access to the EVs, interior pre-conditioning functions, vehicle locating capabilities, alarm systems and friend-sharing services, which allows users to share the vehicle between individuals.

• It also allows users “to find out the remaining kilometers of range, the percentage of charge of the batteries and the savings in generated CO2 emissions, as well as to create routes.”

Do you think this move by ACCIONA will help it grow its market share? Do you think other EV makers need to adopt the swappable battery technique or do you think they should explore alternative methods of solving charger anxiety?

Let us know in the comments below!