Cycle & Carriage (C&C) has partnered with Gogoro Inc to launch a new wave of battery-swappable electric scooters.
This collaboration will see C&C become the exclusive distributor for Gogoro’s innovative battery-swapping system and Smartscooters in Singapore.
“While battery swapping technology and two-wheel electric vehicles are relatively new in Singapore, our partnership with Gogoro will accelerate the growth,” said Wilfrid Foo, Managing Director of Cycle & Carriage Singapore.
“The positive feedback from Foodpanda riders and valuable data gained from the sandbox pilot has given us the confidence to commercialise Gogoro in Singapore. We believe that this is a viable green mobility solution for Singapore.”
The Trial Test
Back in March 2023, C&C and Gogoro launched a pilot with Foodpanda, one of Singapore’s leading food delivery platforms. The goal was to test Gogoro’s Smartscooters and battery-swapping technology.
The pilot, set to conclude in September 2024, has been a resounding success. Riders have praised the Smartscooters for their speed, cool running temperature, silent operation, and minimal vibrations.
Battery swaps, completed in less than a minute, have proven to be quick and convenient. Riders are also pleased with the all-inclusive leasing package and aftersales support offered by C&C. On average, each rider covers about 2,200 km per month, performing up to two battery swaps daily, with each swap allowing up to 100 km of travel.
Azhar, a Foodpanda rider who participated in the pilot, shared, “I actually saved a lot of time with the battery swap compared to queuing up at petrol stations. The riding experience is also very comfortable, efficient, and convenient; the ignition method is very easy, with just a tap of the card and a thumbprint.”
The pilot revealed that Gogoro’s sustainable mobility solution is particularly beneficial for logistics, delivery fleets, and gig workers. Smartscooters provide a more convenient and quieter ride compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, making them an attractive option for riders looking to go green and reduce their carbon footprint.
Horace Luke, founder and CEO of Gogoro, announced, “After working closely with Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) to secure a permit to launch our battery-swapping platform in Singapore, I am pleased to announce that Gogoro is now certified to operate in Singapore. This certification is a testament to how safe, smart, reliable, and eco-friendly Gogoro battery swapping is.”
GoStations Coming to Singapore
Gogoro and C&C have secured licensing rights to install Gogoro’s battery-swapping GoStations in Singapore. Complying with the Technical Requirements 25 (TR25) safety and performance standards, the stations have undergone stringent tests.
C&C has partnered with Shell Recharge to launch the first GoStation at Shell Yio Chu Kang service station, set to be completed by August 2024. More GoStations will be rolled out at Shell service stations across the island over the next two years.
C&C will introduce three electric Smartscooter models from Gogoro by Q4 2024:
- Gogoro SuperSport: The flagship model, offering superior power and sporty dynamics for affluent riders.
- Gogoro Premium: A stylish, everyday commuter with gloss metallic body panels and seat badge.
- Gogoro Viva Mix: A cost-efficient model designed for higher mileage users.
The new Gogoro showroom will be located at the C&C Electric Commercial Vehicle Hub at 330 Ubi Road 3, Singapore 408650, ready by Q4 2024.
C&C will also launch an all-inclusive leasing package for riders, including battery-swapping services, and service and maintenance, making operating costs more predictable compared to ICE motorcycles.
Strengthening Partnerships
Foodpanda, a key partner in the pilot, is working on a long-term partnership with C&C to lease Gogoro Smartscooters to their riders.
C&C is in discussions with other partners in the last-mile delivery space to expand the sales of Gogoro Smartscooters and scale up battery-swapping GoStations in Singapore.
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