EP Manufacturing Bhd Introduces Blueshark R1 Electric Scooter At IGEM
EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB), the official manufacturer and distributor of Blueshark in Malaysia, has introduced the Blueshark R1 smart electric scooter at the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM) 2022 in Kuala Lumpur.
At the event, EPMB and Shanghai-based Blueshark announced a multi-stakeholder partnership with several local industry players, including Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Green Technology & Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) as part of its market introduction in Malaysia.
“As the world moves towards greener mobility and decarbonisation, we believe the most effective way to accelerate EV adoption is by providing consumers access to a superior, yet affordable product, powered by the most viable energy solution and complete ecosystem to support it. On that note, we believe that as an industry first-mover, Blueshark is the most credible brand with the technology, infrastructure and market-readiness at this juncture which can deliver exactly that,” said Zulkefly Bin Baharuddin, Deputy Executive Chairman (Non-Independent) of EP Manufacturing Bhd.
Blueshark’s arrival in Malaysia is set to champion sustainable mobility for Malaysians by merging life-changing technology with a holistic approach to green urban mobility. The aim is to catalyse business logistics by empowering corporates and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) while also facilitating the gig economy. It is hoped that this effort will provide greater access to career opportunities for the B40 community.
Beyond the product and business model, Blueshark is also committed to enhancing and expanding infrastructure for two-wheel electric vehicles (2WEV), with the first viable ecosystem that is designed to support its growth on a national scale.
“Blueshark’s introduction in Malaysia is set to champion sustainable mobility for Malaysians whilst also catalysing business logistics by empowering both corporates and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) and facilitating the gig economy. Merging life-changing technology with a holistic approach to green urban mobility, Blueshark aims to create opportunities for Malaysians by providing a safe, accessible and carbon neutral alternative for their daily travels,” Zulkefly added.
Jeff Chong, Chief Executive Officer (ASEAN) of Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn Bhd added, “In what is an unprecedented move in automotive history, we believe that with our unique product ecosystem and business model, we will be making our products accessible to all, especially the B40 group and we will be putting a lot of focus on empowering this underserved group of people with subsidies, green jobs creation, green entrepreneurship programs and much more.”
Blueshark also inked an MoC with key industry partners to create sustainability-led job opportunities for the B40 community in Malaysia, while also facilitating the adoption of smart electric scooters here. The partners include EPMB, alongside Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn Bhd and MGTC. The company is looking to sign MoCs with other key infrastructure and operational partners in the near future.
In its first phase of introduction, there will be a pilot programme involving Blueshark’s delivery and infrastructure partners to demonstrate the feasibility of its first-to-last mile electrified platform and market-ready ecosystem in the Klang Valley. The aim is to promote the agenda of safe, sustainable mobility at a lower total cost of operation.
The Blueshark R1 smart electric scooter is powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo / LFP) battery and runs the ArkRide OS that is proprietary to BlueShark. The scooter has a dual battery layout that utilises battery-swap technology which enables more seamless travel as depleted batteries can be swapped out at the battery stations for fully charged units. The batteries can also be charged at home when not in use. The battery needs about 2.5 hours to get from 0% to 80% state of charge (SoC), or 3.5 hours for a full charge.
The scooter’s motor provides a maximum of 5 kW of power and 201 Nm of torque. Top speed is limited to 80 km/h which is sufficient for urban use, but more importantly, 0 – 50 km/h acceleration can be done in 4.9 seconds which gets you up to speed with moving traffic. The scooter has 6 riding modes (including a Turbo mode) and the batteries can provide a riding range of up to 160 km, depending on usage. Furthermore, it is equipped with a dual camera system to record the ride.
Besides the large 10″ HD screen to view crucial information, the Blueshark R1 can be synchronised via app to battery status and riding statistics. Other key features include fingerprint recognition for locking and ignition, and GPS tracking.
The Blueshark scooter currently only available for commercial use and is introduced along with a commercially viable leasing model to enable SMEs and corporates to lower total running costs across the entire ecosystem. This business model is aimed at helping to uplift the lower income communities with access to green job opportunities.
Blueshark’s first 3S centre will be opening soon in Glenmarie, and plans are underway to enhance infrastructure and a strong ecosystem support for riders during the pilot programme, and beyond.
You can visit www.blueshark.com.my to learn more.
