Simple Energy One

The Simple One electric scooter is a standout in the Indian market with its blend of performance, range, and features. It features a sharp and chiselled design with LED lights and a 7-inch colour TFT instrument cluster that is touch-enabled. The scooter has four ride modes - Eco, City, Dash, and Sonic - with the Sonic mode allowing it to reach a top speed of 105kph. The in-house developed motor and battery pack deliver exceptional performance, with a claimed 0-40kph acceleration time of 2.77 seconds. The chassis, also designed in-house, provides stable and agile handling, although some minor tweaks are needed to address chassis flex. The scooter also includes a regenerative braking system and powerful disc brakes at both ends. With its competitive pricing and impressive specifications, the Simple One is an attractive option for those looking to transition to an electric scooter in India.

The Simple One electric scooter is a promising entry into the Indian electric vehicle market, offering a compelling package of performance, range, and features. During my test ride, I was impressed by its smooth and predictable accelerator response, which is a rarity in many EVs. The scooters in-house developed motor delivers 4.5kW continuous power and 8.5kW peak power, along with an impressive 72Nm of torque, making it one of the fastest electric scooters available. The claimed 0-40kph acceleration time of 2.77 seconds and a top speed of 105kph are indeed noteworthy. However, there are some areas that need improvement, such as the build quality and chassis flex under hard braking, which the company has assured will be addressed before production. Despite these minor issues, the Simple One stands out for its value-for-money proposition at Rs 1.1 lakh ex-showroom, making it a strong contender against rivals like the Ather 450X and Ola S1 Pro.

Simple Energys production facility in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu, covers 200,000 square feet and includes a dedicated motor manufacturing line, making it the only OEM in India with such a setup. The company produces 95% of its scooter components in-house, which is a testament to its commitment to quality and self-sufficiency. I believe this level of control over production will help them maintain high standards and innovate further.

Simple Energy is set to open six new showrooms across India, including locations in Vijayawada, Bangalore, Pune, and Goa, as part of its retail expansion. These showrooms, known as Simple Stores, will offer an experience-led environment where customers can interact with the companys electric scooters, such as the Simple One and Simple Dot One. The company aims to provide an immersive experience highlighting its focus on innovation and sustainability. I believe this move will significantly boost their market presence and customer engagement.

Simple Energy has secured $20 million in a Series A funding round to expand its electric vehicle business. This funding will be crucial for the company to scale up its production and retail network across India. The investment reflects the growing interest in electric vehicles and the potential of Simple Energy in the market. I think this funding will be a significant boost for their growth plans and innovation in the EV sector.

The Simple Dot One electric scooter was launched in India on December 15, 2023, at an introductory price of Rs. 99,000. This scooter is positioned as a more affordable option compared to the Simple One and is expected to attract a wider customer base. The Dot One features a range of 151 km and is part of Simple Energys strategy to expand its product lineup. I believe this launch will help Simple Energy compete more effectively against other electric scooter brands in India.

Simple Energy has begun deliveries of the Simple One electric scooter in India, albeit with notable delays. The company has delivered only a handful of scooters in Bengaluru as part of a pilot phase. Despite the delays, the Simple One is gaining attention for its certified range of 212 km and advanced features. I think the company needs to ramp up production to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in India.

The Simple One is priced at Rs 1.1 lakh ex-showroom, which is a highly competitive price point in the Indian electric scooter market. This pricing makes it one of the most affordable options with such high performance and range credentials. On-road prices will vary depending on the state and local taxes, but generally, you can expect to add around Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 to the ex-showroom price, bringing the total to approximately Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 1.3 lakh. Given the features and performance it offers, the Simple One is great value for money, especially considering its market-leading range and speed.

The Simple One boasts an impressive claimed real-world range of over 200km, thanks to its 4.8kWh battery pack. This range is achieved in the Eco mode, and as you switch to higher modes like Dash and Sonic, the range naturally decreases. The battery is split into a 3.3kWh fixed unit and a 1.5kWh portable unit, which can be charged separately, helping to alleviate range anxiety. In practical terms, this range makes the Simple One suitable for daily commutes and even some longer trips, making it a reliable choice for those looking for an electric scooter with substantial mileage. ABOUT The Simple One electric scooter is a standout in the Indian market with its blend of performance, range, and features. It features a sharp and chiselled design with LED lights and a 7-inch colour TFT instrument cluster that is touch-enabled. The scooter has four ride modes - Eco, City, Dash, and Sonic - with the Sonic mode allowing it to reach a top speed of 105kph. The in-house developed motor and battery pack deliver exceptional performance, with a claimed 0-40kph acceleration time of 2.77 seconds. The chassis, also designed in-house, provides stable and agile handling, although some minor tweaks are needed to address chassis flex. The scooter also includes a regenerative braking system and powerful disc brakes at both ends. With its competitive pricing and impressive specifications, the Simple One is an attractive option for those looking to transition to an electric scooter in India.