Navee manufactured half a million e-scooters in 2022.
A pre-signed contract for 2024 says that Navee will sell 400,000 vehicles to consumer electronics company Xiaomi and a further 200,000 independently.
So, who is Navee?
Established in 2020, Navee Technology was born out of manufacturing and distribution company Suzhou Brightway Intelligent Technology.
Specialising in R&D, production, and the distribution of e-scooters and e-bikes, Navee has become one of the largest suppliers in the micromobility industry. In 2021, the brand joined the Xiaomi Ecological Chain, and is now one of its primary suppliers.
“Navee has streamlined an R&D team focus to continuously optimise and improve the experience of urban mobility,” Founder and CEO of Suzhou Brightway Intelligent Technology Lu Jian tells Zag Daily.
Of Navee’s 350-member team, 70% are R&D members focused on engineering and product innovation, many of whom have worked with reputable companies such as Ford, Honda, Nexteer and Golden Dragon.
Now venturing into the shared micromobility space, Navee has released its first ever shared e-scooter: the D1 Pro.
“It’s time for us to show the world that we’ve entered the shared space,” Lu says.
The D1 Pro
With a capacity of more than 1 kWh (kilowatt hour), the D1 Pro comes with one of the biggest batteries on the market and has a range of 110 kilometers. Placing operational efficiency at its forefront, this extensive range reduces the need for battery swapping and the e-scooter’s accompanying 5A charger offers maximum power in minimal time, charging it from 0 to 100% in under six hours.
When it’s not hitting a voltage milestone, the D1 Pro can be customised with a swappable battery of 531 Wh (watt hour) enabling the rider to opt for a lighter scooter. The battery’s lifespan is protected by an electronic lock compartment within the footboard, and the e-scooter’s IPX5 waterproof rating and IPX7 rating for its battery pack, IOT module, instrumental panel and controller ensures protection in all weather conditions.
Navee’s Product team has designed the shared e-scooter with two main concepts in mind: reliability and easy maintenance.
“The D1 Pro is designed to need fewer battery swaps and accommodate long trips under any harsh conditions,” says Lu. “Its battery capacity and high power motor enhance the user’s riding experience while also reducing costs for the maintenance team.”
The turning indicators, fenders, kickstand and wireless charging accessories can all be swapped and easily adjusted to reduce maintenance costs thanks to the e-scooter’s modular design.
The D1 Pro can also be tailored to specific needs with a choice of two tires – PU filled or solid honeycomb. This is to suit both suburban and city roads, while the rider won’t know the difference with a powerful 800W or 700W motor, top speed of 25 kilometres per hour and 23% incline capability.
Navee’s AI technology in the D1 Pro features an AI Vision camera which offers parking area detection, pedestrian detection, and sidewalk detection. Multi-person riding detection can be achieved through additional sensors that are integrated within the footboard, and the IOT module also has in-built sensors and precise location data.
A factory upgrade
To meet growing demand, a new factory committed solely to Navee’s shared vehicles has recently been constructed which saw its first batch produced in November.
With three current factories in Hangzhou (Jian De), Yongkang, and Shenzhen, Navee’s current production capacity is 100,000 vehicles per month and more than 1.2 million per year.
The new factory will add to this by half a million vehicles per year.
“With a capacity of up to 500,000 shared vehicles per year, the new factory aims to be the leading green manufacturer for short distance travel.”
The four-floor factory sees various areas within its layout such as vehicle storage, exhibition space, assembly and production line areas, and human resource space.
It also sees in-house production of most of the components comprising the D1 Pro.
“In house production is not just about producing our pieces in-house. It’s also a way to realise innovation from the R&D team which is key to achieving Navee’s mission. We’re aiming to be the world’s leading innovative intelligent technology company in mobility.
“Navee is shifting urban mobility into a more sustainable and intelligent market.”