Gogoro will roll out new battery with capacity 27% higher than that of existing model in summer, announced Horace Luke, founder and CEO of the company, on April 3.

The new battery boasts 1,740 Wh in capacity, enabling the electric motorcycle to attain cruising range of 170 kilometers, almost comparable to that of gasoline-fueled motorcycles. Gogoro's existing battery was launched in 2015, with 1,374 Wh in capacity and eight-year life. The new battery will be applicable to all Gogoro models, including old Gogoro 1 series.

The new battery features 21700 ternary cores, similar to that used by Tesla cars. Gogoro will diversify supply source by cooperating with Taiwanese firms in the development of battery, instead of relying on Panasonic for the supply exclusively.

To prepare for possible shortage of materials, Gogoro will engage in R&D on battery recycling. Luke also reveals that the company has kicked off a fully automated smart production line, consisting of 46 sets of robotic arms and 30 working modules. 

Horace Luke, Gogoro CEO

Gogoro's full automated smart factory

Gogoro has installed 1,200 battery-swap stations throughout Taiwan, including 300 in Taipei, which will rise to 1,500 by the end of this year, funded by the NT$7.2 billion syndicated loan headed by Mega Bank. Gogoro has invested up to NT$10.5 billion in energy network up to now. So far, Gogoro has raised funds totaling NT$14.5 billion, compared with total debt of NT$10.5 billion and accumulated investment of NT$11.6 billion.

(Collaborative media: TechNews, photo courtesy of Gogoro)