Eclimo electric two-wheelers debut

Star Motoring
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 5:22 PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Homegrown Eclimo Sdn Bhd has unveiled three models of its own-developed electric two-wheelers, promising consumers with an alternative riding experience that is environmentally-friendly, smooth and quiet.

The ES11 scooter will be the first to start selling in June.

The models are the ES 10 and ES11 scooters, and the EB25 motorcycle which are powered by in-wheel electric motors and lithium batteries with a recharging time of 3.5 hours using a normal household wall socket.

The ES10 and ES11 promise a performance of a 125cc scooter with a top speed of 100kph and a range of 100km.

The ES10 looks similar to a normal scooter while the ES11 has a more futuristic look with body panels covering up most parts of the machine.        

The EB25 motorcycle, meanwhile, is the most powerful of the trio and claims a performance of a 200cc motorcycle with a top speed of 150kph and a range of 160km.

The EB25, which is designed in Japan, bears a sleek and futuristic look that could be something straight out of a Tron movie set. It has an electronic instrument panel and comes with LED head and tail lights.

The electric two-wheelers were unveiled by Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin here today.

The Eclimo EB25 electric motorcycle (left) and ES11 electric scooter.

Eclimo chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman said lithium batteries offer greater performance and were environmentally friendlier compared again lead-acid batteries which were banned in several countries.

He also said the sales of the electric two-wheelers would begin after the Road Transport Ministry’s vehicle-type approval was obtained.

The Road Transport Act was amended last November and now allows electric-powered vehicles to be used on public roads.

Eclimo director K.B. Woo said all models come with a five-year warranty on body and parts, and a three-year warranty on battery.

The lithium batteries are produced by Penang-based ETI Tech (M) Sdn Bhd using lithium cells from Panasonic, while the two-wheelers are assembled by Naza.

“We are expected to launch the ES11 in two month’s time and the other models soon after,” he said.

Woo said the company was finalising its nationwide dealership which might have between 180 to 200 dealers in 12 months’ time.

To help Malaysian own the ES11, Woo said the company had worked out a financial package with a local financial institution and MasterCard consisting of a RM199 monthly payment for a five-year period.