Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
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High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay and Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara each inspecting the electric scooter that was launched. Also seen are Okaya Electric Vehicles Chairman Anil Gupta and Douglas & Sons Chairman Saroj Perera
Building on its recent partnership with India’s Okaya Power, a prominent brand entrusted with top-quality battery products and electric vehicles worldwide, DSL Energy, a member of Douglas & Sons Ltd. (DSL), recently launched an electric scooter for the first time in Sri Lanka.
High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay attended the launch event held on 14 December at the Hilton Colombo as the Chief Guest. Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara also graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
With a battery capacity of 30AH 72V and a maximum range of 160 km, this electric scooter is the idyllic fit for Sri Lankan commuters who want to save on fuel costs, while being environmentally conscious. Backed by DSL’s presence of over 40 years in the automotive aftermarket sector of Sri Lanka, the launch of this scooter reflects the company’s philosophy of continually developing to meet the evolving need for smart and sustainable energy and mobility solutions.
Manufactured in India by Okaya Electric Vehicles, the scooters introduced to the local market are FAME 11 compliant and ICAT approved, making them an e-mobility solution that all Sri Lankans can rely on. Before coming to market, the technology behind these scooters were tried and tested across five of Okaya’s state-of-the-art R&D facilities in India and abroad.
Speaking at the event, Douglas & Sons Ltd. Chairman Saroj Perera said, “With the increase in global warming, making environmentally friendly choices and preventing climate change is essential. The scooters we have introduced represent these eco-friendly choices. As 10% of vehicles will be EVs by 2030, this future is inevitable and we are beyond proud to be able to get a head start with our partnership with Okaya.”
Meanwhile, Okaya Electric Vehicles Chairman Anil Gupta added, “A paradigm shift is taking place in the global automotive industry as it attempts to transition to alternative, less energy-intensive options. One of the primary drivers behind Sri Lanka’s recent measures to accelerate the transition to e-mobility is the increase in prices of oil imports, rising pollution and international pledges to battle global climate change, in addition to limitation of forex to import fossil fuel vehicles. We are confident that our products will act as a catalyst in this change.”
Additionally, High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay noted, “This venture between DSL and Okaya represents the ever-growing close relationship between Sri Lanka and India. Every opportunity comes out of challenges. With the climate and economic challenges of today, these scooters represent the culmination of innovation and adoption of new technologies to stay current. This strife is the hallmark of people who seek to move towards prosperity, and I wish both parties every success.”
It is noteworthy that Okaya EV has a very strong sales and service network in the South Asian region. Those who would like to experience these scooters for themselves can visit DSL and Okaya’s purpose-built Experience Centre at 525, Union Place Colombo 2.
