Gogoro Crossover E-Scooter Is Set To Launch In India In December.

Taiwan-based electric vehicle (EV) company Gogoro is preparing to introduce its first product in India, the Gogoro Crossover. The company has confirmed the launch of the Crossover in India in December, with deliveries expected to start in early 2024.

The production of this scooter has kicked off in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, using parts sourced locally. This approach qualifies the scooter for benefits under India's FAME-II incentive scheme. The first batch of units is currently on its way to specific business-to-business (B2B) partners.

Gogoro has pledged a substantial investment of $1.5 billion (approx. ₹ 12,300 crore) in Maharashtra, demonstrating a keen interest in tapping into India's expansive delivery fleet economy. The company has strategically aligned itself with key players in the delivery sector, securing vital partnerships with Swiggy and Zomato, as well as the EV-only delivery firm Zypp Electric.

Expanding its footprint across the nation, Gogoro has recently collaborated with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), for its intent to integrate battery cabinets at HPCL's fuel stations.

With an established partnership with Hero MotoCorp in India, Gogoro is actively contributing to the development of a new scooter that incorporates its tech platform and swappable batteries.

Successful collaborations with global two-wheeler brands like Suzuki and Yamaha in Taiwan, Gogoro anticipates a growing interest from Indian manufacturers in adopting its battery swap solutions as they are reliable and practical.

Gogoro wants more people to afford its scooters in India. They're doing this by making a strategic effort to localise their operations. To achieve this, they're separating the scooter from its batteries and introducing a subscription service. This move is designed to noticeably lower the starting price of the Crossover. Gogoro plans to provide different payment options, like pay-per-use and monthly fees, specifically designed for fleet operators. This strategy aims to make their electric scooters more affordable and adaptable for people in the Indian market.

Gogoro has already established several battery-swapping stations in the Delhi-NCR region and is gearing up for full-scale battery manufacturing in the first half of 2024. The company aims for a rapid rollout of its swap network across key cities in the coming months. Gogoro claims that its battery-swapping system, facilitating a swap in as little as six seconds, will eliminate downtime and maximise work hours and profitability.

The Gogoro Crossover is the biggest scooter in Gogoro's lineup to date. It's made like a workhorse with a wheelbase of over 1,400 mm. Branded as a 'two-wheeled SUV' by the company, the Crossover is designed with a strong focus on utility and versatility.

Constructed on a modified steel tubular frame, it features an extended LED headlight with a shroud, serving a dual purpose as a load-bearing element through mounting points.

Riding on 12-inch wheels and equipped with a telescopic fork and twin shocks, the Crossover ensures reliable braking with disc brakes at both ends (220 mm front; 180 mm rear). It weighs 126 kg (including batteries) and has a ground clearance of 142 mm.

The seats on the Crossover, aimed at providing flexibility. The pillion seat folds up to become a backrest for the rider, creating additional space for carrying large cargo at the back. Additionally, the pillion seat can be completely removed to make room for larger items. The flat floorboard is designed to comfortably accommodate suitcases and other heavy items. To enhance practicality further, Gogoro is likely to offer optional accessories such as front and rear luggage racks, along with top cases and panniers.

Gogoro Crossover features a separate compartment designed to accommodate two swappable battery packs. This ensures that the batteries do not encroach into the underseat storage space. The Crossover is configured to have two batteries, each weighing a little over 10 kg and holding approximately 1.6 kWh of energy. This setup is anticipated to provide the scooter with a range of around 100 km.

While the final specifications for the India-specific Gogoro Crossover are yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated that the version targeted at the B2B market will feature a less powerful motor. Sources suggest that this version of the scooter is expected to have a peak power output of under 3 kW and a top speed of around 60-65 kmph.

The Crossover's liquid-cooled motor produces a peak output of 7 kW and 26.6 Nm of torque. There is no confirmation whether this higher specification will be available for private buyers in India.