The potential of EV battery-swapping in developing countries: China’s use case as a baseline for sub-saharan Africa

• Battery swapping via a Battery-as-a-Service model reduces EV purchase costs and cuts range anxiety and downtime for fleets in SSA. • Drawing on China’s >2 100 swap stations, policy support and investment can industrialize battery swapping in SSA. • Adaptation for SSA should focus on high-use fleets like motorcycle taxis and minibuses to prove economic viability. • Integrate battery swapping into national policy with fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, public-private partnerships and blended finance. • Foster local value creation through battery assembly, recycling and renewable energy integration for environmental and energy security. The global automotive sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the imperative to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) and mitigate carbon emissions. Within this evolving landscape, EV battery-swapping technology is gaining prominence as a compelling alternative to conventional charging paradigms. This technology offers tangible solutions to critical adoption barriers, such as extended charging durations and the substantial upfront cost of EVs. Furthermore, battery-swapping presents a significant opportunity to augment the overall usability and operational efficiency of electric vehicles. This review paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of the potential inherent in EV battery-swapping for developing countries, with a particular emphasis on the context of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To achieve this, the paper critically analyzes China’s pioneering application and advancements in this domain, particularly highlighting the contributions of industry leaders like NIO. By elucidating the progress made in China, this work seeks to establish an analytical baseline that can inform further investigation, policy formulation, and infrastructure development in other developing nations across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The paper meticulously explores the multifaceted dimensions of EV battery-swapping, encompassing technical specifications, policy frameworks, economic viability, regulatory landscapes, and financing mechanisms. It underscores the indispensable role of robust supportive policies, targeted strategic investments, and contextually appropriate technological innovations, such as battery-swapping, in fostering the effective and widespread adoption of EVs in developing countries. The insights derived from China’s experience serve as a crucial reference point for navigating the complexities of this transition in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa.