Electric vehicles: what about Asia?

Across the western world we’re seeing the beginning of a full transition to electric vehicles. 2030 will see the end of new petrol and diesel cars being sold in the UK. But what about Asia?

When thinking about vehicles in Asia I instantly visualise carnage. Large roads full of vehicles whose drivers don’t have a care in the world. I also picture a mixture of cars and motorbikes. Asia accounts for more than half the world’s motorbike sales (worldatlas.com), which is clear to see as they move around the busy streets like a swarm of bees.

With its roads dominated by motorbikes, how will Asia adapt to the inevitable end of combustion-engine vehicles?

Perhaps electric motorbikes are the answer.

It’s easy to become confused when discussing electric motorbikes, due to the different vehicles the term is applied to. An electric motorbike isn’t an electric pushbike (which still has pedals but uses an electric motor to aid the rider) nor is it an electric push scooter (a thin board you stand on with an electric motor to propel you forward). An electric motorbike mimics the shape of a traditional motorbike, though they can also look like an electric scooter that you sit on, with your legs placed in front of you.

Now that you know what an electric motorbike is, why are they Asia’s solution, as opposed to electric cars?

It comes down to affordability. Disposable income in Asia, specifically outside of China, is very low. Cars are often out of people’s budgets. Motorbikes offer a great alternative for considerably less money.

Despite their size, electric motorbikes are used in Asia like a family car would be used in the UK, e.g. multiple family members occupying the bike at the same time is not an uncommon sight. The lack of boot space doesn’t stop large amounts of luggage being transported either.

Electric motorbikes aren’t new concepts. China has been manufacturing them for a while, but with large, heavy lead acid batteries. Now, more modern batteries, akin to those you’d find in a Tesla or other electric vehicles, are used. These lithium batteries are lightweight in comparison and allow for further innovation, thanks to their weight, capacity and performance.

The Chinese government looks to be backing electric motorbikes. They heavily promote them and offer incentives as the country attempts to tackle its urban pollution dilemma. In other countries, however, the electric motorbike industry is starting from scratch.

The same issues are prevalent as in the western world, when it comes to electric vehicles—the charging of them. The infrastructure isn’t there yet, particularly in more rural areas. China may have the budget to invest in charging stations, but other countries will struggle to afford a countrywide portfolio of charging points.