Spanish electric scooter manufacturer Silence has recently initiated the production of its inaugural four-wheeled electric vehicle, the Silence S04. Having been unveiled in autumn 2021, the S04 is now being manufactured at a newly established plant owned by the parent company Acciona in Barcelona.
Covering an expansive area of 60,000 square meters, the production facility will also incorporate battery production in the future. However, during the current initial phase, the batteries are being supplied from a factory located in the nearby town of Sant Boi de Llobregat.
Although the company has refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the factory’s planned output, it is worth noting that the S04 is a lightweight vehicle designed for urban commuting, resembling the Renault Twizy. Nevertheless, Silence aims to imbue the S04 with a more conventional car design, featuring closed doors and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. To optimize spatial utilization, the two seats are arranged in an offset manner rather than side by side or behind each other.
The initial release of the S04 will be in the form of an L7e variant, boasting 14 kW of power. This variant can reach speeds of up to 85 km/h and offers a homologated range of 149 kilometers. The S04, inclusive of two removable 5.6 kWh battery packs, is priced at 10,180 euros. Alternatively, Silence proposes a cost-saving measure by offering the S04 without batteries, allowing customers to subscribe to a battery exchange service instead. By utilizing the Silence app, users can conveniently locate the nearest battery station where depleted batteries can be exchanged for fully charged ones. According to the manufacturer, this option enables customers to save nearly 40 percent of the purchase cost.
Certain performance figures for the City BEV, which measures 2.28 meters in length, 1.27 meters in width, and 1.57 meters in height, were initially revealed in 2021. At that time, a top speed of 90 km/h was mentioned. Additional specifications now disclosed include a small trunk capacity of 247 liters and a charging time of seven to nine hours when using a household socket, or just 30 minutes at an AC charging station. Notably, the batteries are equipped with wheels and a handle for easy swapping, given their weight of 41 kilograms each, enabling users to transport them similar to a wheeled suitcase. As previously announced, a later iteration of the S04 will be introduced as an L6e version, possessing 6 kW of power and a top speed of 45 km/h.
Silence’s venture into the production of the Silence S04 marks an important milestone for the Spanish electric vehicle manufacturer. With its innovative design and promising specifications, the S04 holds the potential to become a popular choice for urban commuters seeking sustainable and efficient transportation options.
