Faisalabad has launched its first public-sector battery swapping station for electric bikes, giving riders a faster alternative to conventional charging.
The pilot facility can replace a depleted battery with a fully charged unit in about one minute. Divisional Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh inaugurated the project under the Punjab government’s cleaner transport drive. Officials presented it as a step towards affordable and environmentally friendly urban mobility.
The opening ceremony included E-Swap General Manager Eugene Qi, infrastructure in-charge Muhammad Moazzam and Faisalabad Development Authority Director General Muhammad Asif Chaudhry. Additional Commissioners Tanveer Murtaza and Afzal Tarar also attended. Municipal Corporation Chief Officer Usman Ghani and Faisalabad Urban Transport Society Administrator Rahat Ali joined them.
Pilot Starts With Two Cabinets and Five Bikes
The initial setup has two battery swapping cabinets with space to charge 24 batteries. It also includes five electric motorcycles for riders using the pilot service.
“The basic objective of the project was to reduce air pollution and provide citizens with an advanced, economical and environment-friendly mode of transportation,” Dr Sheikh said.
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City authorities plan to install 50 swapping cabinets across Faisalabad by December 2026. The expansion could create a wider network for commuters, delivery workers and other riders who travel long distances each day.
Battery swapping removes the need to leave a motorcycle connected to a charger for several hours. Instead, a rider places the discharged battery in a cabinet and receives a charged replacement. Officials demonstrated the process during the inauguration.
Users to Register Through E-Swap App
Riders will access electric bikes, batteries and swapping stations through a subscription model. They must download the E-Swap application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Registration will require identity card information and a residential address. The company will verify each application before activating access. Approved users will pay subscriptions through Easypaisa, JazzCash or banking applications.
“Providing citizens a reliable, efficient and accessible battery swapping network was a priority of the administration,” Dr Sheikh said.
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Officials have not disclosed the subscription fee, battery capacity, motorcycle range or list of compatible models. These details will determine whether privately owned electric bikes can use the network or whether access will remain limited to approved vehicles.
The Faisalabad launch comes as a wider battery-swapping programme prepares to expand across Punjab. A Mitigation Action Facility project plans 137 stations and 9,614 swappable electric three-wheelers across Faisalabad, Lahore and Multan over five years. It also proposes solar-powered charging and financing support for private investors.
For high-mileage riders, the local pilot could reduce downtime and make electric motorcycles more practical. Its long-term success will depend on affordable subscriptions, common battery standards, station reliability and a steady supply of charged batteries.
