Ample is a technology company focused on transforming energy delivery for electric vehicles. Using autonomous robotics and smart-battery technology, Ample has created an affordable, scalable platform that provides a full charge to any electric vehicle in minutes. The companyās mission is to make sustainable transportation accessible to everyone.
SME Business Review reached out to Khaled Hassounah, founder and CEO of Ample, to discuss the company's vision and approach to energy delivery for electric vehicles. Hereās what Mr. Hassounah had to say.
Interview Excerpts
Ample has been making waves in the electric vehicle space. Could you tell us what inspired the creation of the company?
The inspiration behind Ample came from a desire to address one of the biggest barriers to electric vehicle adoptionāconvenient and efficient energy delivery. We saw that long charging times and inadequate infrastructure were holding back the transition to electric vehicles. Our goal was to find a practical solution that could fit seamlessly into people's lives while being scalable and sustainable.
Battery-swapping technology is a unique approach. How did you arrive at this solution?
We wanted to rethink the process of energy delivery for electric vehicles entirely. Charging systems, while effective in certain contexts, come with limitations such as long wait times and strain on the grid. Battery-swapping stood out as a solution that eliminates those delays. Itās fast, efficient, and doesnāt require drivers to change their behavior drastically. Once we realized the potential, we focused on designing a system that could be universally compatible and easy to deploy.
How do you ensure compatibility across different vehicle models?
That was one of the biggest challenges we had to solve. Our system is designed with modularity in mind, which allows us to work with a wide range of vehicles without requiring manufacturers to change their designs. We integrate our technology in a way that aligns with existing vehicle platforms. Itās this flexibility that makes our solution scalable and practical for both individual users and large fleets.
Environmental sustainability seems to be a core value for Ample. How does the company address concerns about battery waste and energy efficiency?
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Our battery modules are designed for durability and recyclability, ensuring they have a long lifecycle. Additionally, our swapping stations are built to optimize energy use, reducing waste and minimizing strain on the grid. We also work to integrate renewable energy sources wherever possible, so the power we deliver is as clean as the vehicles themselves.
Collaboration seems to play a key role in Ampleās strategy. How do partnerships contribute to your success?
Partnerships are critical. We work closely with automakers to ensure compatibility, with energy providers to source clean power, and with fleet operators to meet their specific needs. Each partnership allows us to address a different aspect of the ecosystem. Collaboration ensures that weāre not working in isolation but building solutions that fit into a larger system and deliver value to everyone involved.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in scaling battery-swapping technology?
The biggest challenge is ensuring that our infrastructure keeps pace with the growing demand for electric vehicles. This is why scalability has been a priority from the beginning. Our stations are modular and easy to deploy, which allows us to expand quickly and adapt to market needs. However, like any large-scale solution, it requires continuous investment, careful planning, and strong partnerships to ensure we can meet demand efficiently.
How has user feedback shaped Ampleās approach?
User feedback has been invaluable. Itās helped us refine everything from the design of our stations to the efficiency of the swapping process. Our goal is to create a seamless and intuitive experience, and listening to users has allowed us to address pain points we might not have anticipated. Their input ensures that weāre solving real problems and not just focusing on theoretical solutions.
What role does technology play in Ampleās operations?
Technology is central to everything we do. From the design of our battery modules to the operation of our stations, advanced technology ensures efficiency and reliability. We also use data analytics to monitor performance, predict demand, and optimize operations. This helps us stay proactive and ensures that our system delivers the best possible experience for users.
Whatās been the most rewarding part of leading Ample?
For me, itās seeing the tangible impact weāre making. Knowing that weāre helping accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation is incredibly fulfilling. Every time a driver uses our system or a fleet operator adopts our solution, it reinforces that weāre on the right path. Itās also rewarding to work with a team thatās so dedicated to solving these challenges.
As a leader, what drives your approach to innovation and problem-solving?
I believe innovation starts with understanding the problem deeply. Itās not just about coming up with ideas but about finding solutions that are practical, scalable, and impactful. I also believe in collaborationāgreat ideas come from diverse perspectives. At Ample, weāve built a culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute, and that collective effort drives our progress.
Is there a moment that defined Ampleās journey so far?
There have been several defining moments, but one that stands out is the successful deployment of our first stations. Seeing the system in action and knowing it worked exactly as intended was a proud moment for everyone involved. It validated our vision and showed that we could translate our ideas into real-world solutions.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to tackle large-scale problems?
My advice would be to stay focused on the problem youāre solving and to remain adaptable as you work toward a solution. Large-scale challenges are complex, and thereās no one-size-fits-all answer. Surround yourself with a great team, listen to stakeholders, and donāt be afraid to iterate. Progress often comes from refining your approach rather than sticking rigidly to an initial idea.
What does the future hold for Ample?
Our focus is on expanding our infrastructure to serve more communities and supporting the growing adoption of electric vehicles. Weāre continuously working on improving our technology and exploring ways to make our solution even more accessible and efficient. At the end of the day, our mission is to make sustainable transportation a reality for everyone, and weāre committed to seeing that through.
Khaled Hassounah, Founder & CEO, Ample