For the first time in Sri Lanka, E-Mobility Solutions (Pvt) Limited (LeMS), is introducing electric battery swapping technology for three-wheelers.
The launch of this novel battery swapping technology will start next week from the Colombo 2 area with the assistance of People’s Leasing Finance PLC, which will provide space from its premises to launch this operation.
This marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey towards sustainable transportation, with its founders being driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and combat air pollution.
Managing Director of LeMS, Chaminda Rajapakse said, “Sri Lanka’s 1.2 million three wheelers guzzle a staggering 5.5 million liters of petrol a day and each ‘e-wheel’ will help reduce that figure. The e-wheel driver, often the breadwinner of the family, with a mere Rs 450,000 investment, can now save nearly Rs 20,000 per month”, said “The advantages are prodigious, with savings on valuable forex spent on fuel imports, lubricants, and routine maintenance spare parts.”
With this initiative the three-wheeler owner no longer has to purchase a costly battery, or worry about end-of-life replacement while the battery swapping process takes two minutes.
LeMS Co-Founder and Director, Shirendra Lawrence said, “We remove the engine of petrol three-wheelers and replace it with a new electric powertrain. The entire conversion process takes two hours. Once converted, the vehicle can immediately start using our battery swapping service. “Once converted, no oil changes or services are required.”
The battery swapping stations will initially be located across Colombo 2 and its environs, with expansion to Galle and Kandy being planned. “We will look at other vehicles in the future,” he said.
LeMS was conceived in 2020 and incubated by Island Climate Initiative (ICI) over the past two years.
Chief Executive Officer of People’s Leasing & Finance, Shamindra Marcelline said, “We, at People’s Leasing & Finance, are thrilled to be the exclusive finance and leasing partner in this groundbreaking e-wheel revolution. This initiative is not a mere technological advancement; it aligns seamlessly with our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and represents a pivotal milestone in our sustainability roadmap.”
He said that they took on this project not looking at profits but the huge advantage it gives the county first to reduce its fuel import bill and second to contribute towards a greener environment.
