Since 2011, Taiwanese-startup Gogoro has ambitiously changed the world by building an energy infrastructure with renewable energy. Introducing its sleek line of Smartscooters* — operated in all-electric, connected via bluetooth and designed largely by former engineers and designers in HTC and Microsoft. Gogoro has opened and zoomed all the way in representing scooters in the electric vehicles industry.
What makes Gogoro an outstanding innovation? Swappable batteries replace the conventional way to plug-in and charge system. Charging can be done at GoStations in seconds with the Gogoro Energy Network or at home. It saves users a lot of time in sharing batteries while on the road, marking a transformation of technology in urban development.
Gogoro built the business in their home market, one of the most congested countries concerned with serious air pollution issues. In Taiwan, approximately 13.7 million scooters were registered till December 2015; with such significant high rate of ownership, it brought up serious issues — gasoline-powered vehicles emissions account for 20% — 35% of PM2.5 and more than half of NOx pollutants in the country. These results highlight a need to tackle the social and environmental impacts caused by the high rate of scooter ownership.
To tackle these problems, Gogoro turns them into opportunities, showcasing a good model of Restorative Innovation.
“Consumers are what’s going to change the world, not necessarily industries or governments. They’re voting with their own money, their own habits — that is what’s going to change how people use energy in the world.”
— Horace Luke, CEO of Gogoro, setting his vision among the megacities in Asia to tackle the population density, air pollution issues and rapid urbanization.
A diehard fan of Tesla, Luke sees the brand as out of the reach for the masses in Asia, where users are struggling for carpark lots as well as the charging spots. He wanted to create a product for people who live in hostile environments for the clean car revolution.
Now, let’s talk about statistics. Gogoro, by far has successfully displaced 4.1 million liters of gasoline and reduced CO2 emissions by 26 million kilograms. The scooters are 5 to 10 times more energy efficient and reduces 80–90% greenhouse gases and not to mention it releases zero air or noise pollutants. According to Gogoro, the charged battery at 50% — 70% capacity lasts for an hour to power a house, a home furnace for an evening and even a laptop for more than 1 day. It provides sustainable and reliable power house that does not harm the environment, also helps solving the problem of power generating capacity.
However, being a Restorative Innovation does comes at a price.
Gogoro was launched at a higher initial cost at US$ 4,100, but soon dropped by 27% to US$2,970 along with a set of free service to attract tons more consumers. Over time it has improved the availability and supply chain efficiency by running more than 400 energy network stations in the country and It has sold more than 30,000 vehicles ever since 2015.
Gogoro competes with the existing market on a sales strategy that is competitively respondent to user adoption, achieving this is can make an impact for our health, humanity and environment.
Netherlands and Norway are banning sales of gasoline and diesel cars by 2025, followed by France, Germany and U.K. starting in 2030. Gogoro developed their global target plans around these cities and is also expected to further expand after launching in Ishigaki, Berlin and Paris.
Gogoro is one of the key players who are changing the spectrum of electric vehicle, filling a gap with convenient services and earth-friendly products, bringing the clean energy and sustainable power usage for busy urban cities.
Know more of the cool story behind it: https://www.gogoro.com/
The World Restorative Innovation Forum brings you more stories from startups like Gogoro and business leaders about this movement. Catch us at SWITCH on 17th September, 2018. Pre-register now or attend the week-long festivities!
by Jeslyn Yeung & Hsiao Shih-Yu