Gogoro’s swappable battery platform can be a game-changer in electric two-wheeler space by lowering acquisition cost and eliminating range anxiety
Taiwan’s largest provider of EV battery swapping infrastructure, Gogoro has aggressive plans for Indian market. It already has tie-ups with multiple entities in India including Hero MotoCorp. Latest update is that Gogoro will soon launch its Gogoro 2 and Gogoro 2 Plus electric scooters in India.
Both scooters have been homologated in India, with approval and certification provided by the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT). On its India website, Gogoro also lists the SuperSport model. This could be launched at a later date.
Gogoro 2 homologated ahead of India launch
Gogoro 2 and Gogoro 2 Plus are 1,890 mm long, 670 mm wide and 1,110 mm tall. Wheelbase is 1,295 mm. Both models have a gross vehicle weight of 273 kg and are equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack. As per type approval certificate, the units have been manufactured in Taiwan. Tech specs are different, with Gogoro 2 having a range of 85 km. In comparison, Gogoro 2 Plus has a range of 94 km.
Electrical energy consumption is 41 Wh/km in case of Gogoro 2 and 44 Wh/km for the Plus variant. Max 30-minute power is rated at 7.2 kW and 6.4 kW, respectively. Max speed of both variants is rated at 87 kmph.
Some of these specs are different from what’s stated on the company’s India website. For example, the website shows a range at 170 km for both scooters. It is possible that homologation has been done based on a single battery setup. Moreover, Gogoro could have introduced some changes in line with local riding needs.
Gogoro 2 electric scooter has a simple, minimalistic design, with focus on comfort and convenience. It has a flat floorboard that can be used to carry a wide variety of stuff. The scooter has advanced tech features such as bio-authentication via fingerprint, face-ID and Siri voice command. Other highlights include auto weather model, one-click reverse, carbon belt system for silent operations and tyre pressure monitoring system. Gogoro 2 has a sporty digital instrument screen with a range of connectivity features.
Gogoro swapping network
Just like in Taiwan and several other global markets, Gogoro will be developing a large network of battery swapping stations in India. However, it will take time, considering the complexities involved. The company is working with multiple entities to develop its battery swapping infrastructure. Battery swapping is advantageous, as users can fuel up in under 10 seconds.
Earlier this year in January, Gogoro had announced its partnership with Belrise Industries in the state of Maharashtra. A 50:50 venture fund worth US$2.5 billion will be invested over the next eight years. Apart from EV manufacturing and battery swapping infrastructure development, the partnership will also focus on areas like smart mobility sharing, smart agriculture and distributed energy storage.
Going forward, Gogoro is expected to have similar partnerships in other states and cities of India. Electric scooter production and battery swapping infrastructure development work will start in the coming months.
