MGTC and UNIDO Launch EV Motorcycle Battery Swapping Project

Battery Swapping System Demonstration Project: Accelerating Electric Motorcycle Adoption in Malaysia.

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The Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), has launched the Demonstration of Electric Motorcycle Battery Swapping Systems Project. 

The initiative aims to showcase the potential of battery-swapping technology in accelerating the adoption of electric motorcycles in Malaysia.

The demonstration, set to run from December 10, 2024, to February 9, 2025, is part of the GEF-7 UNIDO Accelerating the Adoption and Scale-up of Climate-Smart Transport (AASCT) project. It focuses on evaluating the feasibility of battery-swapping systems, analysing user acceptance, and providing recommendations for national implementation.

The Flag Off Ceremony was officiated by Datuk Nor Yahati Awang, Deputy Secretary General (Environmental Sustainability) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES). 

The project will feature 40 electric motorcycles supplied by Blueshark and RydeEV, supported by 29 battery-swapping stations across the Klang Valley. Participating riders from SPX Express, Zalora, Foodpanda, iONS Technology, and the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will be involved in testing the system.

The battery-swapping technology allows riders to replace depleted batteries in minutes, addressing key barriers such as range anxiety and charging downtime. Additionally, the system offers flexible leasing and subscription models to reduce operational costs.

Ir. Ts. Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, Group CEO of MGTC, highlighted the potential and challenges of the system. He stated, electric motorcycles, even with battery swapping services, faces obstacles in terms of rider acceptance due to limited stations which restrict access and range, and high initial infrastrcture costs for operators.

He further explained, “In light of this, we created this demonstration to assess the viability, advantages, and difficulties of switching to electric bikes in Malaysia. We evaluate technological and financial feasibility, examine consumer and market needs, and develop strategic solutions for long-term scalability.”

Aligned with Malaysia’s Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB), this project supports the goal of achieving 15% of the total industry volume (TIV) for electric motorcycles by 2030. It also advances Malaysia’s net-zero aspirations by promoting low-carbon transportation.