This multi-year deal between Malaysian-based Treeletrik and Indonesia is valued at over RM 1.1 billion.
While various of our other ASEAN neighbours may have had a head start in the electric car game, Malaysia however recently has had some interesting EV news of its own recently with news of Treeletrik signing a partnership to supply 200,000 units of its 100% electric motorbikes to Indonesia.
The multi-year deal, which is incidentally valued at $274 million (RM1.1 billion), will see a minimum of 10,000 units being exported to Indonesia this year. This will then be followed by up to 90,000 units in 2022 and 100,000 units in 2023, through its local distributors PT Pasifik Sakti Enjiniring and the Nahdatul Ulama Board (PBNU) over there.
As for the e-motorbikes that will be making it to Indonesia, Treeletrik will be offering both its T-70 and T-90 models. Featuring the firm’s swappable lithium battery packs, these electrified two wheelers are capable of an average speed between 65 km/h and 90 km/h, with a zero-emissions range travel range of 85 to 120 km.
Now to those who have yet to hear of Treeletrik before, this particular motorcycle manufacturer is actually Malaysia’s first maker of e-bikes locally. More impressively perhaps though is the fact that this is actually not even the first time these locally made e-motorbikes have made it overseas in an official capacity, with 50 having made it to Indonesia and Thailand last year.
Moreover, Treeletrik is aiming high for the export market, with the goal of having 15,000 units exported this year. Including to various other ASEAN nations like Cambodia and the Philippines.
Hence in working towards this ambitious target, the company is currently investing in its assembly, production and marketing facilities, initially in Selangor and later at a new facility in Gebeng, Pahang. There are also plans for a joint venture between Treeletrik and PT Pasifik Sakti Enjiniring to establish an assembly plant in Indonesia, in anticipation of growing demand for the electric motorcycles in that region.
“Treeletrik is a pioneer in bringing true electric motorbikes from Malaysia to the ASEAN region and beyond, spearheading a new way of mobility. We are thrilled to further our efforts on the regional stage through this partnership with PT Pasifik Sakti Enjiniring and PBNU in Indonesia to provide a transportation option that is clean, safe, and affordable, with our advanced EV technology”, said Treeletrik CEO Datuk Viswananthan Menon.
All said therefore, while Malaysia may not be quite up to speed on four-wheeled EV adoption just yet, we might at least have a shot in the electrified motorcycle market.
PRESS RELEASE: Tree Technologies Sdn Bhd (Treeletrik), a Malaysian home-grown electric vehicles (EV) maker with a presence in the ASEAN market and a subsidiary of Ideanomics (NASDAQ: IDEX), has signed a partnership to supply 200,000 units of its 100% electric motorbikes to Indonesia, via distributors, PT Pasifik Sakti Enjiniring and the Nahdatul Ulama Board (PBNU). The partnership extends Treeletrik’s regional presence as a key player in promoting electric mobility, supporting ASEAN’s energy transition agenda.
The partnership positions Malaysia as a key EV manufacturer and first regional supplier to export units in ASEAN, in line with the region’s evolving energy landscape. The region’s ultimate goal of decreasing the level of final energy consumption in the road transport sector by 2040 paves the way for EV makers like Treeletrik to continue building a progressive EV ecosystem.
Commenting on the Cooperation Agreement signing with PT Pasifik Sakti Enjiniring, Treeletrik CEO, Datuk Viswananthan Menon said, “Treeletrik is a pioneer in bringing true electric motorbikes from Malaysia to the ASEAN region and beyond, spearheading a new way of mobility. We are thrilled to further our efforts on the regional stage through this partnership with PT Pasifik Sakti Enjiniring and PBNU in Indonesia to provide a transportation option that is clean, safe, and affordable, with our advanced EV technology.
Our 100% electric motorbikes offer customers long-term cost savings and more importantly contribute towards an overall positive impact to the environment.”
The agreement spanning three years, will see Treeletrik supply electric motorbikes to be jointly marketed by PT Pasifik Sakti Enjiniring and PBNU for the Indonesian market. PT Pasifik Sakti Enjiniring which operates the electric motorbikes brand, MOLINUS (Motor Listrik Nusantara), will now add Treeletrik’s 100% electric motorbikes to its portfolio. A joint venture is also in the pipeline between Treeletrik and PT Pasifik Sakti Enjiniring to establish an assembly plant in Indonesia in anticipation of growing demand for the electric motorcycles. The move will serve as a positive boost to Indonesia’s economy through talent development, job opportunities and technology transfer.
The new electric motorbike range, certified in Europe and Malaysia with UNECE WP.29, will feature Treeletrik’s signature quick swap lithium battery technology. With an average speed of 65-90 km/hour, the e-motorbikes have a travel range of 85 to 120 km. Aligned with the Indonesian government’s program concerning the Acceleration of the Battery- Based Electric Motor Vehicle Program, the Indonesian parties are optimistic about demand and set sales targets at 10,000 units for the year 2021 and completing the 200,000 units by end of 2023. The full agreement will be disclosed via an 8-K filing.
Positioned for growth
Treelektrik’s newest regional distribution partnership taps into Indonesia’s large population of motorbike users, a positive growth indicator for the brand. Treeletrik’s portfolio of electric motorbikes and electric commercial vehicles seek to redefine the EV industry and future of mobility in Malaysia and ASEAN.
In preparation to fulfil its growing order books, the company is investing in its assembly, production, and marketing facilities, initially in Selangor, Malaysia and later at a new facility in Gebeng, Pahang in Malaysia. It also plans to establish an assembly plant in Indonesia, in conjunction with the distribution partner, to streamline supply chain efficiencies and improve margins through local assembly in markets with sufficient demand.
Electric powered innovation
Treeletrik’s approach to mobility eliminates the need for fossil fuels and oil changes, resulting in zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Additionally, Treeletrik e-motorbikes offer users long term cost saving benefits, saving users above 50% in daily running and maintenance cost. The e-motorbikes can travel up to an estimate of 80 to 120 km daily (Averaging 70,000 kilometers over 36 months) and costs RM0.01 (one sen) to RM0.02 (two sen) to run per km, based on the Tenaga Nasional electricity rate at RM0.571 / KwH charging at its highest tariff.
Fulfilling demand for EV
Determined to help raise the bar for electric mobility in ASEAN countries, Treeletrik continues to receive positive demand for its 100% electric motorbikes. The EV player began exporting an estimated 50 units of electric motorbikes to Thailand and Indonesia in 2020, with an additional 15,000 units due to be exported this year. Other markets Treeletrik is eyeing as potential customers include The Philippines and Cambodia.
“The sizeable orders secured to date and ongoing discussions with other countries expressing keen interest on Treeletrik’s e-bike range, will result in significant expansion in both Malaysia and international operations of Treeletrik.” added Menon.
Ideanomics acquired 51% ownership of Treeletrik in 2019. The company has since begun organizing itself for growth in the ASEAN region to tap the region’s heavy reliance on two- and three-wheeled transportation.
