Kaufland Romania to Install Battery Exchange Stations for Electric Vehicles
Supermarket chain Kaufland Romania is set to introduce battery exchange stations for electric vehicles (EVs) at ten of its locations by the end of this year. These stations are designed for small electric vehicles rather than larger EVs, primarily to support Kaufland's own delivery service.
The initiative stems from a partnership with startup e-Mobility Rentals, which supplies compact electric vehicles with swappable batteries for Kaufland's "Kaufland Delivers" service. The collaboration began with the opening of the first station in Bucharest in September 2023. Initially limited to the capital, the service is now expanding to other cities. By the end of the year, battery exchange stations will be installed at Kaufland stores in Constanța, Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Brașov, and Timișoara.
These e-Mobility Rentals stations are smaller than the large garage-like swap stations used by companies such as Nio. Instead, they follow a more compact concept similar to Gogoro, where small, portable batteries are stored and charged in cabinets. When needed, users can swap an empty battery for a fully charged one by opening a compartment, making the process quick and convenient.
Kaufland's aim is to support deliveries over short and medium distances using small electric vehicles with smaller batteries. The battery exchange stations in the parking lots will be available to other e-Mobility Rentals customers as well, including food delivery companies and other retailers. Currently, e-Mobility Rentals operates twelve stations, primarily in Bucharest and Constanța.
"After launching Romania's first national network of EV charging stations in 2016, Kaufland Romania continues to focus on sustainability through partnerships like this," said Valer Hancaș, Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Kaufland Romania. "By hosting battery swap stations, we aim to reduce environmental impact and support the growth of green transport options."
Alexandru Slavu, COO of e-Mobility Rentals, added, "With Kaufland's backing, we can provide innovative, eco-friendly solutions for local businesses and communities. Our goal is to expand further into areas like ridesharing, retail, and vehicle fleets as we grow."
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electrive.com, romania-insider.com, automotive-today.ro, kaufland.ro