Ola Electric acquires Amsterdam-based Etergo, to launch e-2W for India in 2021

Ola Electric Mobility has acquired Etergo BV, an innovative electric scooter OEM based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. With this acquisition, Ola Electric has also announced its entry into the premium electric two-wheeler market, both globally and nationally.    

Founded in 2014, Etergo has developed an all-electric state-of-the-art AppScooter, which has won multiple awards across the world for its innovative design and engineering at CES 2019 and Automotive Brand Contest, Germany amongst others. First revealed in 2018, the AppScooter uses swappable high energy density batteries to deliver a range up to 240km and class-leading acceleration of 0-45kph in 3.9 seconds. 

Ola Electric says it has been working towards building the electric vehicle ecosystem to enable ‘clean kilometres’ at scale. With plans to set up extensive charging and swapping networks around the country, Ola Electric is currently running several pilots to deploy electric vehicles and charging solutions across cities with a focus on two- and three-wheelers. The company aims to build a suite of electric and smart urban mobility solutions for global citizens, both in India and around the world. 

Commenting on the acquisition, Bhavish Aggarwal, founder and chairman, Ola Electric said, “The future of mobility is electric, and the post-Covid world presents an opportunity for us to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility globally. Every year, almost twice the number of two-wheelers are sold across the world compared to cars. With electric, digitally connected capabilities, two-wheelers will further emerge as the most preferred urban mobility paradigm around the world and empower every consumer. We look forward to building the best global capabilities in engineering, design, and manufacturing for these products to be made here in India.”

He added, “I am very excited to welcome Bart, Marijn, and the entire Etergo team to Ola Electric and look forward to working closely with them to build towards our vision of making electric mobility, a reality at scale.”

First revealed in 2018, the AppScooter uses swappable high energy density batteries to deliver a range up to 240km and class-leading acceleration of 0-45kph in 3.9 seconds. 

Ola to launch electric two-wheeler in India in 2021
In its mission to build sustainable mobility solutions for India and the world, Ola Electric aims to launch its global electric two-wheeler in India in 2021. This acquisition will further bolster Ola Electric’s strong engineering and design capabilities with the Etergo team’s extensive vehicle development experience with leading automotive companies like Tesla, General Motors, Ferrari, Jaguar, and BMW. Etergo’s team will continue to be based out of Amsterdam as they join Ola Electric.

Bart Jacobsz Rosier, co-founder and CEO, Etergo BV said, “Ola is one of the world’s most admired mobility companies and has led the way for many innovations in the space, including its bold ambition for electric mobility. We are looking forward to joining Ola Electric and together, reimagining electric mobility to transform the way the world moves!”

While the AppScooter gives us a good idea of what Etergo is capable of, we don't expect it to be the scooter Ola Electric will bring to India. The AppScooter is priced at 3,399 euros (around Rs 282,000) and at that price it would not fit into the premium electric scooter segment in India. Eexpect to see a more cost-efficient product that will use design and technology from Etergo, but come with a price tag so that it rivals the likes of Ather’s e-scooters, Bajaj’s Chetak and the TVS iQube.  

ETERGO APPSCOOTER TECH SPECS
Dimensions
Width: 700mm
Height: 1155mm
Seat height: 800 mm
Kerb weight: 74 kg
Wheelbase: 1345mm
Underseat storage: 50 litres
Battery weight: 8.5kg per module
Wheels: 12-inch aluminium alloy
Tyres: 110/70-12

Warning and Alert
Detailed Diagnostics via Built-in App
Cockpit display: 7-inch full-colour touch-screen

Chassis
Front suspension: Telescopic single shock Headstock
Rear suspension: Horizontally mounted shock absorber with progressive geometry
Brake system: Hydraulic disc brake (Front 200mm/ Rear 180mm)

Battery
Capacity: 1155Wh per module
Max discharge power: 3kW per module
Max regenerative power: 1250 W per module
Pack safety: Advanced Battery Management
Max charge power: 600 W per module
Range: 80km per module at 20kph*

Drivetrain
Transmission type: Single-stage belt
Motor: AC brushless\
Acceleration: 0 to 45kph in 3.9 sec (based on simulations)
Maximum motor power: 6 kW
Nominal motor power: 3 kW
System voltage: 48V nominal
Maximum motor torque: 50 Nm
Belt ratio: 2.7
Max wheel torque: 135 Nm

Software & Connectivity
Operating System: Android
Companion App Functionality (available soon): Remote lock/unlock, Find My Scooter, Charging Control
Internet connectivity: 4G (LTE), 3G, GPRS, WiFi
Device communication: Bluetooth, WiFi
Built-in software functions: Navigation, Music, Phone Control, Advanced Diagnostics
Smartphone compatibility for pairing: iOs & Android
Updates: Over-the-air
Positioning: GPS/GLONASS/Galileo
Speakers: 2 x 10W full range audio

*Based on simulations and subject to change, depends on number of modules.