Bengaluru-based electric scooter start-up, Bounce Infinity, has unveiled the E1X variant of its battery-swappable electric scooter. It makes Bounce Infinity the first OEM to homologate and launch a scooter that is designed for battery swapping. The Infinity E1X is scheduled to launch in the domestic market in June this year with immediate and easy integration with top battery swapping systems in India.
The battery-swappable feature is beneficial to cater to the needs of passengers who travel long distances daily. The extended charging times and accessibility of charging stations provided by the Infinity E1X give users peace of mind and permit for continuous travel. “EVs can allow a lot of innovation including making vehicles very affordable. One such benefit comes from separating the battery from the vehicle and asking the user to pay the upfront cost of the scooter only,” said Vivekananda Hallekare, CEO and Co-founder, Bounce Infinity.
Globally, Bounce has introduced two speed variants of battery swapping models. These have speed capabilities of 55 kmph and 65 kmph, respectively. These scooters are easy to mesh with multiple battery-swapping networks without demanding extensive redesigns. Furthermore, the current model is undergoing transformation with features that will allow it to attain a top speed of 92 kmph depending on market needs.
Bounce is offering the E1X variant at introductory price of INR 55,000 (ex-showroom), and the energy cost has been estimated to be between INR 1 to INR 1.5 per kilometre, depending on the utilisation and the swapping operator. This should contribute in reducing the running cost of the vehicle.
According to a McKinsey report, it is believed that electric two-wheelers will take the largest market share in 2030 by accounting for 60 to 70 per cent of sales. The Indian government has stimulated the growth of electric vehicles by providing subsidies in FAME while battery swapping continues to fasten this transition because it supports the deployment of EVs by providing a sustainable and cost-efficient consumer model.
Battery swapping technology is quite similar to the process of refueling a car at a petrol station. It also comes as a solution for range anxiety as consumers can quickly switch batteries mid-run. The mobile application helps the riders in identifying the nearest swapping station as well as estimating left battery charge. It also offers real-life battery availability visibility to enhance smooth handover at network stations without waiting times.