Silence expands S04 model range
The Silence S04 is a compact city EV classified as either L7e or L6e, equipped with swappable batteries, and has already launched in France, Germany, and Italy in 2024. Now, the Acciona micromobility brand is announcing further markets: the Netherlands, the UK, Ireland, Norway, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Poland, Greece and Turkey. The Dutch launch is set to begin later this month.
At the same time, Silence is introducing new variants of the small EV. Among the additions is the Silence S04 L6e ‘Unico’– a new entry-level model priced at €9,990. Previously, the starting price for the S04 was €11,995. Also new is the Silence S04 Cargo, a version developed specifically for commercial applications, available in both L6e and L7e configurations. Silence has also updated its existing two S04 models: the previous entry-level Silence S04 L6e has been renamed ‘Vivo’, while the Silence S04 L7e is now called ‘Plus’.
The two-seater was first unveiled in autumn 2021. Unlike earlier models such as the Renault Twizy, Silence opted for a more conventional car design with closed doors. To maximise interior space, the two seats are offset rather than placed side-by-side or front-to-back. The city EV, which measures 2.28 metres in length, 1.27 metres in width and 1.57 metres in height, offers a boot capacity of 247 litres.
Variants with 4, 6 or 14 kW of power
For the L6e versions, Silence announced power outputs of 4 kW (Unico) and 6 kW (Vivo). In line with L6e classification, the top speed is limited to 45 kph. In France and Germany, drivers can operate the vehicles from the age of 14 or 15, respectively, with a class AM driving licence. Silence did not disclose detailed battery specifications for the updated models.
However, the Unico is expected to offer ‘up to 100 kilometres of range’. The ‘Vivo’ will follow later this summer and is said to add ‘upgraded features such as a 7-inch TFT screen, an improved braking system, and a multifunctional steering wheel that has integrated call in / call out control’. Previously, the now-renamed Vivo L6e version came either with a 5.6 kWh battery and up to 75 kilometres of range, or with two batteries (2x 5.6 kWh) for up to 175 kilometres of range – both options had a 6 kW motor.
The S04 L7e ‘Plus’ will have 14 kW of power and a top speed of up to 85 kph. This model was also previously available in single- and dual-battery versions (5.6 kWh each) and offered 7 or 14 kW of power output. The new Cargo variant will be offered in both L6e and L7e versions, featuring a loading volume of 414 litres – with a single-seat configuration.
Regardless of model variant, all S04 versions are equipped with air conditioning, heating and a reversing camera. The vehicle can also be paired with the ‘mySilence’ app, which allows users to unlock and start the vehicle via smartphone, track its location, or plan routes.
New business model: Battery-as-a-Service
Silence is also set to test additional features in France, its first export market: from July 2025, Silence’s parent company Acciona and Nissan will begin trialling battery swap stations. At selected Nissan dealerships, fuel stations, and public car parks, Silence users will be able to exchange empty batteries for fully charged ones ‘in under 30 seconds’. The S04’s swappable batteries are fitted with wheels and a handle, allowing them to be transported like a rolling suitcase.
For the first time, French customers will also have the option of acquiring a Silence S04 with a battery subscription, lowering the upfront cost of the vehicle. A monthly rental fee is charged for battery use, although the subscription is offered free of charge for the first year. The Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model aims to boost demand. “By introducing battery swapping and flexible battery ownership models, Nissan and Silence are helping to lower the barriers to EV adoption – particularly for city-based drivers who may not have access to home charging,” the companies say.
Silence currently operates 160 battery swap stations ‘in strategic areas around major cities’, primarily in Spain. This number is expected to rise to more than 200 by the end of the year.
The electric light vehicle is marketed by Nissan, which has served as Silence’s European sales partner since spring 2024. Since then, the Japanese manufacturer has been gradually introducing financing, service and insurance options through its dealership network.
The partnership between the two firms is not new. Silence already manufactures its vehicles at the former Nissan plant in Barcelona. Nissan officially ceased production there at the end of 2021 – the final vehicle produced being an electric e-NV200 van.
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