The Operation Characters and Applicability of Battery-Swapping Mode Electric Taxi

摘要

Under the national strategy for vehicle development in China, the battery-swapping mode is considered a new alternative for electric vehicles due to its advantage of rapid charging and has been used as taxis in several cities. This study aims to analyze the operating characteristics of battery-swapping electric taxis as well as battery swapping stations and evaluate the applicability of battery-swapping electric vehicles being used as taxis. The operation mileage, swap times, electric fees, and efficiency of swapping stations are analyzed according to the actual operational data of more than 300 vehicles and 52 stations in Beijing, Xiamen, and Guangzhou. The results show the battery-swapping mode electric taxis have reached a competitive level of efficiency compared to traditional taxis. Policies are suggested in this paper. This research will support governments and taxi companies in science-based decision-making when adopting the battery-swapping mode according to their local conditions.