Environment and sustainable development is surely the order of the day, however it was in 2014 when Pakistan’s first Eco-friendly motorcycle, commonly known as E-Bike, was launched in Karachi. Those motorcycles were actually imported by TAZ Trading and ran on rechargeable batteries as an eco-friendly option, that could help reduce the high amounts of air and noise pollution in Pakistan. That experiment couldn’t succeed, however.
A day ago Prime Minister Imran Khan launched the production of electric motorcycles, as part of his government’ five-year Pakistan Electric Vehicles Policy 2020-2025, approved last year. “The launch of the electric motorcycle is a futuristic step as the government’s Electric Vehicle (EV) policy defines a direction for the future, which have to be introduced in cities to curb pollution,” says Imran Khan addressing the launching ceremony of the production of electric motorcycles.
E-Bikes Manufacturing
These E-Bike has been manufactured by a Pakistani company, Jolta Electric, and is considered a major step towards electrifying the country’s automobile industry. Available in different models — including JE-70, JE-70 L, JE-70 D, JE-100 L, JE-125 L, JE-Scooty and JE-Sports Bike — these vehicles are energy efficient and can be charged overnight. Various models of Jolta E-Bikes have different speed specifications from 10 km to 60 km per hour and can cover a distance from 60 km to 100 km after full charge.
A rider can save up to Rs. 4000 each month on fuel using an electric of Jolta Electric that is comparable to 70 CC motorcycles, claims the company. The firm also admits that the government’s negligible duties on electric-specific parts (1%) and taxes (1% sales tax) have made it possible for them to launch the electric bike at a price that is affordable to common people.
Jolta Electric’ officials also claim that their e-bike gets charged in one unit of electricity provided by electric marketing companies while in contrast an average person spends around Rs 4,000 monthly on fuel and maintenance on a 70 CC bike monthly.” However, they were unable to justify what purpose would the fuel tank serve in these e-bikes in Pakistan?
Pakistan 1st EV Policy
The approval of Pakistan’s first electric vehicle policy towards the end of last year has given rise to an ongoing media debate. The government plans that 30% of all new cars, trucks, buses, vans and jeeps, and 50% of all two-, three- and four-wheelers will be electric vehicles by 2030. By 2040, 90% of vehicles on the road are envisioned as electric.
The EV provides at least 50% saving as compared to running the vehicle on petrol. Therefore all over the world efforts are being made to enhance the running range of the vehicle to 450-500 kms on a full charge, as well as greatly reducing charging time.
Environmental Benefit
Riding an e-bike is environment friendly and it will also not add to noise pollution. Besides, electric vehicles are ever more appealing in a world where reducing carbon emissions and pollution is a growing concern for many people. The new EV technology is a game changer for the environment and also promises various benefits to developing countries like Pakistan to arrest balance-of-payments crisis by reducing their fossil fuel imports.
Shifting to electric bikes project will reduce costs, air pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, as well as create jobs. It will also save people’s money on fuel.
By
Editorial, Infocus
