Since 2022, we have been working on our pilot project developed in collaboration with Uruguay Innovation Hub (UIH) and Newlab, the US platform focused on generating open innovation projects. Swapy, as it has been called, has designed a sustainable mobility solution to meet the mobility needs of quick commerce, also known as last-mile fast deliveries. It is a system of electric scooters with interchangeable batteries and battery exchange points scattered around the city. It seeks to promote the transition of delivery workers to electric scooters, eliminating the main barriers that exist: the low autonomy of electric scooters, battery charging time and the high cost of electric vehicles.
The official launch took place at Newlab's Pilot Showcase, which was held at the UIH Innovation Campus at LATU. With the presence of the Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining, Elisa Facio; the National Director of Industries, Susana Pecoy; the CEO of Newlab, Cam Lawrence; and other prominent figures, the six innovation pilots that emerged within the framework of Newlab were exhibited. The projects contribute to the decarbonization of the planet through innovation applied to industry, with a focus on materials, mobility, energy, robotics and logistics.
What does Swapy offer?
Its main differential is the possibility of changing the batteries of an electric motorcycle in less than a minute, which allows delivery drivers to replace their discharged batteries with fully charged ones, providing unlimited autonomy and reducing the downtime of deliveries. Swapy's service provides access to the exchange network in Montevideo, available 24 hours a day at ANCAP service stations. In addition, the project has a proprietary software platform that includes an end-user application and a network management tool for Swapy or the companies that use it.
From the app, the exchange mechanism is also managed. The user can see in real time the availability of batteries and the location of each exchange point. He can reserve a battery at the location he prefers and, upon arrival, he scans a QR code, identifies himself and a locker opens where he deposits his used battery and immediately, the system allows him to take another fully charged battery.
Another advantage of electric motorcycles is that, because they have fewer parts and are simpler than an internal combustion motorcycle, they require less maintenance and repairs, which translates into less downtime and lower maintenance costs. In addition, Swapy offers the 'Swapy Care' package, a subscription that provides a number of additional benefits, such as the option of replacement in case of breakdowns, with the aim of maximizing the vehicle's availability for the task at a minimum cost.
When will the project be operational?
Swapy will enter the pre-sales phase this September, and it is expected that by November the bikes will be on the road in Montevideo. The initial fleet will include some 80 NIU-branded bikes. The bikes offer the possibility of using one or two batteries, reaching a minimum range of 70 km in the first case and 110 km using two batteries, although with proper management it can be even greater. The motorcycles have real-time telemetry, which makes it possible to know their location, lock the motorcycle, turn it off or sound the alarm, all remotely. For delivery workers, telemetry is especially beneficial, as they face the risk of theft on a daily basis. The exchange stations in this first phase will be located at strategic points in the southern part of Montevideo, covering a wide area of the city. The project is supported by PedidosYa, a strategic partner for reaching Swapy's target audience. It also has the backing of REIF, ANII, Ancap, UTE and, of course, Newlab.
To learn more or request information, you can visit the website, cambiateaswapy.com or communicate through social networks:
