Piaggio, KTM, Honda and Yamaha set up swappable batteries consortium

Piaggio's Vespa scooters are seen at the Pontedera's farm, Italy, April 19, 2018. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi/Files

MILAN (Reuters) - Italian scooter maker Piaggio said on Monday it had set up a consortium with Honda Motor Co., KTM AG and Yamaha Motor Co. to encourage the use of swappable batteries for electric motorcycles and light electric vehicles.

The Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC) aims to broaden the use of light electric vehicles, such as scooters, mopeds and motorcycles, and support a more sustainable management of their batteries, a joint statement said.