SBMC - standardisation progress and EU Commission discussions
More than 25 companies gathered at the Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC) "stakeholders meeting" at EICMA in November 2022.
"The international motorcycle exhibition provided an excellent forum for it, with many new models of electric Powered Two-Wheelers being showcased.
"SBMC welcomed representatives of various European institutions, including Thierry Legrand (Account Manager Mobility at the CEN-CENELEC) and. Cesar Santos Gil (Policy Officer for Circular Economy Unit at DG ENVI) who took part in the meeting and contributed to the discussions.
"Light vehicles are especially suitable for compact and low-voltage batteries. Nowadays, most scooters and motorcycles used for daily commuting are within the so-called 50 cc and 125 cc category and have a performance range to a maximum of 11 kW.
"SBMC will emphasize a reference battery which will bear an energy mark up to 2 kWh, enabling a relatively low weight per battery pack - below 12 kg and relative handling dimensions. With a 48 volt solution, these batteries are easy to handle and are classified as low-voltage equipment (voltage class A limits) in terms of European regulation. This makes it safe and user-friendly for riders to swap, store and recharge.
"The objective of SBMC is ensuring that batteries can be exchanged among different brands and types. Thus, swapping stations will be one of the key focus areas of the initiative. To make it safe and convenient for users, electrical, mechanical and safety requirements are addressed too and will be in line with existing and upcoming European and international regulations".
To allow freedom of design on one hand and to guarantee interoperability on the other hand, only the essential battery parameters will be standardised. SBMC is concentrating on subjects such as geometry, mechanical fixing and connectors and is finalising the identification of the last relevant items.
As a next step, SBMC says it will carefully take into account considerations related to the connectivity of the battery and its infrastructure, as well as cybersecurity.
In line with potential legal requirements, originating from upcoming EU battery regulations, communication parameters and state machine architecture will be standardised to guarantee interoperability.
