Bandar Baru Bangi, 9 December 2024—Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), held the Flag Off Ceremony for the Demonstration of Electric Motorcycle Battery Swapping Systems Project today. This project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

As part of the GEF-7 UNIDO Accelerating the Adoption and Scale-up of Climate-Smart Transport (AASCT) project, the initiative showcases how battery-swapping technology can accelerate the adoption of electric motorcycles in Malaysia. The demonstration will evaluate the technology’s feasibility, analyse user acceptance and develop recommendations for nationwide implementation.

Officiated by Datuk Nor Yahati Awang, Deputy Secretary General (Environmental Sustainability), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the project utilises 40 electric motorcycles by Blueshark and RydeEV. From December to January next year, riders from SPX Express, Zalora, Foodpanda, iONS Technology and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) operating in Klang Valley will participate and be supported by 29 battery-swapping stations. The system enables riders to swap batteries in minutes, addressing challenges like range anxiety and charging downtime while offering cost-effective leasing and subscription models.

Ir. Ts. Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, Group CEO of MGTC, shared, “While battery swapping offers significant potential, it also faces drawbacks. Rider acceptance is a major obstacle, as riders prioritise performance and need a shift in mindset from that of conventional motorcycles. Limited station coverage restricts access, and high initial infrastructure costs slow the deployment. Furthermore, scalability is hampered by the absence of manufacturer-specific battery standards. Overcoming these challenges is essential to realise this technology’s potential fully.”

He added, “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 achieving 15% of the total industry volume of electric motorcycles (TIV) by 2030. By promoting low-carbon and efficient transportation, it contributes to our net-zero goals. It highlights the potential of collaboration between the public and private sectors, showcasing how partnerships can drive green mobility and contribute to a more sustainable future for Malaysia and its communities.