As we usher in early November 2023, it's easy to wonder what the Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC) has been up to. The SBMC, established in 2021 by the collaborative efforts of Honda, KTM, Piaggio Group, and Yamaha, was created with the aim of formulating standardized solutions for battery swapping on electric motorcycles. In a world increasingly focused on the electrification of various forms of transportation, including two-wheelers, the timing couldn't have been more fitting.

Since its inception, the SBMC has, at times, maintained a low profile, occasionally offering updates on its progress. These updates have often revolved around the addition of new members to its cause, with a notable pause in major announcements since early 2021. However, this period of relative silence doesn't mean the SBMC has been idle. On the contrary, the consortium has been diligently working behind the scenes, making significant strides in shaping the future of electric motorcycles.

Throughout 2022, the SBMC has witnessed a surge in membership and engaged in the refinement of technical specifications among its constituents. During this time, the SBMC reached a significant milestone by creating its very first swappable battery prototypes, developed in collaboration with two carefully selected suppliers. These prototypes played a pivotal role in the ongoing process of specification validation and refinement.

While the initial prototypes were vital for the early stages of specification testing, the SBMC has set its sights on the future. In 2024, a second phase of prototyping is scheduled, aimed at creating new prototypes designed for field trial testing. The consortium is poised to conduct these trials in partnership with battery manufacturers, swapping station providers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

In addition to these on-the-ground activities, the SBMC has been actively engaged in discussions with both European and international standardization bodies concerning critical issues related to swappable battery development for motorcycles. These discussions extend to the increasingly pertinent subjects of cybersecurity and data protection, reflecting the consortium's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of future electric motorcycle technologies.

As of November 3, 2023, the SBMC boasts an impressive roster of 32 member companies. This includes the core founding members: Honda, Piaggio Group, Yamaha, and Forsee Power, as well as a diverse array of regular members, such as Ampace, CFMoto, Dell’Orto, Greenway, Hyba, Infineon, ITRI, Kawasaki, Keeway, KTM, Kymco, LG Energy Solution, Mitsuba, NIU, Polaris, Quantum Volts, Samsung SDI, Segway-Ninebot, Sinbon, Smobery, Sumitomo Electric, Suzuki, Swobbee, Triumph, VeNetWork SpA, Vitesco Technologies, Voltaira, and Yamaichi Electronics.

The SBMC is gearing up for a significant presence at EICMA 2023, where it intends to meet with those who wish to delve deeper into the organization's mission, its accomplishments to date, and its future aspirations. Furthermore, SBMC delegates actively participated in a technical specification discussion in Tokyo, Japan, in early October 2023, and another meeting is planned for April 2024 in Turin, Italy, reflecting the consortium's global outlook and its ongoing efforts to drive innovation and standardization within the electric motorcycle industry.

The Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium has been steadily building momentum and establishing itself as a driving force in the electrification of two-wheelers. While the path to standardization and the widespread adoption of swappable battery technology may be a long and challenging one, the SBMC's tireless efforts and collaborations are setting the stage for a promising future where electric motorcycles become a practical and eco-friendly choice for riders worldwide.