HÀ NỘI — Be Group and Castrol Gogoro Mobility (CGM) have signed a memorandum of understanding to pilot a battery-swapping system for electric two-wheelers, initially targeting the ride-hailing platform’s drivers in HCM City.

The pilot programme will assess whether battery swapping can reduce charging-related downtime and improve operating efficiency for drivers who use motorcycles intensively for passenger transport, food delivery and parcel delivery, the companies said on Tuesday.

Under the scheme, a dedicated battery-swapping station will be set up in HCM City. Travel and operating data from Be Group’s driver network will be used to assess demand and identify suitable locations for future stations.

The companies will also study technology integration that could allow drivers to monitor battery status, receive suggestions for nearby swapping stations and locate authorised maintenance services.

Unlike conventional charging, battery swapping allows a driver to replace a depleted battery with a fully charged one rather than wait for the battery to recharge. The pilot is intended to test the system under actual operating conditions in Việt Nam, rather than establish a commercial network at this stage.

Be Group said its platform has more than 500,000 active driver partners. Their use of two-wheelers across different services provides data on travel patterns, operating frequency and peak hours, which the company said would be used to support the pilot.

 

For CGM, the project combines Gogoro’s battery-swapping technology with Castrol’s service network and brand presence. The company said it would provide both hardware and software for the pilot.

The two sides are also considering possible financial support, infrastructure incentives and other measures to facilitate drivers’ adoption of electric vehicles in future, according to the announcement.

CGM is a strategic partnership combining Castrol’s mobility business with Gogoro’s battery-swapping technology. The company is developing battery-swapping ecosystems through partnerships with mobility platforms, drivers, businesses and public-sector stakeholders in the region.

The pilot comes as electric two-wheelers are becoming an increasingly important part of urban mobility, while charging infrastructure and charging time remain practical considerations for high-frequency commercial users. — BIZHUB