Simple Energy to launch tech-laden Mark 2 e-scooter on August 15

Bangalore-based Simple Energy has announced the launch date for its flagship e-scooter codenamed ‘Mark 2’ on August 15. The company claims the electric scooter will offer one of the highest range in the Indian EV market.

The e-scooter, which was snapped testing last month, s completely designed using French technology major, Dassault Systemes’ development platform. As part of its production plans, the company has finalised its first phase of the factory in Whitefield, which will have a production capacity of 50,000 units. 

In January 2021, the company had raised undisclosed amount from angel investors UiPath’s VP – Global Business and Finance Operations Vel Kanniappan and four other investors pre-series funding. 

The company says it is ready with the production model based which is based on the prototype Mark 1, which was in the news last year. As per the product specs revealed, the Mark 2 will have a 4.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, a claimed range of 240km in eco mode, top speed of 100kph, and 0-50kph acceleration in 3.6 seconds. Other key features a mid-drive motor along with a removable battery and futuristic design. It will also come with features like a touchscreen, on-board navigation and Bluetooth, among others. While the exact pricing has not yet been announced, the e-scooter is expected to be in the range of Rs 110,000 to Rs 120,000.

The phased launch will begin in Bangalore, where its R&D centre is located and the first factory is also being set up, followed up by other south Indian cities namely Chennai and Hyderabad. The company plans to eventually expand the presence to other cities in the days to come.

Suhas Rajkumar, founder, and CEO, Simple Energy said, “August 15 is a significant milestone for the nation, Simple Energy aims at creating history with a world-class product made by an Indian company. Due to the ongoing second wave of Covid-19, we have chosen this date by hoping that the situation would get better. We look forward to the remarkable journey ahead.”

The company also plans to raise Series A funding of $15 million (Rs 111 crore) in the third quarter of this year. It is also looking to deploy charging stations in Bangalore prior to the launch.