Simple Energy has launched the Gen 2 version of its Simple One electric scooter, bringing a host of refinements to design, performance and software. Rather than a ground-up redesign, the Gen 2 focuses on improving the Gen 1.5 model with targeted updates.
- Simple One (5kWh) offers 265km IDC range, 0-40kph in 2.55s
- Simple One Ultra (6.5kWh) to offer 400km IDC range, 0-40kph in 2.77s
- Gen 2 scooters will come with a lifetime warranty
Simple One Gen 2: All you need to know
Gets multiple hardware and software refinements
The focus for Gen 2 has been on making the design more streamlined. The structural joints have been optimised for better rigidity, which the company claims will translate to a sharper and more predictable ride. The scooter also gets reinforced battery crash zones and a new tyre compound for better high-speed stability. The suspension has been retuned, while the seat height has been lowered by 16mm. The seat foam is now sportier and stiffer.
The higher-spec Simple One Gen 2 runs on a new 5kWh battery pack engineered to be lighter, denser and more efficient. The battery pack weight has come down from 34kg to 30kg. On this scooter, the electric motor produces 8.8kW peak power and 72Nm peak torque. Claimed range is 265km IDC, and the scooter is also available with a smaller 4.5kWh battery pack that delivers 236km of IDC range. Both variants can accelerate from a standstill to 40kph in 2.55 seconds – down from 2.77 seconds on the Gen 1.5 – and the top speed has increased to 115kph from 105kph.
The base Simple OneS continues with a smaller 3.7kWh battery that delivers 190km IDC range. It also uses a less powerful motor, producing 6.4kW peak power and 52Nm peak torque.
New Simple One Ultra showcased
Simple has also showcased a new Simple One Ultra variant with a 6.5kWh battery delivering a 400km IDC range. The Ultra has a 0-40kph time of 2.77 seconds. Pricing for this variant has not been announced yet.
SimpleOS and new features
The Gen 2 introduces several software updates with SimpleOS. Two new riding modes have been added: EcoX and SonicX. EcoX analyses throttle input, speed patterns and riding environment to adjust and optimise output for maximum range. SonicX, meanwhile, unlocks the full 115kph top speed.
The scooter gets four different traction modes and four levels of regenerative braking. It also features two levels of cruise control – a standard mode for highways and a metro mode for city use. Additional features include vehicle fall cutoff, hill-hold assist and emergency braking lights that trigger the brake lights under hard braking.
The 5kWh variants get a 7-inch TFT screen with touchscreen functionality, while the Simple OneS gets a 7-inch non-touch TFT display. The new layout offers dark mode and light mode options. All variants get 35 litres of boot space, a front glove box and a USB charging port.
Simple One Gen 2 price
Prices start at Rs 1.40 lakh
Prices for the Gen 2 range start at Rs 1.40 lakh for the Simple OneS, Rs 1.70 lakh for the Simple One (4.5kWh) and go up to Rs 1.78 lakh for the Simple One (5kWh). The scooter will be available in three colours: Sonic Red, Aero X and Asphalt X. Interestingly, the company also announced that all Gen 2 scooters will come with a lifetime warranty, which should help in addressing a lot of concerns buyers have with the long-term ownership of an electric scooter.
All prices are ex-showroom, Bengaluru.
Ved Janve
Azaman Chothia
Dinshaw Magol
