The Gogoro network, Taiwan
The TC Max has a removable battery, though at 21kg you’ll not want to do it often. But what if you had a bike with small, easily removable batteries that take moments to swap? In Taiwan, Gogoro have developed an urban transport system based around this concept. Founded in 2011, in less than a decade they have established the largest battery swapping network in the world with over 2,000 charging stations allowing more than 250,000 battery swaps a day, enough power to ride 15,000,000km.
A range of scooters (Gogoro’s own models plus five other vehicle partners like Yamaha) are available with batteries that can be swapped on the network. After registering with the network, choose a riding plan based on bike and distance. This can be as little as TWD 299 (around GBP 7.80) a month.
Swapping the batteries is simplicity itself. Pull up at a charging station, open the seat and remove the batteries. Insert the discharged battery into a vacant slot and a charged replacement is released. Slot the charged batteries into the scooter and you’re ready to go. You can swap and be back on the road in just SIX seconds.
The network of charging stations is spread across Taiwan. Gogoro works with local businesses to get charging stations sited at useful locations such as supermarket car parks, convenience stores and parking lots. In Taiwan’s cities there are stations every 500 metres or so.
Gogoroare also involved in constant development work on their battery tech. Their third generation battery has recently been released; these allow the rider up to 170km (around 100 miles) between swaps. It is important to note that the consumer doesn’t own the battery, it is included in their monthly subscription. This enables Gogoro to swap out old batteries with new ones, ensuring the latest tech is always available
Admittedly, Gogoro operate in a country where small capacity scooters have long been an established part of the urban transport network (and population clusters are more central than the UK’s decentralised populace). But their massive growth in such a short timeline shows what can be achieved.