#battery swap station

[batteryswap]

Battery Swap- The Future of Electric Vehicles

Introduction: Electric vehicles are gaining popularity across the globe. The shift towards electric vehicles is a result of the growing concern for the environment and the need to reduce the carbon footprint. However, one of the major challenges that electric vehicle owners face is the limited range offered by the batteries. The problem is further compounded by the long charging times required by the electric vehicles. Manufacturers are looking for solutions to these problems, and one such solution is battery swap.

Battery Swap- What Is It?

Battery swap is a process where the depleted battery of an electric vehicle is replaced with a fully charged battery. The process is similar to refueling a traditional gasoline car. Battery swap stations are equipped with fully charged batteries, and the depleted battery of the vehicle is replaced with a fully charged one. The process takes only a few minutes, and the vehicle is ready to hit the road again.

Benefits of Battery Swap

Battery swap has several benefits that make it an attractive solution for electric vehicle owners. Some of the benefits are:

1. Reduced Charging Time: The biggest advantage of battery swap is the reduced charging time. Unlike traditional charging methods, battery swap takes only a few minutes, making it a quick and convenient solution for electric vehicle owners.

2. Extended Range: Electric vehicles with limited range can benefit from battery swap. With battery swap, electric vehicles can cover longer distances without the need for frequent charging stops.

3. Cost Savings: Battery swap can help electric vehicle owners save money. Charging stations require expensive infrastructure, and the cost of electricity can be high. Battery swap, on the other hand, requires a lesser investment in infrastructure and can be more cost-effective in the long run.

Battery Swap- How Does It Work?

Battery swap involves a few simple steps. First, the electric vehicle is driven to a battery swap station. The depleted battery is removed from the vehicle and replaced with a fully charged battery. The process takes only a few minutes, and the vehicle is ready to hit the road again.

Battery Swap- Is It Safe?

Battery swap is a safe process when done correctly. The batteries used in electric vehicles are designed to be safe and reliable. Battery swap stations are equipped with safety features to ensure that the batteries are handled safely. The batteries are also monitored for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

Battery Swap- Is It Environmentally Friendly?

Battery swap is an environmentally friendly solution for electric vehicle owners. The batteries used in electric vehicles are recyclable, and battery swap stations can recycle the depleted batteries. This reduces the environmental impact of electric vehicles.

Battery Swap- Will It Replace Traditional Charging Methods?

Battery swap is not a replacement for traditional charging methods. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Battery swap is a convenient solution for electric vehicle owners who need to cover longer distances. Traditional charging methods are more suitable for daily use.

Battery Swap- Where Can I Find Battery Swap Stations?

Battery swap stations are not yet widely available. However, some manufacturers are starting to offer battery swap as a service for their electric vehicles. Tesla is one such manufacturer that offers battery swap for their Model S and Model X vehicles.

Conclusion:

Battery swap is an innovative solution to the challenges faced by electric vehicle owners. It offers several benefits such as reduced charging times, extended range, and cost savings. Battery swap is a safe and environmentally friendly solution that can help reduce the carbon footprint of electric vehicles. While battery swap is not a replacement for traditional charging methods, it is a convenient solution for electric vehicle owners who need to cover longer distances. As battery swap stations become more widely available, it is expected to become a more popular solution for electric vehicle owners.

[tilos-tagebuch]

Why is this going on in China and not here?

Source: X.com

[searchfactory]

NIO / Electric Vehicle / Battery Swap Station / 2023

[afrotumble]

Solar-Battery Swap Stations Could Speed Electric Motorcycle Transition in Rwanda | World Resources Institute

[liulouxi]

From "Charging Difficulties" to "Easy Battery Swapping": How Smart Battery Swap Cabinets Redefine the Electric Vehicle User Experience

In the global trend of environmental protection and sustainable development, electric vehicles (EVs) have gradually become an essential part of modern urban transportation due to their zero emissions, low noise, and low operating costs. However, with the surge in the number of EVs, traditional charging methods have gradually revealed numerous drawbacks, such as long charging times, insufficient charging facilities, and significant safety hazards, significantly restricting the popularization and development of EVs. At this juncture, the emergence of smart battery swap cabinets has brought unprecedented changes to the EV industry, reshaping the user experience from multiple dimensions.

Safety is a crucial aspect of EV usage that cannot be overlooked. Under traditional charging methods, users need to find charging piles on their own, posing numerous safety risks. Some charging piles may malfunction due to poor maintenance or aging, leading to charging failures or even serious consequences like fires. Additionally, improper user operations, such as overcharging or using non-original chargers, can damage batteries, further escalating safety issues. In contrast, smart battery swap cabinets exhibit remarkable safety advantages.

Equipped with multiple safety protection mechanisms, including real-time battery status monitoring, temperature control, waterproof and dustproof designs, and automatic power-off functions, smart battery swap cabinets ensure the safety and reliability of the battery swapping process, effectively preventing fires and other accidents caused by battery overheating or short circuits. Furthermore, they feature a professional battery management system that precisely manages batteries, extending their lifespan and reducing safety risks associated with battery aging. The centralized management model of smart battery swap cabinets also facilitates unified maintenance and management of batteries, further enhancing overall safety.

In today's fast-paced urban life, time is efficiency. Traditional charging methods require hours or even longer for EVs to recharge, increasing user waiting time and reducing EV usage efficiency. This is particularly crucial in industries like food delivery and express logistics, where EV range directly affects operational efficiency. Smart battery swap cabinets address this issue by enabling rapid battery swapping.

Through fast swapping technology, users simply scan a QR code with their phones, insert depleted batteries into the swap cabinet, select the appropriate swapping service, and retrieve fully charged batteries in just a few minutes, comparable to filling up a gas tank in a燃油车. This significantly enhances EV usage efficiency. For operational EVs, it means faster turnaround times and improved operational efficiency; for individual users, it means more flexible travel planning and less time wasted on charging.

Cost is a significant consideration for EV users. With traditional charging methods, users bear the charging costs, often calculated based on charging time and electricity consumed. For frequent EV users, this can be a considerable expense. Smart battery swap cabinets optimize costs by offering diverse charging methods and service packages.

Charging fees are typically calculated based on swap frequency, duration, and battery capacity, with various payment options available, such as per-swap, monthly subscriptions, or battery capacity-based charges. Some smart battery swap cabinets also offer membership programs and promotional activities, further reducing user costs. For operational EVs, the swapping model effectively lowers battery maintenance and replacement costs, enhancing overall economic benefits.

Beyond these advantages, smart battery swap cabinets enhance the EV user experience in multiple ways. Users can预约, pay for, and view swap records via mobile apps or mini-programs, facilitating fully online and self-service swapping. This intelligent management approach not only improves service efficiency and quality but also enhances user satisfaction and the overall user experience.

In conclusion, smart battery swap cabinets, with their notable safety, high efficiency, optimized costs, and enhanced user experience, are gradually transforming the landscape and direction of the EV industry. As technology advances and markets expand, smart battery swap cabinets are poised to become a crucial driving force behind EV popularization and development, leading us into a greener, smarter, and more convenient era of transportation.

[automotiveera]

Revolutionizing Mobility: EV Battery Swapping Market Trends and Future Prospects

EV battery swapping is the exchange of a drained battery with a charged one at a swapping station. EV battery swapping is increasingly becoming popular because of the increasing adoption of electric vehicles across the globe. 

To fully charge the two-wheeler and three-wheeler EV batteries, it regularly takes between 4–5 hours. Even though there are faster options for charging, it still has a downtime of an hour. Exchanging an EV battery is a smooth process and requires only a few minutes.

The arrival of EV battery swapping can benefit in resolving the problem of constructing large infrastructure of charging in urban areas with limited space availability, EV battering swapping can be done in smaller places. A swapping station for EV batteries can be built as a separate entity or even outside of a local store. EV battery swapping can also lessen the upfront expense of buying an e-vehicle.

An electric vehicle comprises various components, and the high-voltage battery is the heart of it. The battery of an EV is 40–50% of its overall manufacturing price. With battery swapping, customers have the option of owning an e-vehicle without a battery, instead, they can choose a swap subscription and put an exchangeable battery into the vehicle.

What is the Difference Between Pay-Per-Use Model and the Subscription Model?

Pay-per-use model is when consumers pay for specific utilization of battery exchange services. This model does not adopt a fixed annual or monthly fee; instead, consumers make a single purchase at a fixed price as per their usage.

Moreover, the pay-per-use model is highly preferred because of consumer choice to pay as per their utilization, because of the absence of a fixed driving pattern.

Whereas, in the subscription model consumers pay a subscription fee from time to time, mainly every month. This model enables consumers to access all services the provider is offering during their subscription period.

The advent of EV battery swapping has benefited consumers in various ways, let’s explore some of them!

Benefits of EV Battery Swapping

Enhance Driving Range

EV battery swapping increases the on-road time of the e-vehicle. Moreover, battery swapping works well for high-power vehicles because of the larger batteries they utilize, which is mainly found in EVs that require a lot of daily mileage.

Cost-Effective

It doesn’t make any sense for the consumers to expend a lot of money on a new battery every time the old one goes bad. Therefore, EV battery swapping is a better convenient solution and highly beneficial in saving expenses.

Eliminate Charging Times

With the arrival of EV battery swapping the requirement for charging, which requires a lot of time, is eliminated as the discharged battery can be replaced by a fully charged one in no time. 

[ev-guide]

What is an EV Charge Point Operator (CPO)?

The Significance of Charging Point Operators in Building Robust EV Charging Networks

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in India, with the Government setting a target of 30% compounded growth by 2030. As of January 23, 2023, there were 5,254 public EV charging stations in India to cater to the growing number of EVs on the roads. This means that for every 393 electric vehicles in the country, there is one public charging station. Although the growth of the EV market in India has been impressive, there is still a long way to go in terms of building a robust charging infrastructure to support the increasing number of EVs on the roads.

Role of Charging Point Operators (CPOs): The growth of the EV charging infrastructure in India wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Charging Point Operators (CPOs). These are companies or brands that own and operate EV charging station networks, providing services to EV drivers who need to charge their electric vehicles. CPOs play a crucial role in the EV charging infrastructure as they are responsible for installing, managing, and maintaining charging stations across various locations. Their charging stations are mostly powered by DC chargers instead of AC chargers, as it is not feasible to use AC chargers in public charging stations due to their slow charging speed. AC chargers are typically installed at individual homes, where car owners can leave their vehicle to charge overnight.

Working with Stakeholders: CPOs work closely with EV manufacturers, property owners, local governments, and other stakeholders to identify suitable locations for charging stations and negotiate contracts for their installation. They also handle the back-end operations of charging stations, including payment processing, customer support, and station maintenance, ensuring that charging stations are always functional and accessible to EV drivers.

Mobile App-based EV Charging Stations: As the charging stations are self-operated, every CPO builds its mobile app that EV owners can install to initiate charging on their own. The CPOs’ mobile apps make it easy for EV owners to locate the nearest charging station and pay for charging services. These apps also provide real-time information about the availability of charging stations and the estimated time it will take to charge an EV.

Serious players in the Charging Infrastructure: In India, there are many serious players in the EV charging infrastructure field, such as Tata Power, Jio-BP, ABB, Delta Electronics, Statiq, Charzer, and Charge Zone. These players have their networks of charging stations built in collaboration with places like housing societies, malls, highways, public parking areas, etc. They also have the franchisee model to collaborate with local businessmen. Interestingly, every CPO has its own niche, such as Kazam, which endeavors to build infrastructure using small shop owners who have some space in front of their shops, and Charzer, a Bangalore-based start-up that has partnered with a comprehensive society management system to build charging infrastructure in gated societies.

Conclusion: Overall, CPOs are essential players in the EV charging ecosystem, working tirelessly to improve charging infrastructure, increase EV adoption rates, and help drive the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. The growth of the EV market in India will continue to depend on the efforts of CPOs and other stakeholders in building a robust charging infrastructure. As more and more people switch to EVs, it is essential to develop a reliable and efficient charging infrastructure to support the growing number of EVs on the roads.

[eptodaytommorowforever]

Events In The History And Of The Life Of Elvis Presley Today On The 19th Of October In 1956.

Elvis Presley On October The 19th, In 1956 Faces Assault Charge.

Elvis Presley in a Memphis city court on Oct. 19th, In 1956, along with Gulf service station employees Edd Hopper (left) and Aubrey Brown. The trio had a fight the previous night when Elvis pulled into the station at Gayoso and Second for repairs and was besieged by fans. Hopper, the station manager, ordered Presley away and a brief altercation ensued. All three were booked for assault and battery and disorderly conduct.

Charges against Presley were dismissed. Hopper and Brown both had to pay fines. Elvis Presley was concerned and worried about what is fans would think but they supported him as he was cleared of all charges by the Memphis city court.

 Elvis Presley swapped pleasantries with well-wishers after being cleared in a Memphis city court of charges Friday October 19, 1956. Presley and Gulf service station employees Edd Hopper and Aubrey Brown had a fight the previous night when Elvis pulled into the station at Gayoso and Second for repairs and was besieged by fans. Hopper, the station manager, ordered Presley away and a brief altercation ensued. All three were booked for assault and battery and disorderly conduct. Hopper and Brown both had to pay fines. At left is Presley's father, Vernon Presley. (Robert Williams / The Commercial Appeal). b/w candid photos. in the Memphis city court and after outside the court with father vernon and fans.

Elvis Presley told reporters in new york in 1956;

I'll regret this day as long as I live. I guess lots of people were waiting for this kind of thing to happen. It's getting where I can't even leave the house without something happening to me'. (The New York Post, October 19, 1956)

That's what Elvis Presley said on October 18, 1956, after posting bail on an assault and disorderly conduct charge in Memphis. Presley participated in a relatively minor scuffle at a service station that afternoon. In fact, if he hadn't been involved, the story would never have made the local papers. Instead, it was news all over the country. The story is a good example of how an insolated incident in Elvis Presley's life could wind up having a substantial effect on his public image.

The events leading up to the incident seemed harmless enough. Elvis had just come home to Memphis after a four-day concert tour in Texas. He had a month to rest up before heading back out on the road in late November. Out for a drive in his white Continental Mark II, Elvis smelled some gas fumes and pulled into a service station to have his exhaust line checked for leaks. After the car was checked out, Elvis started the engine to drive away.

However, by that time the sight of the $10,000 automobile and its side-burned driver had drawn a crowd. When a group of young girls approached, Elvis shut off the motor and began signing autographs. With traffic blocked so that other customers couldn't reach the pumps, the station owner asked Elvis to move his car. The confrontation quickly turned physical, but Elvis and the owner had differing stories about the sequence of events.

I'll regret this day as long as I live. I guess lots of people were waiting for this kind of thing to happen. It's getting where I can't even leave the house without something happening to me'. (The New York Post, October 19, 1956)

That's what Elvis Presley said on October 18, 1956, after posting bail on an assault and disorderly conduct charge in Memphis. Presley participated in a relatively minor scuffle at a service station that afternoon. In fact, if he hadn't been involved, the story would never have made the local papers. Instead, it was news all over the country. The story is a good example of how an insolated incident in Elvis Presley's life could wind up having a substantial effect on his public image.

The events leading up to the incident seemed harmless enough. Elvis had just come home to Memphis after a four-day concert tour in Texas. He had a month to rest up before heading back out on the road in late November. Out for a drive in his white Continental Mark II, Elvis Presley smelled some gas fumes and pulled into a service station to have his exhaust line checked for leaks. After the car was checked out, Elvis Presley started the engine to drive away.

However, by that time the sight of the $10,000 automobile and its side-burned driver had drawn a crowd. When a group of young girls approached, Elvis Presley shut off the motor and began signing autographs. With traffic blocked so that other customers couldn't reach the pumps, the station owner asked Elvis Presley to move his car. The confrontation quickly turned physical, but Elvis Presley and the owner had differing stories about the sequence of events.

[mordenheim]

Let's try this

(Another BIG cameo here, by the wonderful https://www.furaffinity.net/user/mistybun )

Spring sighed as he leaned against the wall.  The big animatronic rabbit hadn’t been so drained after a performance for years and he was a little concerned.  It had gradually been getting worse the past few days, but he had always been able to make it back to his room for a quick charge to get him through.

Tonight, though, was different.  He leaned with his back against the wall, his legs angled to prop himself up.  He felt like he was about to crumple to the floor under his own weight.  It was all he could do to keep himself upright, much less make his way back to his room.

It wasn’t too long before the new night-shift technician found him and rushed over.  The young brown bat immediately placed a hand on the big bun’s forearm.

“Hey!  Hey, are you okay?”

Slowly lifting his head, he turned towards the bat, blinking.  “Huh?  Who’re you?”

“Screamer.  Here, let’s get you down to Parts and Service.”

Nodding mutely, the rabbit pushed himself up off of the wall and almost immediately started to collapse.  Rushing forward, Screamer caught him as best he could, giving out a grunt.  The animatronic towered over the five foot six inch bat, having a full two feet on him.  Not to mention he was heavier than he looked.  Still, he pushed himself up under one of his arms and steadied him.  “Think you can walk if I help you along?”

Not wanting to waste any more energy than necessary, he just nodded.  Leaning heavily on the tech, they shuffled their way down the hall and into the service elevator.  The door slid closed behind them and Screamer punched the  button for sub-basement 2.

Once the elevator doors slid open, the two of them hobbled their way across to the door to parts and services.  Carefully helping Spring up onto a work table, the bat doubled over with his hands on his knees for a moment, trying to catch his breath.

Spring turned his head in his direction, a look of concern on his face.  “Are you okay?”

“Huh?  Heh..  Yeah..  just.. Out of breath.  Gimme a second.”

“Gotcha.  Sorry about this.  Just..  I don’t think my battery’s holding a proper charge lately.”

Screamer nodded and stretched, extending his wings as he bent almost completely backwards before straightening up and folding them so tight and neatly behind his back they almost seemed to vanish behind him.  “I can replace that for you if you want.  Upgrade it, even!”

“Upgrade, huh?  Well, whatever you think’s best, I guess.”

“Wonderful!  I shouldn’t even need to power you down to do it!”  He grabbed a set of wires with alligator clips on the ends.  He steps over next to the big bunny on the table and nods respectfully, “May I?”

Spring blinked.  This was the first time a tech had actually asked or shown any kind of respect or concern.  He was surprised, but pleasantly so.  Nodding, he gave a little smile.  “Go ahead..  Uh..  please.”

Nodding, he carefully opened the big bun’s chest compartment and clipped the ends to the power terminals where his existing battery was kept.  Turning away for a moment, he came back carrying a box labeled “MDM Labs”.  The box itself looked a little old and dusty, like it had been stored away for a while.  Brushing off the dust he opened the box and carefully removed something that looked like a cross between a battery and a model of a space station.  

“Let’s try this.”

Spring was about to ask what it was when Screamer attached the clamps at the opposite end of the wire and Spring was jolted with a surge of energy.  He actually let out a gasp as the bat looked him over carefully.  “You okay?”

He nodded, grinning.  “Yeah, just never went from an almost dead battery to fully charged in one shot like that!”

Nodding, he carefully swapped the two batteries, keeping the big rabbit online the entire time and carefully closed the chest panel, tossing the old battery in the recycling bin.  “There we go.  How do you feel?”

Sitting up, Spring hopped off of the table to his big metal paws.  “Like a million bucks!  What kind of battery was that?”

“Well, according to the paperwork, it was actually a radioisotope generator, or an atomic battery.  If the information is accurate, it never needs charging and there shouldn’t be any drop-off in energy output for a good long while.”

Spring nodded.  He could feel the energy filling him up, tingling over every circuit and actuator.  Shivering a little, he stretched luxuriantly, his fingers a few inches from the ceiling when he felt a little surge of power and gave out a groan, then froze as he felt his hand lie flat against the tiles overhead.

“Uh.. Screamer?  I think…”

The bat turned to see the slightly bigger bun, then blinked as he surged larger, his head slamming upwards, breaking through the drop ceiling and exposing pipes and electrical conduits.  Spring crouched down in front of him, shivering as he felt his size surge again, bumping into the blushing bat.

“Oh boy…  How long did you say this can go before the power levels drop off?”

The bat gulped, rubbing the big rabbit’s shoulder and feeling it swell even larger in his hand.  “A few…  hundred years…”

[batteryswap]

Battery Swap: Revolutionizing the Way We Power Our World

The battery swap technology has emerged as a game-changer in the world of energy storage. With the need for clean, sustainable power becoming increasingly urgent, innovative solutions like battery swap offer a promising future. In this article, we delve into the concept of battery swap, its advantages, implementation challenges, and its potential to transform various industries. So, fasten your seatbelts and join us on this exciting journey!

Battery Swap: The Future of Energy Storage?

The battery swap concept revolves around the idea of quickly exchanging depleted batteries for fully charged ones, eliminating the need for lengthy charging times. This technology has gained traction in recent years, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. By utilizing a network of swapping stations, battery swap allows EV drivers to change their vehicle's battery within minutes, offering a level of convenience comparable to refueling a conventional car.

Advantages of Battery Swap:

Increased Efficiency and Convenience: Battery swap offers a significant advantage over traditional charging methods, as it eliminates the lengthy charging time associated with electric vehicles. The ability to swap batteries swiftly allows for extended driving ranges and reduces the dependency on charging infrastructure.

Scalability and Adaptability: The battery swap model can be readily scaled across different industries and sectors, providing a versatile solution for a variety of applications. From electric buses and trucks to forklifts and renewable energy storage, the potential applications of battery swap are vast and promising.

Reduced Environmental Impact: Battery swap technology promotes the use of renewable energy sources, leading to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. By facilitating the widespread adoption of EVs, battery swap contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Battery Swap Implementation Challenges:

While the battery swap technology holds immense potential, its widespread implementation faces certain challenges. These include:

Standardization: The lack of standardized battery modules and interfaces poses a significant hurdle for the adoption of battery swap systems. Achieving industry-wide compatibility is crucial for seamless battery swapping operations.

Infrastructure Requirements: The establishment of an extensive network of battery swap stations is essential to provide convenient access to users. The viability of such infrastructure and its integration with existing charging systems need to be carefully planned and executed.

Cost Considerations: The implementation costs associated with battery swap stations and equipment can be substantial. Financial feasibility studies and partnerships with relevant stakeholders are key to overcoming this challenge.

FAQs about Battery Swap:

What is the battery swap time for electric vehicles? The battery swap process typically takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on the vehicle model and battery design.

Are battery swap stations safe? Yes, battery swap stations are designed with strict safety protocols in place. They are equipped with advanced monitoring systems to ensure the secure exchange of batteries.

Can battery swap technology be applied to other industries? Absolutely! Battery swap has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including logistics, residential energy storage systems, and even aviation.

Is battery swapping economically viable? With the declining costs of battery technology and increasing demand for clean energy solutions, battery swapping is becoming economically feasible and sustainable in the long run.

How does battery swap impact the lifespan of batteries? Battery swap systems are designed to ensure the efficient and careful handling of batteries, extending their lifespan compared to improper charging methods.

Are battery swap stations compatible with all electric vehicle models? While compatibility varies across manufacturers, efforts are being made to establish industry-wide standards for batteries and interfaces, ensuring wider compatibility among different EV models.

Conclusion:

Battery swap technology represents a paradigm shift in energy storage solutions, offering unprecedented convenience, scalability, and sustainability. From transforming the electric vehicle industry to revolutionizing energy storage across various sectors, battery swap holds immense potential. Overcoming the implementation challenges and fostering industry collaboration will be crucial to harnessing the full benefits of this groundbreaking technology. So, embrace the battery swap revolution and be part of the clean energy future!

[koritea]

Hey there! Your FFXV OCs are really cool! Could you tell us more about them? I love learning about fan ocs from this game :)

OHH GOSH HI!!!!! THANK YOU FOR ASKING!!!! I have so much lore on all my ocs this game drives me INSANE.

To give a quick rundown of the main three:

Fidei Carissime (roughly translated "Beloved Faith" from Latin) is the pink haired axemen I frequently draw with the chocobros!

He's the epitome of the "Lost Prince" character trope. His mom died shortly after his birth and his father (the king of some unnamed far off kingdom) had him handed off to a poor family just on the coast of Cleigne.

Hard times and a rise in the local daemon population forced the family to move into Insomnia when Fidei was 7, but at age 8 his adoptive parents were killed by a daemon attack while on a trip outside the wall.

Fidei spent a few years in the system before an older teen by the name of Salus took him under his wing and introduced him to a group of kids looking to make lives for themselves without spending forever in the orphanage.

Years later Fidei gets into the same highschool as Prince Noctis on merit, and through Prompto he's introduced to the chocobros and eventually joins the retinue.

And yes, they kiss. I'm a silly OC x canon shipper don't be mad at me they're cute!!

Calor Solis (roughly translated "Warmth of the Sun" from Latin) is a Crownsguard stationed to train new Kingsglaive soldiers after a traumatic experience rendered them ineffective in combat. Under the guidance of Cor Leonis, they trained Libertus and Luche personally in hand-to-hand and close quarters.

Calor is all sunshine and smiles. He's got a friendly disposition no matter the circumstances and is always willing to lend a hand - but never take his kindness for weakness. He's highly skilled with daggers and close quarters combat, and once you pass the threshold of violence, you'd better pray they're feeling generous.

PTSD can make her flighty in some situations, but if her loved ones are in danger there's nothing she won't do to get them to safety.

Calor is genderfluid and swaps between nicknames (Cal, Lor, and Oli) to denote what they're feeling at any given time.

Chrysalis!! She's the newest and the least fleshed out of my OCs, but she's actually based around some lore and HCs surrounding The Crystal and Bahamut from the game itself!

To put it shortly: The Crystal is a prison Bahamut used to trap the original sixth astral, Chrysalis. During the time of Ardyn's mission to heal the sick of the starscourge, Chrys was the Oracle's main line of communication to the astrals. Sympathetic to their cause, Chrys often extended her own powers to grant healing and strength to the two when it was needed.

When Bahamut came, there was upset within the astral planes, and through an unknown power, he struck down Chrysalis and trapped her in an aetheryte crystal. Using her as a battery for power, he fueled his own prophecy and ordained that Ardyn would not be king, setting the game's plotline into motion.

At the end of the game, in an alternate turn of events, Noctis winds up shattering the crystal in his fight with Ardyn, and inadvertently frees Chrysalis.

With her and Ardyn's help, they defeat Bahamut and Chrsyalis frees the Lucii from the ring so they may rest in peace.

There are background OCs, crossovers with @joyfullyacat 's ocs, tons more lore and situations I've put these three in, but that's the gist of it!

[greydoesthearts]

The Awakening (Swap AU)

TW: Henrik being weird (like usual in this au), emetophobia at the end.

-

Marvin groaned and ran a hand through his long hair as he stared at the phone in his hand. Ten percent left on his battery, and the message that he'd missed his departing train to Ireland by mere minutes.

His breath curled out into the air in front of him and he pulled a long jacket around his body. He could stand here, wait around for a while, or sit inside where it was nice and warm but also... crowded.

Being around people didn't sit right with him. When he was this angry, he wanted nothing more than to go burn a building to the ground, or light fire to some poor dead grass. Neither of those things would lend him any luck in catching the next train in time, but they made him feel better, like a high of sorts.

Ugh.

Maybe he should just risk it, take a taxi to the middle of nowhere and do something about his frustration. Then he'd be in a much better mood to deal with whatever bullshit excuse Shannon wanted to throw at him about not seeing his daughter this week when he got back home.

Fuck it. He stepped up to the curb and started up the app to order a ride before his phone shut off when a car pulled in next to the very curb he was standing on.

Marvin raised a brow, then groaned again as his phone shut off in his hand while the driver of the vehicle rolled down his window.

"Excuse me, sir!" The driver called in a thick foreign accent, face obscured by shadows. "Do you know how to get to the hotel from here?"

"Oh, uhh..." Marvin muttered and stuffed his dead phone away in his pocket. Why couldn't people just leave him alone? "No, sorry, I'm not from around here. GPS not working?" He pointed at the very device he could see inside of the vehicle in suspicion.

The driver chuckled. "It does, but I'm terrible at following these things. Much better with spoken word or physical directions. Say, you headed anywhere?"

"Not in particular," Marvin shrugged. And that was a half-truth. "Was waiting for my ride, actually, so if you'll excuse me."

He stepped back from the curb, turning with his arms crossed over his chest and flicking his thumb across the insides of his fingers a few times like he was activating a lighter. A small flame sparked from the action which he used the heat from to warm his hands.

Behind him, he heard the car shut off and the door open before fancy shoes clicked on the pavement nearby and stopped.

"You were, huh?" the driver asked and Marvin halted in his tracks. Why was this guy so persistent? "Well, what if I drive you to this nowhereland? I ask no payment but the company you may provide--"

Marvin actually laughed out loud at that, turning slightly back toward the man and peering at his confused--and familiar--face. He barely paused. "You don't want my company, trust me. I don't keep well trapped with people I don't like."

"Aww, you don't like me? But you don't even know me!" He sounded genuinely... a little bit hurt. Marvin wasn't falling for it.

He laughed again, let his flame die out, and turned his body entirely back toward the strange man, getting a better look. Something was so familiar about him, and tied with the accent, he felt like he should just know this, but it escaped him. The man didn't even shift under his gaze, though, so that had to count for something, right? It provided some semblance of... innocence wasn't the right word, was it?

It finally clicked who the man was; he tried not to let the realisation show on his own face. Bar news television came in clutch this time.

"See, the problem there is that I really don't care that I do or don't know you. Your vibes are truly awful." Marvin taunted him. His phone was dead, and he still didn't want to go inside the station where there were at least a dozen people, but he had a feeling he could get this man weak. He deserved what he had coming. "Terrible."

The man chuckled, one side of his mouth quirking up slightly more than the other. "My vibes? I'm afraid I'm entirely unfamiliar with that concept."

"Just means you're a weird, weird man, that's all," Marvin shrugged again. "But, hey, listen. If you really wanna drive me to a secondary location, at least take me out to dinner first, yeah?"

"Dinner first?" The man said, finally catching on, a frown overcoming his previous grin. "Ah, well, you got me."

Marvin beamed with pride for only a moment before his expression turned sour. "My only question now is how the fuck you're out here, in the open, trying to pick off any poor unfortunate soul you come across and yet... you haven't been caught."

Henrik approached him carefully. "Tis a good question, there. I just- don't think it's the right one. That question should probably be why I chose you despite how brilliant you seem."

Marvin's lip curled as he moved up in front of him, the top of his head only reaching Marvin's chin, and patted his back as if they were old friends.

He pulled his coat around his body again, resisting the urge to reach out, grab the t-shirt peeking through Henrik's open coat, and set fire to the fucker. But all signs pointed to that being a bad idea if he ever wanted to get home. Still, he couldn't stop the fidgeting flick of his thumb against his fingers, causing flames to hurdle toward the ground and die out.

"I don't care why I was targeted, no," he emphasised and Henrik grinned. He narrowed his eyes in return.

"Not at all a little bit curious?" Henrik asked, tilting his head. "Because it's very interesting how I've come to know you at all." Marvin shifted his feet in place and looked away ever-so-slightly. "There it is. You are interested, aren't you?"

"Fuck off back to wherever you came, man," his own accent came out stronger as he spoke this time. "You're not even worth the effort..."

He tried to walk away, finally regarding the inside of the station as the best place for him to not lose his entire cool, but the hand on his coat sleeve ruined all of that collected cool and he lashed out, the palm of his other hand fiery and as skilled as he preferred; not very.

The fire burned through Henrik's coat quickly, yet the only indication of pain was a slight hardness in his eyes as he stared Marvin down in cold blood, then tackled him over. Even though his frame was smaller, he did the damage well enough as he watched Marvin's head hit the concrete and his eyes rolled back into his skull.

He was entirely too quick and quiet to have alerted anyone inside of the station, and from the windowless entrance no one could see them, or him as he dragged Marvin's body back to his car.

When he woke up, Marvin's head was killing him. He didn't remember what had happened, it was all so fast...

That man. Aw, fuck, what was his name? The fucking-- the murderer... Henrik, that was it!

Whoever, or whatever, the fuck he was, he must have done something to him. Well, he did, but Marvin couldn't remember what. Couldn't? Yeah, that was about right. His brain felt empty, all things considered. All he'd wanted to do was get home, then there was the fuzzy conversation, the stark realisation, and then nothing.

His hands burned like he'd used his magic recently. If he had, that meant he couldn't have been knocked out anymore than ten minutes, but the intensity called more for five.

He hadn't yet opened his eyes, but he didn't think he was moving or being moved, so he wasn't in a car being kidnapped or anything. He just felt nauseated and like everything was spinning, probably from the hit to the head.

Is that what happened?

"Fuck..." he put his arm over his face and cursed, but it came out a garble, like the word was stuck in his throat, choking on it. He coughed to get rid of the feeling, then finally opened his eyes as something wet dribbled down his front, and wiping his mouth and looking.

Wherever he was may have been dark, but the blood on his hand was darker.

Marvin sat straight up, trying to get any more blood out of his mouth by spitting, but it just kept coming and coming, and he was choking and choking, until he suddenly felt the need to throw up, emitting a ton of, practically black, blood onto the floor in front of him with a sickening splash. And that caused more sick to rise, until his stomach was empty and his mouth needed to be washed extremely badly.

He spat a few more times messily to make sure he was clear, then laid back down on-- it was a fucking couch, fake leather creaking beneath his body, he noticed. But he couldn't give a shit. Weakness was setting in and his eyes refused to stay open any longer.

Quickly, before he could fully pass out, he lifted his hand back to his mouth and touched the inside. His tongue... was...

His tongue was fucking gone.

[liulouxi]

Rising Star on the Global Stage: The Current State of Vietnam's Two-Wheeled EV Battery Swap Market

Vietnam, officially known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, has captivated global investors with its rapid economic growth and immense market potential. As a significant player in ASEAN, Vietnam boasts robust development in manufacturing, services, and notably, its renewable energy sector, particularly the electric vehicle (EV) and battery swap market.

Nestled in Southeast Asia, Vietnam spans 329,556 square kilometers, rich in natural resources and diverse cultures. With a population exceeding 103 million (2023), it boasts a high population density of 313.9 people per square kilometer (2020). Ranked the fourth-largest economy in ASEAN and 45th globally, Vietnam's economy has soared, making it one of the fastest-growing nations worldwide. In 2022, its urbanization rate hit 41.7%, exceeding regional averages, signaling accelerated urbanization.

Vietnam's economy is transitioning from agriculture to industry and services, with manufacturing and services leading the charge. Workers' average monthly income has risen to 7.1 million Vietnamese dong (approx. RMB 2,176) in 2023, a 6.9% increase from 2022. This surge in earning power enhances consumers' capacity, fostering growth in emerging markets like battery swap services.

Amid Vietnam's economic surge and urbanization, the EV market is thriving. The government aims to phase out fossil fuel-powered vehicles by 2040 for domestic markets, targeting full electrification by 2050 (ICCT). Tax incentives and fee reductions for electric motorcycles facilitate adoption. Efforts to expand charging and swapping infrastructure, though limited, are gaining momentum. VinFast, for instance, plans to install 150,000 charging ports nationwide (CleanTechnica).

Vietnam's infrastructure lags, especially in crowded cities like Hanoi, where narrow lanes favor motorcycles. Charging at home is risky due to cramped living conditions, while centralized charging stations demand vast spaces. Battery swap stations, compact and efficient, offer a practical solution.

Vietnam's EV battery swap market mirrors China's early stages, fueled by market forces. Infrastructure development, especially charging and swapping stations, is poised to be a key trend over the next five years. By 2030, the government plans to restrict petrol motorcycles in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi's cores, further boosting EVs and the battery swap market.

[modestbirdwizard]

Fix your shit, or make it better anyway!

Everyone has had that little something in their life that was just perfect in everyone, suited to it's task, purpose, and the user's personal preference… and everyone has also had that thing break on them, followed by years of white whaling for a better replacement. Learning to fix your shit is essential in an era that lives and breathes e-waste and demands us to be connected, and while the vast majority of cellphones are hard to fix and difficult to even open, there ARE plenty of other devices in our lives simple enough to engage with that the layman stands a chance.

Tools, example projects and places to look for guides under the jump:

Fixing old ipods, restoring butchered record players, game controller customization (or fixing joystick drift), turning your favorite headphones into a cable-swappable gaming headset , or making the perfect version of a computer keyboard are all possible with a relatively small set of tools and a small investment of your time. For almost any given tech project, you only need a few tools to get into, out of, and through the guts of any electronic device.

Tools of the trade:

A soldering iron (A pinecil or a TS100 are great choices for those who need something small. You will see even cheaper irons that look like they plug directly into the wall, but these are NOT soldering irons, they are the end component of a soldering station, a much larger kind of iron for more serious users. They do not have heat control and are DANGEROUS if not used with a soldering station.)

A set of spudgers, picks, and pry tools (Not the cheap plastic ones that come with every single tech repair component, though you'll need those too, they are basically free in the quanitity that you'll need them.)

Most important of all, a solid multi-bit screwdriver set for this purpose. (The ifixit mako kit is the golden god here, but don't be fooled: this array of bits in these sizes can be had for as little as 12 bucks. That said, investing in your tools is an investment in yourself.)

A set of precision tweezers

A bottle of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol And for the more complex jobs:

A basic multimeter (This is mostly used for diagnosis, looking for broken circuits and finding the voltages of various components.)

A Heatgun/hair dryer (More useful for specific tasks, such as removing Surface Mount components which tend to be very, very small.

With these tools, the world is yours. A word about soldering: People act like this is an insane skill to possess, something best left only to the most dedicated techno-wizard and warlocks, but that's simply not the case. It's actually as simple as using hot glue safely. I'll defer to Big Clive for better instructions than I could write. It's pronounced saw-dur, by the way.

I'd also recommend his account for the great resource that it is generally. While he doesn't get into the specifics of repairing any device, Clive does tear downs that show the general techniques you'll use to get inside of different gadgets. Extremely good second screen background noise.

For specific instructions for your device, you should check out ifixit. They have the largest database of tech repair guides online, though something tells me that an open, wiki-style option would be a fantastic idea. They also sell parts and specific tools you may need for a given task.

Sometimes, repairing your tech is as simple as cracking the case and swapping a hidden microSD card for a much larger one, or actually just unplugging one battery and installing a new one (kind of makes you wonder why they say they can't be repaired and glue them down). While I'd argue that most tech can be fixed, there are sadly some things that are just beyond the dedicated hobbyist. Chief among those are airpods and other small devices of that type. While they can certainly be opened and repaired, it's just incredibly fine work and I wouldn't recommend it. If a task seems too daunting for you, try checking with local phone shops to see if they offer repair. The cost of a replacement is usually much greater than the cost of a fix.

If your tech is unusable and in to be replaced, trying to fix it cannot possibly break it more. Give it a go!

[transparentgentlemenmarker]

A Gogoro electric scooter battery swapping station in Taiwan March 15 2023