Laos Launches Study On Electric 2-Wheelers
Source: Vientiane Times
The Ministry of Planning and Investment, in cooperation with development partners, is carrying out a pre-feasibility study on a battery swapping system for electrically powered 2-wheelers.
The study, with support from the British Embassy in Laos, is conducted by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).
It examines the financial viability and environmental sustainability of implementing a battery swapping system model for electric two-wheelers in Vientiane, to help achieve the government’s 2030 target of 30 percent electric vehicle penetration.
A battery swapping system involves replacing a discharged battery with a fully charged battery using a kiosk-based swapping structure which can house 6 to 10 batteries.
The operation takes less than a minute. The system is increasingly popular globally as a way to accelerate electrification to the 2-wheeler vehicle segment.
It addresses some of the key challenges towards wider user adoption, namely range anxiety, long charging times, battery degradation, battery disposal and high upfront costs, because e-scooters can be purchased without a battery.
According to the study, due to competitive electricity prices in Laos, e-scooters are cheaper to operate than a petrol equivalent.
Powering the transport sector with domestically produced electricity will also have a significant positive impact on the country’s trade deficit.
The launch of the study was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Mrs Phonevanh Outhavong, British Ambassador Mr John Pearson, and Country Director of the Global Green Growth Institute, Mr Rowan Fraser.
Development partners agree that the ultimate purpose of this study is to translate the 9th NSEDP, the National Green Growth Strategy, Paris Agreement – COP 26 and the Global Agenda 2030 into plans, activities and actions.
They encourage the private sector to fully utilise the detailed information from the study to develop alternative solutions to internal combustion engine motorbikes.
The study is available to download on GGGI’s website (www.gggi.org).
