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Battery exchange kiosks for electric scooters roll into Taiwan

April 23, 2014

ATM-sized self-service battery-exchange kiosks are being rolled out in Taiwan by Kentfa Advanced Technology Corp. The batteries are for use in Kentfa's Isuda City Cruiser electric scooters.

Kentfa, which already operates larger exchange centers for electric batteries, intends to place the new smaller kiosks in locations such as convenience stores, supermarkets and scooter shops, according to a company video.

The battery exchange kiosks hold 15 batteries and accept PIN-protected prepaid smart cards. A touchscreen on the kiosk allows customers to select their battery exchange options. Depleted batteries are placed inside slots in the kiosk to be recharged and recycled. The machine then releases replacement charged batteries.

The screen shows the amount of power used by the batteries, the charge for used electricity and the remaining balance on the prepaid card.

Users of electric batteries were faced with the problem of lengthy recharge time and the high cost of replacing batteries, Kentfa said in the video. The mini kiosks, with their quick exchange process, solve both problems, the company said.

Battery replacement and maintenance is handled by local service companies and manufacturers.

Kentfa has installed 30 battery exchange kiosks in Taiwan's second city, Kaohsiung, and 500 people have signed up for the scheme since its launch in August 2013, reports The GreenCarWebsite.

Watch the Kentfa video posted to YouTube, below: