Indonesian ride-hailing giant Gojek is embarking on an ambitious venture in Vietnam, aiming to power its electric motorbikes as swiftly as refilling a gas tank. In a strategic move, Gojek is joining forces with Selex, a Vietnamese startup renowned for its electric vehicle and battery network solutions, already adopted by industry giants like Grab and Lazada. This groundbreaking partnership promises Gojek drivers a convenient charging ecosystem, with access to home chargers and Selex’s innovative “battery ATMs” – automated lockers designed for the seamless exchange of depleted batteries for freshly charged ones.
The collaboration with Gojek represents a significant expansion of Selex’s network, as the company manufactures batteries compatible with rival scooter brands, attracting a broader range of drivers. The visionary strategy behind this partnership is simple but effective: as more drivers embrace Selex’s battery ATMs, the company will expand its station footprint, further enticing drivers to join the electric revolution.
Selex appeals to motorists by offering the twin advantages of speed and savings. A quick two-minute battery swap translates into a 35% reduction in energy costs and a 50% decrease in maintenance expenses compared to conventional combustion-engine motorbikes. Furthermore, Selex’s electric vehicles are engineered to meet rigorous international standards for water resistance, ensuring optimal mobility even during heavy rainfall or water depths of up to one meter, and they effortlessly navigate steep slopes, delivering smooth journeys across uneven terrains.
Vietnam, with its status as one of the world’s largest motorbike markets and a tropical climate marked by monsoon seasons, is swiftly transitioning to electric mobility. Notably, VinFast, an electric vehicle producer that achieved remarkable valuations after listing on Nasdaq in August, supplies e-scooters to Be Group, a competing ride-hailing platform in Vietnam.
In addition to its collaboration with Selex, Gojek is diversifying its electric vehicle sourcing, partnering with Dat Bike in Vietnam and investing in Electrum in Indonesia, which aspires to produce up to 1 million electric motorbikes annually. This strategic approach aligns with the broader goal of reducing emissions and transitioning Gojek’s fleet to 100% electric vehicles by 2030, in line with GoTo Group’s commitment. GoTo is an Indonesia-listed tech firm formed through Gojek’s merger with local e-commerce giant Tokopedia.
The drive towards electrification extends beyond ride-hailing services. In August, ABA Cooltrans, a refrigerated goods transporter, initiated a partnership to pilot 100 Selex electric bikes tailored for cold-chain logistics, with plans to expand the fleet to 1,000 bikes in Vietnam over the next three years.
Selex, while not disclosing specific sales figures, emphasizes the versatility of its electric bikes, which can be modified for both package delivery and passenger transport. These bikes boast a commendable 150-kilometer range and a price tag of approximately $1,000, excluding the battery-swap subscription. Selex positions itself as Southeast Asia’s pioneering EV manufacturer, with a strong focus on last-mile delivery, while also catering to individual consumers.
CEO Nguyen Nguyen, a former aerospace professional with classified experience, likens the battery-swapping model to the pay-as-you-go system employed by gas stations. Buyers no longer need to cover the full battery cost upfront but can spread payments over time, offering a more accessible entry into electric mobility.
While Gojek did not disclose whether it will fully cover the cost of EVs for its drivers or provide insights into the number of drivers transitioning to electric, these electric vehicles will serve a variety of purposes, including transporting riders, food delivery, and package logistics.
Notably, ADB Ventures, Schneider Electric Energy Access Asia, and Vietnam’s Touchstone Partners have invested in Selex, further solidifying its position as a key player in the electric mobility revolution. Additionally, Selex has established strategic EV partnerships with companies such as Baemin, Viettel, and DHL, contributing to its growing influence in the region.