GURUN: Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (Modenas) has scored a huge win in the local electric two-wheeler market after it secured an order for more than 1,000 MEV-1 PRO electric scooters for Pos Malaysia Bhd.
The deal, provided under a leasing agreement, will see Modenas supplying and maintaining the fleet for the postal and parcel service provider, which is currently Malaysia's largest electric fleet owner, whether it is four wheelers or two wheelers.
As far as two wheelers are concerned, its current fleet consists of a mix of Eclimo, Blueshark, and Modenas.
"Pos Malaysia is proud to announce its latest sustainability initiative with the addition of 1,092 units of electric motorcycles to its fleet.
This move is a collaboration with Modenas, the assembler of MEV-1 PRO, and leasing provider DRB-Hicom EZ-Drive Sdn Bhd (Avis), showcasing a group-wide commitment to deliver cleaner and greener services for a better tomorrow," said Pos Malaysia in a statement on Tuesday following the handover ceremony here the same morning.
The fleet expansion supports Pos Malaysia’s commitment to full electrification of its first-and last-mile delivery fleet by 2030, in line with its nett zero goal by 2050.
These motorcycles will be delivered in batches and join the company’s existing fleet of electric vehicles, including 220 electric motorcycles and 143 electric vans.
"Besides the latest 1,092 Modenas electric motorcycles, Pos Malaysia is also expected to add new electric vans to its growing fleet next year, reinforcing the company’s ongoing focus on reducing vehicle emissions and ultimately achieving 100% first- and last-mile green delivery by 2030," said Pos Malaysia's group chief marketing, communications and sustainability officer Fiona Liao.
Despite being sister companies under the DRB-Hicom umbrella, it was no walk in the park for Modenas in securing this contract as Pos Malaysia is very exacting in its requirements.
"The procurement has to go through a proof-of-concept, and we chose Modenas as it was flexible enough to cater to our specific requirements," said Liao to The Star at the handover event that was also attended by Modenas CEO Roslan Roskan.
“The MEV-1 PRO electric motorcycle embodies our dedication to practical and eco-friendly transportation options for Malaysia’s B2B sector.
"We are excited to support Pos Malaysia’s green journey, and our upcoming B2C motorcycle offering will allow even more users to benefit from affordable, sustainable mobility," he said.
MEV-1 PRO has been designed primarily for the specific needs of logistics and delivery services. In the case of POS Malaysia, the company has spelled certain requirements in the battery management system, as well as motor power and torque to assist the delivery job which is characterised by a lot of stop-and-go riding, sometimes across hilly terrain.
The MEV1 PRO can move up to 250kg, including a rider weight of up to 100 kg and cargo up to 150kg.
With a maximum power output of 4.3kW and the ability to climb inclines of up to 19 degrees, the MEV-1 PRO stands out from its peers when it comes to making deliveries across challenging routes.
While confirming that Modenas will expand the availability of EV motorcycles for the B2C market, Roslan added that a mass market electric scooter will be launched in Q1 2025 as part of efforts to enlarge the mass market next year.
At the handover on Monday, Modenas also showed off the possible candidate currently called MEV-2, which is smaller, lighter and cheaper than the MEV-1 PRO.
"This phased approach allows Modenas to cater to a range of users across the ecosystem, from businesses to individual consumers, while supporting Malaysia’s broader climate and sustainability goals," said Roslan.
Both Modenas and Pos Malaysia declined to comment on the value of the deal, with Liao saying that Pos Malaysia will CC continue to evaluate whatever offerings that will emerge in the market to see how they fit in with its vision of driving sustainability.
On her company's overall approach to greening, Liao said Pos Malaysia’s sustainability roadmap addresses six key areas: delivery methods, fleet optimisation, green buildings, waste management, eco-consumerism, and responsible supply chain.
"The company has nearly 3 million km with its EV fleet, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. In 2025, Pos Malaysia will add new electric vans, as part of its goal of a 100% electric first- and last-mile fleet by 2030." - MENG YEW CHOONG
