Gogoro introduces solid and exchangeable batteries for scooters

Already unconventional with their exchangeable batteries at stations, Gogoro electric scooters will soon benefit from solid-state batteries.

In Taiwan, Gogoro had already begun transforming the scooter world. With its removable batteries, the company established its model, and now thousands of exchange points are popping up. Even Paris, with Zeway scooters, is joining in! But Gogoro also has an edge. Because after exchangeable batteries, they are also becoming “solid”

By solid, we mean a solid electrolyte (solid state in English). Here, the chemistry of batteries relies on a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid (via ions). The ceramic material allows for better energy storage than current methods. With a higher energy density, solid batteries store more energy in the same space.

Gogoro scooters with exchangeable solid-state batteries

Gogoro therefore presents its lithium ceramic batteries, designed with ProLogium. This Taiwanese company specializes in batteries and has already collaborated with Nio, Aiways, and recently Mercedes-Benz.

These Gogoro solid-state batteries are 40% denser, providing a capacity of 2.5 kWh in the same volume, compared to 1.7 kWh previously. And thanks to the exchangeable batteries, these solid versions will “integrate into existing Gogoro vehicles”. They will gradually replace lithium-ion batteries in scooters that have lost performance. Likely, they will also replace the batteries of the Yamaha EMF scooters built with the manufacturer.

The brand does not provide further details on range or recharge time. The same applies to the safety of these batteries, which is one of the greatest advances of this “solid” type, supposed to be more stable and even recyclable.

Solid-state battery technology already a reality

With this announcement, solid-state batteries are no longer a concept or a research topic. Beyond the electric scooter sector, electric cars are also moving forward in 2022. Dongfeng launched the first production car equipped with such batteries in January.

Although originating from the Nissan Sylphy of 2005, the Fengshen E70 sedan now uses these batteries. Co-manufactured with Ganfeng Lithium, they are only for a fleet of 50 taxis. With low density (157 Wh/kg) and a capacity of 52.6 kWh, they weigh about 335 kg. This initial phase aims to gather data and verify safety during intensive use.

Also read: Yamaha Switch On: the shift to electric bikes and scooters