Electric vehicle firm offers battery swaps

Beijing Electric Vehicle Co (BJEV) is offering battery swaps for private customers in an attempt to gain a competitive edge in the world’s largest new energy vehicle market. BJEV has launched a pure electric vehicle with a mileage range of 300 km, at a price of 79,800 yuan ($12,000). Customers can change a depleted battery for a full one by paying monthly rent of 458 yuan for the battery and additional money for the electricity. The carmaker plans to build 3,000 battery swap stations in 50 cities by 2022. It already has 116 stations in four cities serving 6,000 taxis.