Electrified two-wheel vehicles to help curb traffic congestion and carbon emission in South-east Asia.
In the face of rapid urbanization, mega-cities across South-east Asia are grappling with some of the world’s worst traffic situations.
Road-weary motorists and users of public transport resort to novel and creative solutions to avoid gridlocks that have become commonplace, in the hopes of improving their daily commute. Motorcycles appear to be a popular choice in South-east Asia – with the region accounting for one of the world’s biggest markets for two-wheeled vehicles.
The popularity of electric scooters or eScooters in the region is supported by the steady roll-out of battery charging or swapping stations in cities. eScooters are proving to be a practical option that minimizes traffic congestion, reduces carbon emissions, and noise.
These three benefits alone demonstrate the value of the eScooter; but, for Bosch, adding connectivity to this type of vehicle makes it even safer, more convenient and enjoyable.
Safe navigation with a smartphone
eScooter systems powered by Bosch integrate multiple sensors, in-hub motor, dash display, battery, and charger. By simply logging on to the Bosch eScooter application, drivers are able to access location maps and real-time traffic reports. Distance to destination are visible on the dash display, making it easy for riders to navigate their way through the city. This eliminates the hazards of holding a phone while driving, a behavior that increases the risk of road accidents.
eScooter drivers will also be able to ensure that their vehicle is well-maintained through the diagnostic services available on the eScooter application which tracks data, such as battery status and mileage, and even advises the best time to re-charge.
“Safer vehicles mean safer roads,” said Martin Hayes, Regional President of Bosch South-east Asia. “These features help Bosch fulfil its promise to enhance safety across all types of vehicles, and contribute to the goal of minimizing accidents, especially among drivers of two-wheeled vehicles, who are considered some of the most vulnerable road users.”
The Bosch eScooter application provides added security features such as keyless ignition, anti-theft notification, and remote locking.
eScooter gets nod from ASEAN
Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, fully connected eScooters are now available in markets like Indonesia and Vietnam.
In 2017, Indonesia’s Triangle Motorindo introduced the VIAR Q1, its first street-legal electric scooter developed in tandem with Bosch.
In Vietnam, Vinfast rolled out a completely connected system powered by Bosch for its KLARA eScooters. The success of both models are inspirations for other ASEAN countries to decongest roads and reduce carbon emissions by following suit with their own eScooter designs.
“In addition to vehicle electrification and connectivity, we are also trying to minimize road congestion through investments in ride-sharing platforms, whether these be four- or two-wheeled vehicles,” said Hayes.
Ride-sharing services
While ride-sharing and two-wheeled vehicles have become ubiquitous, the main challenge to getting around – particularly without one’s own personal vehicle – is the gap between home and public transit, otherwise known as the ‘last mile’.
“In many cases, it is a combination of multiple transport options that deliver a faster and more efficient means to travel,” said Hayes. “Bosch believes that shared services, electrification of vehicles, and multimodal transport will be key to addressing the challenges of urban mobility.”
Ride-sharing is seen as one of the most promising solutions to traffic and last-mile transit. Bosch is optimistic in the growth of this segment, particularly to help address the traffic problem in Asia and the growing concern for air quality.
For example, Bosch has invested in a platform that allows ride-sharing of eScooters in highly dense cities in Europe. This means fewer cars on the road and minimizing air pollution by encouraging the use of electric vehicles.
