Robots to refuel electric cars in minutes

A fully-automated robotic battery swap service for electric cars is to be tested this month in Tokyo.

The technology is being pioneered by Better Place, a Californian company with plans to build a global infrastructure for electric cars.

The system enables the empty battery of a Renault Fluence Z.E to be exchanged for a fully-charged one in minutes.

The driver would pay a one-off fee or a monthly subscription for unlimited battery swaps.

Electric car range remains a fear

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The mass-market appeal of electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf and Renault Fluence Z.E promised for next year looks likely to be tested by long recharge times, for despite an endurance of at least 100 miles – far more than the distance driven each day by the average motorist – the overnight charge from a domestic supply required to replenish the batteries is enough to sustain widespread fearfulness about lack of range.”

Rapid-charge stations that can provide far more power than a household supply are can reduce electric vehicle ‘refill’ times, but even 20 minutes may prove too long when compared to the three-minute wait drivers are accustomed to.

Better Place has raised over £450m in investment in the past three years.