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The government will review and submit a new target for the number of EV (electric vehicle) charging stations after Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The existing target is 10,000 stations operating by 2025.

Minister of Investments, Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the actual number will only be known through the meeting of the National EV Driving Committee (NEVSC) which is scheduled to take place after the festival.

However, he informed that he had already held preliminary discussions with industry activists and EV public charging station installation companies.

“God willing we will discuss (with NEVSC) after this Raya.

“Officially, the number so far is 2,020 units, but that the number is close to more than 2,100 units during the unofficial discussion,” he said.

He added that industry activists and public EV charging station installation companies expressed confidence that the target of 10,000 EV stations by 2025 could be realised.

“As announced before, the target is 10,000 (EV charging stations) by the end of 2025, so we have to plan carefully.

“If we can’t reach that 10,000, we have to make a more realistic target, but it seems that through my discussion with the charging station installers, they are still confident because they can see the high demand, so they are a little braver to build the charging station.

“I’m trying to make sure we can reach that target,” he said.

On March 20, Tengku Zafrul was reported to have said that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) will re-examine the target of 10,000 EV charging stations by 2025 through the NEVSC meeting.

The target is guided by the Low Carbon Mobility Development Plan 2021-2030.

The European Union has given the green light to a comprehensive rules package aimed at enhancing the fast charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) across the continent.

  • The regulations mandate the establishment of facilities with at least 150kW of power every 60 kilometers along major transportation routes by 2025.
  • EU also requires each charging location must have minimum 400kW of output. 

The primary objective of these rules is to address three key concerns faced by EV users including cars and motorcycles. Firstly, it aims to alleviate range anxiety by expanding the EV charging infrastructure along Europe’s main highways.

Secondly, it intends to simplify payment processes by eliminating the need for apps or subscriptions, making charging more accessible. Finally, the rules aim to ensure transparent communication of pricing and availability to prevent unexpected surprises for users.

The timeline set for implementation is ambitious. By the end of December 2025, each charging location must have at least 400kW of total output, including at least one 150kW charger. By December 31, 2027, the minimum requirement increases to 600kW of total output with at least one 150kW charger.

The regulations also tackle the issue of shared charging points. To avoid any drop in power caused by simultaneous usage, the new rules stipulate that at least one charger with a minimum capacity of 150 kW must be available at all times.

The scope of the initiative extends beyond major highways. The rules will also be applied to 50% of feeder roads connected to the Trans-European Transportation (TEN-T) network by 2027. The goal is to complete the buildout of EV fast charging stations on these roads by 2030, with each location required to have a total capacity of 600kW by 2035.

Furthermore, the regulations aim to standardize EV charging operations to resemble traditional fueling stations. The process will involve pulling up, plugging in, and making payments using credit cards, eliminating the need for multiple credentials and special payment cards.

The European Union’s push for a robust and user-friendly EV fast charging infrastructure is expected to bolster the EV revolution across the continent. By eliminating barriers and enhancing convenience, the new rules aim to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable transportation future in Europe.

(source: The Verge)

In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize the Indian motorcycle market, Hero MotoCorp has unveiled its grand vision for electric mobility by teaming up with California-based electric motorcycle manufacturer, Zero Motorcycles.

  • The partnership, fueled by a substantial USD60 million investment, is set to electrify the industry and drive a monumental shift towards sustainable transportation.
  • The announcement, which first surfaced in September 2022, left enthusiasts speculating about Hero MotoCorp’s intentions.
Hero MotoCorp

 

With a strong legacy in traditional combustion-powered two-wheelers, Hero ventured into the electric realm earlier in 2022 with the launch of their first electric two-wheeler, the Vida V1, developed in collaboration with Taiwanese electric scooter and tech company, Gogoro.

Now, the veil has been lifted as the Hero MotoCorp Annual Report for 2023 sheds light on the electrifying details of the Zero partnership. The report outlines Hero’s strategic plans to co-develop premium electric motorcycles, utilizing Zero’s expertise to create innovative and high-performance EVs. The collaboration aims to diversify Hero’s EV portfolio, reaching a broader customer base and capitalizing on the global trend towards electric mobility.

Notably, the report emphasizes that this partnership goes beyond just technological exchange. It combines Zero’s cutting-edge powertrain and electric motorcycle development prowess with Hero’s vast scale in manufacturing, sourcing, and marketing, creating a powerful synergy in the realm of sustainable mobility.

For Hero MotoCorp, the alliance with Zero Motorcycles represents a momentous opportunity to spearhead the electric mobility revolution in India. As the largest motorcycle market in the world, India is ripe for transformative change.

Hero MotoCorp envisions bridging the gap between international clean mobility options and Indian consumers by bringing the entire Zero portfolio into the country.

To achieve this, Zero Motorcycles will set up local manufacturing facilities in India, further bolstering the nation’s efforts to promote indigenous electric vehicle production. With Zero’s global reputation for excellence in electric motorcycles, combined with Hero MotoCorp’s extensive experience in manufacturing and distribution, the partnership is poised to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility not just in India but also across global markets.

A recently released report titled ‘Achieving Zero Emissions with More Mobility and Less Mining,’ authored by the Climate + Community Project, has shed light on the hurdles associated with the transition to zero emissions and the detrimental effects of lithium mining on the environment.

  • new study reveals lithium mining has negative impact on the environment. 
  • latest findings explained that brine extraction as one of the most environmentally harmful. 

The study emphasizes that electric vehicles (EVs) have led to a surge in lithium mining activities. Although lithium is not a finite resource, similar to fossil fuels, the report reveals that only approximately 25% of the estimated 88 million tonnes of lithium on Earth is viable for extraction. 

To comprehend the lithium consumption scale, consider that a Tesla Plaid S, equipped with a 100kWh battery pack, utilises around 62kg of lithium, equivalent to 7,920 cylindrical 18650 batteries.

This relentless pursuit of lithium for EVs has been deemed unsustainable, as replacing every internal combustion vehicle with an electric counterpart would necessitate an alarming level of mining, devastating the environment.

Among the various methods of lithium extraction, the report highlights brine extraction as one of the most environmentally harmful. The process involves pumping salt-rich water from the ground into evaporation pools, where lithium gradually accumulates as the water evaporates. 

Unfortunately, this technique leaves behind toxic chemicals that can seep into watercourses, contaminate soil, and even become airborne, posing health risks to local communities.

The Ganzizhou Rongda Lithium mine in Tibet serves as a stark example of the adverse consequences of brine extraction. The mine has been blamed for poisoning the nearby Liqi River, resulting in the death of fish and livestock that rely on its waters.

The study’s findings underline the urgent need to address the environmental implications associated with the lithium mining boom driven by the electric vehicle industry. It calls for sustainable solutions that mitigate the negative impacts of resource extraction while still achieving zero emissions targets.

That said, the motorcycle industry, has the potential to contribute to these efforts by exploring alternative energy sources and reducing reliance on lithium-based technologies.

Great Wall Motor (GWM) telah mempamerkan komitmen terhadap kenderaan tenaga baharu (NEV) dengan memperkenalkan barisan model NEV menerusi jenama HAVAL, TANK, ORA, POER dan WEY di Auto Shanghai 2023, baru-baru ini. 

Naib Presiden dan Ketua Pemasaran Antarabangsa GWM, Parker Shi, mengetengahkan visi baharu syarikat itu terhadap NEV di samping menegaskan betapa signifikan Auto Shanghai 2023 bagi GWM. 

“Auto Shanghai 2023 merupakan platform terbaik bagi mempamerkan masa depan NEV dan teknologi lain kepada umum. 

“GMW telah menjemput 300 media dan pengedar daripada 60 negara (termasuk Malaysia) bagi menyaksikan dengan lebih dekat tawaran model NEV dan teknologi ketika di pameran tersebut,” jelasnya. 

Ketika pameran tersebut berlangsung, HAVAL telah memperkenalkan Fierce Dragon MAX yang merupakan SUV pertama dunia dengan teknologi Hybrid Intelligent 4WD selain daripada menawarkan rekaan moden dan futuristik. 

Dalam pada itu, POER pula mencuri tumpuan dengan trak pikap 6×6 dan POER Shanhai PHEV/HEV dengan kedua-duanya merupakan kenderaaan NEV. Ini secara tidak langsung, membuktikan kemampuan GWM dalam menghasilkan trak pikap NEV. 

Sementara itu, GWM TANK pula memperkenalkan dua model NEV baharu menerusi TANK 400 PHEV dan TANK 500 PHEV yang merupakan SUV berkeupayaan ‘off-road’ premium mewah. Menurut GWM, TANK 500 PHEV sudah pun dibuka untuk pra-jualan global minggu ini. 

Tidak cukup dengan itu, GWM WEY telah posisikan jenama mereka dalam segmen NEV dengan MPV sulung, WEY Gaoshan PHEV. Turut diperkenalkan adalah SUV elektrik Lanshan PHEV yang menawarkan 6-tempat duduk. 

Di samping itu, GWM ORA yang kini telah pun dipasarkan di Malaysia menerusi Ora Good Cat, mempamerkan dua model baharu yang datang dengan rekaan klasik namun dengan ciri moden dan berteknologi tinggi. Mengambil kira kejayaan Ora Good Cat di Malaysia, kami jangkakan dua model ini akan turut diperkenalkan kelak. 

Menerusi barisan model NEV yang diperkenalkan, ini secara tidak langsung membuktikan betapa komited GWM dalam mengetengahkan dan mempromosikan kenderaan tenaga baharu (NEV) untuk pasaran global sekaligus memenuhi permintaan pasaran global yang mahukan kenderaan hijau. 

Malaysia has become home to the first-of-its-kind motorcycle subscription service called Flux. This innovative service allows customers to enjoy a range of benefits, including flexible contracts, concierge services, and the ability to swap between different bike models during the subscription period.

  • FLUX offers Malaysia’s first motorcycle subscription service. 
  • customers can select from a variety of motorcycles including EVs. 

The service is structured around a security deposit paid upfront and a subscription term that ranges between 24 to 60 months. At the end of the subscription period, customers have the option to purchase the motorcycle for a guaranteed future value, which is determined based on the selected plan.

The subscription fee covers various aspects such as insurance, road tax, servicing, and maintenance, replacement of selected wear and tear items. The customers only have to pay for brake pads/discs and tires. Additionally, the service offers several models of motorcycles and scooters, including the Yamaha Y15ZR and 135LC, the Honda RS150R and Wave 125i, and the Blueshark R1 and R1 Lite electric scooters, as well as the Vespa LVX150.

The process begins with the customer selecting one of three plans, which range between 24 to 60 months, and a mileage package that includes 2,000 km, 2,750 km, or unlimited. Flux will then set a guaranteed future value depending on the selected plan. The customer can then make a reservation online and pay the security deposit/downpayment, with the selected motorcycle or scooter delivered within seven days.

Flux’s motorcycle subscription service offers numerous benefits to customers, including a concierge service that renews road tax and insurance, with reminders for scheduled maintenance. This service provides a hassle-free experience for customers, who can focus on enjoying their motorcycle without worrying about any additional costs or paperwork.

Moreover, the service allows for not only swapping between different bike models but also between motorcycles and cars provided by Flux, adding another layer of convenience and flexibility for customers.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) akan memperuntukkan RM90 juta bagi tempoh dua tahun dalam pembinaan stesen pengecas arus terus (DC) bagi kenderaan elektrik (EV) di Malaysia. 

Perkara itu disampaikan pengarah program pengurusan projek untuk kenderaan elektrik, Mohd Junaizee Mohd Noor. Jelasnya, TNB telah pun mengorak langkah sulung dengan membina tiga stesen pengecas EV di kawasan R&R Ayer Keroh (Melaka), Tapah (Perak) dan Paka (Terengganu). 

“Kami sasar untuk bina tujuh lagi stesen pengecas EV di Malaysia menjelang hujung tahun ini di Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (PLUS). 

“Insya’allah TNB akan memiliki sejumlah 10 stesen pengecas DC EV di sepanjang lebuh raya menjelang hujung tahun,” jelasnya. 

Jelas Junaizee, inisiatif tersebut adalah bagi memudahkan orang ramai untuk mengecas kenderaan EV masing-masing dan tidak perlu lagi berasa gentar akan kehabisan bateri. 

Dalam pada itu, Junaizee menjelaskan bahawa antara cabaran utama pemasangan stesen pengecas EV adalah proses kelulusan daripada pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT). 

Ini kerana setiap PBT mempunyai peraturan dan terma berbeza sekaligus mewujudkan kekangan terhadap pembinaan stesen pengecas. – BERNAMA

Electric motorcycle is on the rise particularly due to the world’s effort towards sustainability. 

Kymco Chairman, Allen Ko also believed that the future of two wheels lies with electric vehicles (EV). The company introduction of the RevoNEX and SuperNEX concept back in 2018 and 2019 showcased the company’s desire to venture into electric mobility. 

However, Allan noted that lack of infrastructure could hinder automaker plans to promote EV.

“The kind of technology we are talking about these days is all about infrastructure. So, you want to have the hydrogen-powered engine, but where is the station? You need people to build it.

“If you don’t have a very established and recognised trend, then people don’t want to invest. No one single company can do those things, it requires everybody’s effort to make it work,” Allan told MCN.

He also added that the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) will take sometime. 

“I think the transition from internal combustion engines to electric is going to take a while. Not because of the tech, not because of the cost, but mainly because of the infrastructure.

“So, even people who want to buy an electric motorcycle, they don’t find the places to charge, or to swap. So, I think it really depends on that. But the key is that these days – especially in the younger generations – is they prefer EV,” he added.

Nonetheless, Allan is adamant that EV is coming and will stay for good.

“I think there’s a long-term change and there’s no turning back. EV is coming and at a certain point – especially when the government set a deadline for the internal combustion engine vehicles – that will be the end of them. It’s going to come.” 

(source: MCN)

Kawasaki recently showcased a couple of their electric motorcycle prototype during Suzuka 8 Hours.

  • Kawasaki’s EV prototype makes an appearance at Intermot.
  • The electric and hybrid prototype will form the basis of Kawasaki’s upcoming EVs. 

That was the first time we laid our eyes on Kawasaki’s electric and hybrid project, with both bearing Team Green’s current two-wheel range.

That said, since both motorcycles were prototypes, no further details were revealed to the public at the time. 

However, Kawasaki took the opportunity to allow the public to take a closer look at their prototypes at the Intermot motorcycle show in Cologne, Germany.

While Kawasaki remained tight-lipped on its upcoming project, Kawasaki Motors Europe managing director, Masaya Tsurono, revealed that the prototype “will form the basis of an actual future production machine.”

 Despite the push for electrification, Tsurono said that Kawasaki would continue developing cleaner internal combustion motorcycles as well as further research on e-fuel and biofuel.

Can-Am proudly announced its return to the two-wheel segment during last month’s 2023 Club Bombardier Recreational Product (BRP) event.

  • Can-Am to begin manufacturing the Origin and Pulse electric motorcycle by 2024.
  • The Origin and Pulse signify Can-Am’s return to the motorcycle market.

At the time, the Canadian-based company showcased its first electric motorcycle, the Origin dual-sport and Pulse roadster. 

Unfortunately, while Can-Am revealed that both motorcycles would run on an all-new Rotax E-Power electric motor, the firm remained tight-lipped on the Origin and Pulse power, range and charging time.

Nevertheless, BRP quickly got things running as the company recently broke ground for a new EV-manufacturing plant in Queretaro, Mexico.

According to the firm, the new facility will primarily produce Can-Am’s electric two-wheeler range, including the Pulse and Origin. 

“We have set out to reclaim our motorcycle heritage by launching a lineup of electric two-wheel motorcycles, and we are gearing up to execute our plan.

“We look forward to producing the first electric Can-Am motorcycles for a new generation of enthusiasts,” said BRP Powersports Group President Sandy Scullion. 

Meanwhile, Can-Am aims to deliver the first batch of electric motorcycles to customers by 2024. 

Pengeluar alat ganti automotif, EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) telah mendapat kelulusan daripada Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) bagi mendaftar dan melesenkan skuter elektrik, Blueshark SG3000DT.

Difahamkan, pihak EPMB menerima kelulusan tersebut sebulan selepas kerajaan meluluskan pemasangan skuter elektrik tersebut.

Menurut EPMB, Jawatankuasa Kebangsaan bagi Kelulusan Jenis Kenderaan  dan Homologasi (VTA) telah memberi kelulusan bagi model Blueshark SG300DT (Blueshark R1) pada penghujung Ogos lalu. 

Menerusi kelulusan tersebut, ini bermakna skuter elektrik Blueshark R1 akan dipasarkan di Malaysia tidak lama lagi.

Skuter elektrik Blueshark R1 dikuasakan dua bateri 1440Wh mudah alih jenis lithium-ion yang boleh ditukar dengan bateri dengna cas penuh sewaktu di stesen penukaran bateri. 

Bateri tersebut juga boleh dicas di rumah dan menawarkan jarak sehingga 160km pada kelajuan 25km/j. 

Selain itu, Blueshark R1 juga menampilkan sistem penghidup enjin yang menggunakan cap jari. Terdapat 75 sensor di motosikal terbabit termasuk kamera di bahagian depan dan belakang yang berfungsi seperti ‘dashcam’ kereta. 

Indonesia is really picking up its pace in the electric motorcycle sector compared to other South East Asian countries.

  • Anubis CruiserCross is an electric-powered ADV bike from Baran Energy.
  • The ADV electric bike has claimed max speed of 158km/h. 

Indonesian EV Maker, Baran Energy has recently launched the new Anubis CruiserCross, an electric motorcycle with adventure bike elements.

Design wise, the Anubis CruiserCross looks something that came out of a sci-fi movie, but features interesting design language that combines minimalistic body panels that looks sharp and muscular.

The motorcycle also equipped with an ADV-style front beak, fork covers and battery casing that blends well with the bike’s silhouette.

Mechanically, the Anubis CruiserCross electric motor makes 46hp and 106Nm. Thanks to its 6.3kWh battery, Baran Energy claimed the bike has a max speed of 158km/h with 132km range.

That said, the bike’s range will reduced greatly if the Anubis CruiserCross is taken off-road.

Nonetheless, the bike is suspended by a USD fork at the front and monoshock setup at the rear. Braking is done by front and rear disc with spoke wheels wrapped in knobby tires.

Other notable features include:

  • full LED lighting.
  • digital instrument cluster
  • storage compartment on the “fuel tank”

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