Blueshark, a subsidiary of Sharkgulf Technologies Group, and a leading innovator of smart electric scooters, has expanded its battery swapping network. The Blueshark BlueStation can now be found in 15 locations in the Klang Valley, specifically at selected Petronas service stations to provide greater accessibility and convenience for Blueshark riders.
“At Blueshark, we have always believed that battery-swapping technology is key to accelerate EV motorcycle adoption in Malaysia. This expansion of Blueshark’s BlueStation battery swapping network widens our coverage of key central areas and enhances Blueshark’s offerings to as many riders as possible. With this milestone, we are answering the call for more BlueStations to finally realise the full potential of our R-series platform to make battery swapping convenience a reality for more riders throughout the Klang Valley, and there is much more to come,” said .Jin Chan, Group COO (ASEAN) of Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn Bhd.
The latest expansion sees 10 additional BlueStations at strategically located Petronas service stations in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor to complement the initial 5 stations launched together with the Blueshark R series smart electric scooter in March 2023.
The 15 BlueStations are located at:
Selangor
Kuala Lumpur
Future plans will involve further expansion within the Klang Valley, and eventual expansion to outstation locations such as Johor and Penang. The company has set a target of installing 50 BlueStations nationwide by the end of 2024.
“Supported by our end-to-end ecosystem and with greater efficiency, lower energy costs and fewer moving parts on our R1, we can help accelerate EV adoption while reducing emissions. This is truly the best time to consider switching to electric motorcycles, with the expansion of Blueshark’s battery swapping network, coupled with the ongoing MARiiCas RM2,400 EV motorcycle rebate and Blueshark’s Hari Raya offers and other promotions, electromobility has never been more stylish, affordable, or convenient”, Jin continued.
The Blueshark R1 smart electric scooter offers versatility with Malaysia’s first commercially available battery swap infrastructure, along with the flexibility to recharge from standard wall sockets or through the home charging kit which is especially useful if one resides in a high-rise building. This flexibility addresses common challenges associated with EV adoption, including pricing, range anxiety, charging infrastructure and charging time.
Blueshark’s innovative swappable battery technology features Dual Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery packs known for their durability and efficiency, offering an average lifespan of 4 to 5 years (approximately 2,000 full, 0 – 100% charging cycles, 4 times as long as other battery technologies). Safety measures such as fire retardation systems and advanced monitoring sensors ensure uninterrupted electromobility and user confidence.
Furthermore, Blueshark’s BlueSwap subscription plans and battery leasing option make the electric scooter even more appealing as not only is the bike cheaper to buy, but you do not have to purchase the batteries outright, or worry about battery lifespan or warranty and battery management or replacement. The ability to swap out batteries also overcomes the key stigmas of EVs i.e. long recharge times, range anxiety and battery lifecycle management. The Blueshark R1 has a range of up to 110 km on a single charge (NEDC), with a top speed of up to 90 km/h and peak torque of 201 Nm.
Features include an ADAS system, over 70 sensors, an Internet of Vehicles (IoV) enabled Smart ArkRide OS with HD display, front and rear cameras, GPS/4G and Bluetooth integration, built-in speakers, etc.
For safety, the BlueStations are equipped with CCTV cameras for 24-hour recording, smart controls for temperature, fire, short-circuit and water damage, auto electricity cut-off and internal fire extinguishers if ever required. Blueshark has also established a help and support number for WhatsApp assistance 24-hours a day, accessible by QR code on every BlueStation. Further, Blueshark is also a member of the National Standards Committee on Transport’s BSS Working Group, formed in 2023 and led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and Jabatan Standard Malaysia to develop and formulate standards and guidelines including the interoperability, integration, safety, and standards of a viable, standardised battery swap system for electric motorcycles in Malaysia.