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Probably the same reason why smartphone battery is not swappable. For various reason we don't have swappable smartphone battery even though it is technically mu

by matz1 6y ago

Probably the same reason why smartphone battery is not swappable. For various reason we don't have swappable smartphone battery even though it is technically much easier problem to solve.

ravenstine 6y ago
What reason would that be? I always assumed that was because of the pursuit of slimmer phones and to discourage repair.
- Retric 6y ago
  It’s also a more complex and expensive. Swapping cellphone batteries means you need to own another battery which few people did once capacity increased. With cellphones people that want a swappable battery can just get an external battery pack but most people can simply recharge daily.
  - SketchySeaBeast 6y ago
    Hmmm... is this not also an option with an electric car? A "long distance" battery pack trailer of some sort? Lose some sleekness, but gain a ton in utility, and storage space for those long trips.
  - ravenstine 6y ago
    > Swapping cellphone batteries means you need to own another battery which few people did once capacity increased. That doesn't make sense to me. Sure, maybe you can't get an OEM battery, but I've owned cell phones in the last 5 years that I easily swapped out the old battery with an aftermarket battery for about $12. I think people have the ability to buy batteries. > With cellphones people that want a swappable battery can just get an external battery pack but most people can simply recharge daily. My OG Pixel phone is on its last legs in terms of battery capacity, which means it will probably get scrapped(even if I trade it in somehow or get it "recycled"). I would have swapped the battery with a new one, but I don't have that option. At least without risking damaging the phone on disassembly. Recharging daily isn't a solution because it runs out of power in about 5 hours without even using it.
    - Retric 6y ago
      Have you considered a battery case like: “Google Pixel 2 Battery Case, 4700mAh“ https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-External-Protective-Portable-Compatible/dp/B07F83N175/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?dchild=1&keywords=OG+Pixel+External+battery+case&qid=1588784511&sr=8-1-fkmr1 https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-External-Protective-Port... From reviews that product is likely terrible, but I know people that are happy with their iPhone battery cases.
  - hinkley 6y ago
    In theory we should be able to have external battery packs for electric cars, but I think the power density would have to about double before that happens. How many miles can you fit in a 30 lbs battery right now? Not very many. I think that gets you about 10 miles in a Tesla. If it got you 20 miles it might be worth building a few slots into the trunk for extended range.
- Arnt 6y ago
  Discouraging isn't something that affects next quarter's earnings. Reducing the cost of water-related repairs, warranty replacements etc., though.
- matz1 6y ago
  even those two reason still make sense for car.
jaclaz 6y ago
It depends on the smartphone, there are still (very few) around that have one. Beside the possible "planned obsolescence", I believe that the change was mostly because of waterproof or almost waterproof design, and (IMHO senseless) "let's make it thinner".

by matz1 6y ago

Probably the same reason why smartphone battery is not swappable. For various reason we don't have swappable smartphone battery even though it is technically much easier problem to solve.

ravenstine 6y ago

What reason would that be? I always assumed that was because of the pursuit of slimmer phones and to discourage repair.

Retric 6y ago
It’s also a more complex and expensive. Swapping cellphone batteries means you need to own another battery which few people did once capacity increased. With cellphones people that want a swappable battery can just get an external battery pack but most people can simply recharge daily.
- SketchySeaBeast 6y ago
  Hmmm... is this not also an option with an electric car? A "long distance" battery pack trailer of some sort? Lose some sleekness, but gain a ton in utility, and storage space for those long trips.
- ravenstine 6y ago
  > Swapping cellphone batteries means you need to own another battery which few people did once capacity increased. That doesn't make sense to me. Sure, maybe you can't get an OEM battery, but I've owned cell phones in the last 5 years that I easily swapped out the old battery with an aftermarket battery for about $12. I think people have the ability to buy batteries. > With cellphones people that want a swappable battery can just get an external battery pack but most people can simply recharge daily. My OG Pixel phone is on its last legs in terms of battery capacity, which means it will probably get scrapped(even if I trade it in somehow or get it "recycled"). I would have swapped the battery with a new one, but I don't have that option. At least without risking damaging the phone on disassembly. Recharging daily isn't a solution because it runs out of power in about 5 hours without even using it.
  - Retric 6y ago
    Have you considered a battery case like: “Google Pixel 2 Battery Case, 4700mAh“ https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-External-Protective-Portable-Compatible/dp/B07F83N175/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?dchild=1&keywords=OG+Pixel+External+battery+case&qid=1588784511&sr=8-1-fkmr1 https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-External-Protective-Port... From reviews that product is likely terrible, but I know people that are happy with their iPhone battery cases.
- hinkley 6y ago
  In theory we should be able to have external battery packs for electric cars, but I think the power density would have to about double before that happens. How many miles can you fit in a 30 lbs battery right now? Not very many. I think that gets you about 10 miles in a Tesla. If it got you 20 miles it might be worth building a few slots into the trunk for extended range.
Arnt 6y ago
Discouraging isn't something that affects next quarter's earnings. Reducing the cost of water-related repairs, warranty replacements etc., though.
matz1 6y ago
even those two reason still make sense for car.

jaclaz 6y ago

It depends on the smartphone, there are still (very few) around that have one. Beside the possible "planned obsolescence", I believe that the change was mostly because of waterproof or almost waterproof design, and (IMHO senseless) "let's make it thinner".