Bengaluru-based two-wheeler startup Simple Energy will launch its long-awaited One electric scooter in the last week of April, sources close to the company have confirmed. The Simple One electric scooter debuted on August 15, 2021, but while the model has been being updated in time, it has been delayed by a year and a half. The source also said that the One will increase in price at launch.
Earlier this year, Simple Energy opened its new Simple Vision 1.0 facility in Shoolgiri, Tamil Nadu, while also securing $20 million in new funding. The company previously announced that the model has received more than 100,000 reservations, and the new investment has helped it boost production and deliveries. Speaking of which, Simple One deliveries will start in Bengaluru first, with other cities to follow in the coming months. That said, delivery schedules may be affected by supply chain constraints.
Also read: Simple Energy raises $20M in latest funding round, gets over 100K bookings
The Simple One e-scooters will be built at the company’s new factory in Tamil Nadu, which will occupy more than 100,000 square feet.
The same source also said that compared to the model first shown in 2021, the price has increased due to revisions to the vehicle and parts guide in recent years. One was initially priced at ¥110,000 (ex-showroom), it’s instantly desirable compared to the likes of the Ather 450X, Ola S1 Pro, and others.The manufacturer continues with a new top-spec variant in 2022 that it claims will travel 300 kilometers on a single charge, priced at ¥145,000 (ex-showroom). While both versions are likely to hit the market, the extent of the price increase is being kept under wraps for now.
In terms of hardware, the Simple One electric scooter is powered by a 4.8 kWh battery pack that can provide a range of 236 kilometers on a single charge, with an actual range of 203 kilometers. The 300km version adds a second battery pack to the scooter, increasing the range. Power comes from an upgraded 8.5 kW electric motor capable of producing 72 Nm of peak torque.
Also read: Simple Energy opens first plant in Tamil Nadu, soon to start producing an EV
In terms of functionality, this electric scooter is equipped with full LED lighting, a 7-inch touchscreen digital console with 4G and Bluetooth connectivity, and features call and music controls. There are also car navigation, riding mode and so on. The Simple One will be capable of fast charging and can be charged via the company’s Loop charging network. It will be available in four colors – Azure Blue, Cheeky Black, Elegant White and Nanma Red.
First published date: March 23, 2023 at 17:44 PM CST
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