Blueshark Expands Battery Swap Network to 15 Locations
25 Mar 20245 min read
Blueshark, a subsidiary of Sharkgulf Technologies Group and creator of the world’s most advanced smart electric scooter, announced the expansion of its battery-swapping BlueStation network to 15 locations across the Klang Valley.
The new BlueStations are installed at select Petronas service stations at various convenient locations. Such will allow more Blueshark riders to enjoy the benefits of battery swapping, in-line with Blueshark’s planned expansion.
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“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," Jin Chan, Group COO (ASEAN), Blueshark Ecosystem Sdn Bhd said.
Plans are in place to expand the BlueStation network further. It started with even more locations throughout the Klang Valley and eventually, to various outstation locations including Johor and Penang. The targeted 50 BlueStations installed throughout the country by end of 2024.
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“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.
Blueshark’s R1 smart electric scooters have access to Malaysia’s first commercially available battery swap infrastructure. They are also able to recharge from any standard wall socket. Simply remove the batteries and charge them via the home charging kit. This is especially useful if access to a wall socket is not immediately available or if one resides in a high-rise building.
Often, challenges for EV adoption revolve around the high pricing, product quality, range anxiety, charging facilities, charging time, battery lifespan, second-hand value, and the replacement cost of old batteries. Blueshark’s BlueSwap subscription plans and battery leasing option make the proposition even more appealing. Not only is the bike cheaper to buy, but riders do not have to purchase the batteries outright or worry about battery lifespan or warranty and battery management or replacement.
The Blueshark R1's unique swappable batteries overcome the key stigmas of EVs. These are long recharge times, range anxiety, and battery lifecycle management. Therefore, the batteries provide an impressive range of up to 110km on a single charge (NEDC), with a top speed of up to 90km/h and peak torque of 201Nm.
Said model also offers numerous features and tech previously unheard of on a motorcycle, such as 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, and more.
Better and safer battery technology
To allay safety concerns and ensure uninterrupted electromobility, Blueshark’s highly durable and efficient Dual Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery packs have an average lifespan of four to five years. That is approximately 2,000 full, 0-100% charging cycles, four times as long as other battery technologies.
The batteries also have a very high degree of safety and fire retardation systems built into them with over 20 sensors that monitor battery state and condition. In this sense, they enable checking of short-circuit, open circuit, overcurrent, and overcharge protection while having a very high ignition point of 800 degrees Celsius for fire retardation.
In terms of safety and security, the BlueStations are also 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 and Blueshark has established a help and support number for WhatsApp assistance 24-hours a day, accessible by QR code on every BlueStation.
Blueshark is a member of the National Standards Committee on Transport's BSS Working Group. The group was formed in 2023 and led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and Jabatan Standard Malaysia. They develop and formulate standards and guidelines including the interoperability, integration, safety, and standards of a viable, standardized battery swap system for electric motorcycles in Malaysia.
(This is a press release by Blueshark)