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 has announced that it has signed a partnership to supply 200,000 units of its 100 percent 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 the 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 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 percent 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 the growing demand for 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 seeks to redefine the EV industry and future of mobility in Malaysia and ASEAN.
In preparation to fulfill 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 costs. 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 the 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 a significant expansion in both Malaysia and international operations of Treeletrik." added Menon.