JMS 2023: Is the Honda SC e: Concept compatible with the Gogoro battery-swapping system?
Gilbert Chao · Nov 6, 2023 08:00 PM
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Among Honda’s exhibits at the recently held Japan Mobility Show (JMS) 2023 in Tokyo was the Honda SC e: electric scooter concept.
Like the EM1 e:, which is currently available in European markets, the SC e: features removable/swappable battery packs to power its electric motor. The SC e:, however, can accommodate two batteries, which could extend its range up to 100 kilometers per full charge.
The Honda SC e: can accommodate two battery packs for a longer range. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
Honda might still make some changes to other functions of the SC e: since it is still in its concept stage, but what would probably remain is its Honda Mobile Power Pack e: feature, which is quite similar to what the Suzuki Burgman e-scooter has.
The Honda e-scooters make use of the Gachaco battery-swapping system. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
In fact, the battery pack of the SC e: and the Burgman looks identical. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, as both Honda and Suzuki use the Gachaco battery-swapping system.
Gachaco is a collaboration between the so-called big 4 (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha) and Eneos, Japan’s leading lubes company. The Gachaco system enables the four brands to share the same battery-swapping platform for their electric scooters.
Gogoro isn't the only one with a bright idea. PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
Is this like the Gogoro battery-swapping system? Yes, but not exactly.
According to Bernie Llamzon, Gogoro Philippines President, the Big 4’s Gachaco system is very similar to the Gogoro system, but it might take some minor tweaking for the two systems to be interchangeable. But he was quick to add that he can not say anything with certainty as they have yet to have discussions with Japanese manufacturers on the matter.
We also noticed that the Gogoro batteries are visually longer and more slender, while the Gachaco batteries are short and stout.
The Honda SC e: isn't the first all-electric scooter. But will Honda make it available? PHOTO BY MIKKO DAVID
In Taiwan, Gogoro’s home turf, Yamaha uses the Gogoro system for its electric scooters. Anything’s possible, but as of now, none of the Japanese brands in the Philippines offer electric motorcycles in their stable.
Gogoro is about to open its first showroom in Greenbelt 4, Makati City, tomorrow (November 7), with six more stores to be opened before the end of the year. It seems that Gogoro sees a local market potential for electric scooters that remains to be appreciated by the Big 4.
Maybe Gogoro should really have a discussion with them, don’t you think?
A moto-journo who spends most of his time on the saddle unless otherwise saddled with desk work. His curious nature and poor sense of direction often take him on unplanned adventures.
