The background is a cooperation with the startup e-Mobility Leases, whose compact EVs with exchangeable batteries are used for the ‘Kaufland Delivers’ service. The partnership has been operating for a while, with the primary station in Bucharest opening in September 2023. Up to now, nonetheless, the service has been restricted to the capital, however is now increasing to different cities. The brand new battery trade stations will probably be put in within the automobile parks of ten Kaufland retailers in Constanța, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Brașov, and Timișoara by the top of the 12 months.
Nevertheless, the e-Mobility Leases stations aren’t massive, garage-like swap stations, like Nios Energy Swap Stations. That’s as a result of e-Mobility Leases makes use of small electrical automobiles. The swap batteries are thus transportable, and the stations are just like the idea provided by corporations equivalent to Gogoro. The batteries are saved and charged in a cupboard. When required, the compartment is opened with an appropriate, absolutely charged battery and the empty battery from the automobile is related for charging.
Kaufland needs to ship orders over brief and medium distances. Small automobiles with small batteries are ample for these distances. Nevertheless, the stations within the automobile parks aren’t unique to Kaufland however may also be utilized by different clients of e-Mobility Leases within the cities. Meals supply corporations and different supermarkets with supply providers apparently use the service. The startup presently operates twelve stations, all situated in Bucharest and Constanța.
“After launching the primary nationwide community of charging stations for electrical automobiles in 2016, Kaufland Romania continues the sequence of partnerships for extra sustainability. By internet hosting Battery Swap stations in our automobile parks, we goal to assist scale back the affect on the surroundings,” says Valer Hancaș, Director of Communications and Company Affairs at Kaufland Romania. “We’re blissful to have the ability to help e-Mobility Leases in increasing the progressive ecosystem primarily based on fast battery change, together with within the nation, and facilitate new deliveries utilizing inexperienced transport for our clients.”
“With Kaufland’s help, we are able to supply an progressive and inexperienced possibility for native or regional communities and companies,” explains Alexandru Slavu, COO of e-Mobility Leases. The startup plans to develop its providing to areas equivalent to ridesharing, retail and automobile fleets sooner or later and enter into additional partnerships to this finish.
romania-insider.com, automotive-today.ro, kaufland.ro