Bengaluru-based EV start-up, Simple Energy has finally launched the Simple One electric scooter in the country at Rs 1,09,999 (ex-showroom Bengaluru). Initially, the e-scooter will be available only in India's Silicon Valley and will reach 75 cities across 13 states in the coming months. Interested customers can now book the scooter at a token of Rs 1,947.
The Simple One is powered by a 4.8kW electric motor that sends its power to the rear wheel via a chain drive. It generates 72Nm of massive torque and enables it to sprint from 0 to 40kmph in just 2.95 seconds, making it the fastest e-scooter in the Indian market.
Energizing the e-scooter is a 4.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers an impressive real-world range of 203km in Eco mode. In fact, it comes with four riding modes: Eco, Rain, Dash, and Sonic, with a claimed top speed of 98kmph or 105kmph, depending on the riding mode and tire choice. And since the battery is removable, one can take it out to charge separately.
The brand has also introduced its fast-charging network, called the Simple Loop. In its initial phase, Simple Energy will set up over 300 fast chargers across 13 states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Telangana, Punjab, and Gujarat. These charging stations will be capable of energizing its battery for up to 2.5km in just one minute and interestingly, these chargers will be compatible with all kinds of electric scooters (a first-of-its-kind initiative).
The e-scooter is built on a tubular chassis supported by a telescopic fork and a monoshock. It rides on 12-inch alloy wheels and the braking power comes from a 200mm front and a 190mm rear disc aided by Combined Braking System (CBS) and as well as regenerative braking. Weighing at 110kg, it has one of the lightest curb weights in its category. Besides, it also offers 30-liters of large underseat storage.
On the features front, the Simple One is equipped with an IP67-rated 7-inch touchscreen display with 4G LTE and Bluetooth connectivity. With this, you can control music and phone calls on the go, remotely lock the scooter and even store your vehicle's documents. Not only this, but it also gets on-board navigation, geo-fencing, over-the-air updates support, a tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle statistics and vehicle tracking, etc.
The brand has offered it in four color options – Brazen Black, Namma Red, Azure Blue, and Grace White.
In the Indian market, the Simple One will take on the likes of Ather 450X, TVS iQube Electric, Bajaj Chetak, and the recently launched Ola S1.
Author's Take
The Simple One looks pretty impressive, at least on paper. But how would it perform in the real world? Well, wait till we try our hands on it.
