Urban Transport

Gogoro's battery-swapping Smartscooter network to expand into Europe

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Gogoro's Smartscooter is on its way to Amsterdam
The Smartscooter is chock-full of sensors tracking things like gravity, shock and light and allows users to monitor things like top speed, range and battery levels through a companion smartphone ap
Where Gogoro hopes to make a real, lasting impact is how it keeps these scooters running
Gogoro's Smartscooter is on its way to Amsterdam
Gogoro's electric Smartscooter is a rather bold, big-picture approach to urban mobility
View gallery - 4 images

Taiwanese firm Gogoro is set to bring its electric two-wheelers to European streets, today announcing it will implement its battery-swapping Smartscooter network in Amsterdam in 2016 following a successful launch in Taipei earlier this year.

Gogoro's electric Smartscooter is a rather bold, big-picture approach to urban mobility. It is chock-full of sensors tracking things like gravity, shock and light and allows users to monitor things like top speed, range and battery levels through a companion smartphone app. But where Gogoro hopes to make a real, lasting impact is through the way it keeps these scooters running.

Its Gogogro Energy Network is made up of battery exchange kiosks, placed strategically around urban centers. When a user finds their scooter is running low on juice, they can swing by and swap out their depleted battery for a fully charged one in around six seconds. The overarching aim is to shape how the world's megacities use energy.

Where Gogoro hopes to make a real, lasting impact is how it keeps these scooters running

With regard to the Dutch capital, Gogoro will form part of a wider initiative called Amsterdam Smart City, where companies, governments and institutions have banded together to usher in innovative ideas centered on urban efficiency. This will involve setting up in Amsterdam's Smart City Experience Lab and its own Gogoro Experience Boutique, as it did in Taipei ahead of its initial launch. The interactive gallery is intended to essentially build hype and give would-be customers an understanding of the company's product.

The Gogoro Experience Boutique will open in Amsterdam in the first half of 2016. There's no word yet on pricing or when the scooters will become available to buy.

Source: Gogoro

View gallery - 4 images
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8 comments
mhpr262
Apparently is is possible to stick the battery packs into the charging box with the handles placed horizontally as well as vertically. This thing will be hell for anyone suffering from OCD.
gizmowiz
It's too bad that EV builders are not taking this same approach. But maybe with battery tech evolving rapidly we won't really need it but it would be nice for a quick exchange. Imagine having a 400 mile range--driving 350 miles, stopping for gas, exchanging batteries in 90 seconds, and on your way for another 350 miles. That would be so cool.
Aross
I agree with gizmowiz. I've been asking the same question. With swap-able batteries, electric vehicles would not need to have extensive ranges. Most of my driving is done outside of city centers on highways and the limited range and recharging times makes an EV a non starter. Also, all EVs should have built in solar charging capabilities so that during daytime the range can be extended.
zevulon
it is amazing how many times this idea of swapping has tried and failed and yet people keep throwing money at it.
batteries simply aren't good enough. they don't charge fast enough and they are not dense enough yet.
so people keep lying about how this idea will one day work if you keep trying it , something like lying about using more medicine because the medicine isn't useless, you just aren't using enough.
or drinking more alchohol because the alchohol you are drinking isn't actually water, it's just so weak it doesn't taste like alcohol.
ridiculous bullshit. swapping does not work unless you force it on people and subsidize it until it goes bankrupt.
Winterbiker
I am not sure why Zevulon is so negative on this concept. To say it does not work without explaining why is just a lot of bluster . Apparently, it did work in Taipei, that is why they are moving to the next stage in Amsterdam. I believe that this is the best way for electric cars to reach their full potential.
Stephen N Russell
Must for the US market. Must for Catalina Island CA, Davis, Sacramento-Folsom CA alone Mass produce & for rentals Sales & rentals
Tom Lee Mullins
I think this is a nice design. I like how the batteries are easily taken out / put in.
Calson
Difficult to envision how this will benefit actual scooter owners. Easy to recharge at home and at the office. Better to have small charging stations located by shopping areas, parks, and at schools and office complexes.