The electric motorbike model of a Vietnamese startup sells for almost the same price as VinFast Evo200, but can both carry more and has better cost per km.

The electric motorcycle race in Vietnam has welcomed a new competitor, Selex Motors. This is a Vietnamese start-up that was born in 2018 but has only just officially launched their first commercial product. The first commercial is named Camel.

Selex Camel is designed for both cargo and personal travel. The scooter started selling from the end of November for 21,890,000 VND (excluding VAT, battery, and cargo box).

The price and usage policy of Selex Camel are similar to the VinFast Evo200 (launched at the end of September for 22 million VND excluding batteries). However, instead of renting batteries, Selex Motors offers battery exchange packages.

Specifically, Selex Camel applies a battery exchange policy at ATMs with batteries distributed in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with four packages: Economy, Saving, Super Saving, and Max Saving. The package costs from 1.4 million to 3.8 million VND and users will be provided with 2-3 battery packs depending on the service package.

According to Dr. Nguyen Huu Phuoc Nguyen, CEO of Selex Motors, the company’s first customer group is freight drivers, so the battery exchange station model is completely suitable.

“It takes less than 2 minutes for users to change batteries at automatic battery ATMs. Moreover, checking the battery station location, charging battery status at the station, usage history …, even remote vehicle locking can be done on the phone app. This is extremely convenient and familiar for drivers”, said CEO Nguyen.

Selex Motors estimates that the cost of electric vehicles will be 25% to 50% cheaper than gasoline motorbikes. For example, the Economy package is only equivalent to 467 VND/km, the Super Saving package is equivalent to 400 VND/km.

Meanwhile, at same selling price, VinFast Evo200 model is costing 635 VND/km (Based on the formula for unlimited battery rental package 350,000 VND/month, plus electricity fee).

Selex Camel is designed with a scooter frame having its footrest and the bottom of the seat holding up to 3 Lithium-ion battery packs. When not carrying goods, the rear seat can be replaced with a passenger carrier.

Selex Camel’s total weight is about 84 kg, 15 kg lighter than Vinfast Evo200. The vehicle’s load capacity is up to 225 kg (Evo200 is 130 kg), showing the difference in use.

Considered a “pickup” electric motorcycle, the Selex Camel uses a rear suspension with 2 springs, a telescopic front, and a low center of gravity. The model is quite easy to use, especially when carrying large cargo.

Because of its special appearance, when attaching the passenger seat, the Selex Camel can hardly make an aesthetic impression like the Pega S, Vinfast Feliz, or Vinfast Evo200. As there is an open frame, it is easy for users to observe some of the unfurnished weld points.

Camel installed an electric motor on the rear wheel, with a capacity of 4 horsepower. When fully loaded with 3 fully charged battery packs, the scooter has an operating range of about 150 km, a maximum speed of 60 km/h, the ability to climb 14 degrees and 3 driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport.

Before Selex Motors, some automakers formed the idea of ​​a battery exchange station but had given up, such as Mbigo (withdrawn from Vietnam) or Vinfast. Currently, the company has installed 20 stations in Hanoi and less than 10 stations in Ho Chi Minh City. The company targets to bring the number of stations up on par with production volume

This is the difference that creates the advantage of Selex Motors, but it is also a big challenge as it will increase investment costs, requiring businesses to have capital to gradually change the habits of consumers.

Source: vietnamnet.vn