All systems go for Gogoro: Battery swappable Smartscooters now in the PH

Globe Telecom recently announced the arrival of the first batch of Gogoro Smartscooters in the country. This is after their initial announcement last year that Globe’s 917Ventures and Ayala Corporation would be bringing Gogoro Smartscooters and its electric battery-swapping platform into the country.

The initial batch consists of 100 Smartscooters, 400 smart batteries, and 7 GoStations (swapping terminals).

The idea behind the battery-swapping platform is to augment our lack of infrastructure and charging stations for electric vehicles, in order to make EVs a viable mode of transportation.

By just swapping your empty battery for a full-charge unit, you eliminate your downtime as it negates the waiting time need to charge your battery. Just swap and go.

Globe intends for this system to be initially utilized by the logistics and last-mile delivery industry.

"We are excited about this pilot rollout as it will not only address the need for more sustainable transportation options but also contribute to the overall goal of creating a greener future for Metro Manila and the entire country," said 917Ventures Managing Director Vince Yamat. "We are looking forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the Philippines," he added.

Tried and tested

Based in Taiwan, the Gogoro Network supports more than 520,000 riders, has more than 1.1 million smart batteries in circulation through its network of 11,000 battery-swapping GoStations at over 2,260 locations.

With more than 370,000 daily battery swaps and more than 360 million total battery swaps to date, Gogoro Network battery swapping has saved more than 250,000 tons of CO2 since its introduction in 2011.

Do you think battery swapping will catch on with scooter riders?