For the first time in Sri Lanka, SL Mobility (Pvt) Ltd with the PWER.ME Foundation of Netherlands will export locally assembled two-wheelers to Europe.
SL Mobility Managing Director Rifhkan Siddeek said that they have already commenced assembling bikes at their premises in Rajagiriya but are looking at building a new factory at the Industrial estate in Horana.
The local value addition would be around 30% and this too would be made around 45% when they start the new factory.
He said that at present they have over 100 E bikes (E2W) assembled in Sri Lanka which would be sold in the local market. There are three models and the starting price is Rs. 350,000.
PWER.ME Secretary Rob Heijtink told Sunday Observer Business that their company is around four years old and are already exporting E Bikes to Europe. “We want to increase our exports and we have found that an investment climate for an investment of this nature is ideal in Sri Lanka.” The country also has an advantage that finished products could be exported to countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia and the African region at a low cost.
He said they will also have charging stations in Sri Lanka as under the new technology no charging is needed but battery swapping. “With each battery swapping a bike can run 80 kilometres.”
Continuing on their journey towards creating a new energy segment to Sri Lankan in the transport sector, they also opened their third motor bike Battery Swapping Station at Boralesgamuwa. The first was opened at Araliya Auto House in Rawathawatta, Moratuwa.
Chairman Saliya Rajakaruna said that they hope to have more Battery Swapping Stations (BSS) first in the Western province and then branch out to Kurunegala and other areas.
The Smart Battery Swapping Network allows for the use of universal battery modules, streamlining the battery-swapping process for users.
“We also collaborated with local and international universities and entities renowned for their expertise in e-mobility to add more features to this project.
“The launch of these E2Ws, coupled with compatible Battery Swapping Stations, will then be introduced to three-wheelers and later light vehicles and trucks providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels,” he said.
