ELECTREK INTERVIEWS KYMCO CHAIRMAN ALLEN KO ABOUT ELECTRIC SCOOTERS

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Electrek interviews Kymco Chairman Allen Ko regarding the company's strategic shift towards electric scooters, particularly the new i-Onex commercial platform. Ko highlights Kymco's long-standing involvement in electric vehicles, dating back 20 years, but emphasizes that recent consumer shifts, partly influenced by Tesla, make it the opportune moment to prioritize electric. The i-Onex platform is designed for partnerships, targeting petroleum companies, oceanic companies, and especially delivery/logistics firms who benefit from cost-effectiveness and fleet management. Ko acknowledges the gradual transition away from gas scooters, noting Taiwan's aggressive government push and subsidies are accelerating adoption, with electric scooters already reaching 8% of the market there. He anticipates electric models could constitute 30% of Kymco's total sales within three years and potentially over 50% within five to seven years. A key feature of i-Onex is its open, flexible, and expandable system, allowing for tailor-made solutions and the potential for other brands to adopt Kymco's battery standard. Ko expresses personal excitement about the platform's customizability and flexibility.