EV motorbike riders urge govt for infrastructure, subsidies

Call for dedicated lanes, charging stations, and incentives to boost adoption

KARACHI:

Electric vehicle (EV) motorbike riders and assemblers have appealed to the government to establish a charging infrastructure for the EV two-wheeler market while encouraging the industry by providing subsidies to customers, similar to those offered in India.

They urged the government to dedicate a left lane exclusively for EVs to promote their use and encourage female participation in the economy by offering safer rides. The adoption of EV two-wheelers by women is on the rise, as they provide independence from male family members for transportation. However, challenges such as the lack of charging infrastructure, reliability concerns, and high upfront ownership costs remain. Despite these hurdles, advancements in technology have led to EVs offering a range of up to 150 km, significantly reducing range anxiety.

Demand for EV bikes is growing in urban areas as well, driven by cost efficiency and environmental consciousness. However, in rural areas, riding EV motorbikes is less popular due to infrastructure and terrain challenges. This is expected to change as rural markets often follow urban trends, viewing them as lifestyle upgrades. The benefits of enormous cost savings, comfort, and safety compared to traditional 70cc or 125cc motorcycles are driving this trend. Adopting EV motorbikes will reduce environmental impact, decrease fuel imports, and help save US dollar reserves. However, road infrastructure needs improvement for safer riding.

The complaint ratio for EV motorbikes is very low, primarily due to fewer moving parts compared to traditional engine bikes. Any issues, such as loose couplers, are easily solvable. The graphene battery technology, capable of operating in temperatures ranging from -15 to 55 degrees Celsius, ensures that these vehicles can perform well in all Pakistani climates.

Abdullah Saqib, a university student, said that using an EV scooter for his daily commute has been a game-changer. "It's not just about getting to campus on time; it's about doing it in an eco-friendly way. I save a lot on fuel costs, and the smooth, quiet ride makes navigating the city stress-free. Plus, knowing I'm reducing my carbon footprint gives me a sense of pride every day," he said.

Muhammad Salman, Managing Director of Yadea Pakistan, highlighted that his brand offers an 18-month battery warranty, a 24-month motor warranty, and a 36-month frame warranty, using ABS plastic. The brand has conducted several crash tests to ensure customer safety. The features of Yadea's EV include a range of up to 150 km, a design for two people, and 800-1,000 lifecycles (charging). "If one cycle represents 100 km, this means the EV can cover 80,000 to 100,000 km," he explained.

Speaking about the localisation of EV motorbikes, Salman stated, "We anticipate that within five to seven years, Pakistan will move from assembling completely knocked-down kits to manufacturing and exporting its own EV two-wheelers."

A delivery rider working for an e-commerce company mentioned that switching to an EV scooter has been a smart move for his job. "I'm saving a great deal on petrol, and the low maintenance costs mean more money stays in my pocket. The scooter is reliable, quick, and helps me make more deliveries efficiently. It's the perfect solution for anyone looking to cut down on expenses and increase their earnings," he said.