Browns EV marks key milestone in Sri Lanka’s electric mobility journey

Beijing Automobile Works Vice President Zhihong Gu and Browns Investments Executive Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara unveiling BAW M8

Weiqiao Smart Auto International General Manager Fedya Jia

BAW E7 Vehicle and TELD Charger

• Launches BAW M8, achieves 1,500 EV deliveries; enters into strategic partnership with global EV charging leader TELD

Browns EV, the electric mobility arm of Brown and Company PLC under the LOLC Group, on Tuesday marked a defining moment in Sri Lanka’s electric mobility journey with a landmark event held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. 

The occasion celebrated three significant milestones: the official unveiling of the BAW M8 flagship MPV, the completion of 1,500 customer EV deliveries nationwide, and the announcement of the exclusive strategic partnership with global EV charging leader Qingdao TELD New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., (TELD).

Senior leadership from the LOLC Group, Beijing Automobile Works Co. Ltd., (BAW) and TELD graced the event, including LOLC Holdings PLC and Brown and Company PLC Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara, LOLC Holdings Group Managing Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena,  Browns EV Executive Director Vijitha Bandara, CEO Pavithra Jayasekara, BAW Vice President Zhihong Gu, Weiqiao Smart Auto International Co., Ltd.,General Manager Fedya Jia, and Qingdao TELD New Energy Technology Co., Overseas Regional Director Li Zhengyi.

The event signified a clear shift in how mobility is being reimagined in Sri Lanka. In a market long constrained by affordability and access, Browns EV has emerged as a catalyst for change, translating global electric mobility advancements into practical, attainable solutions for Sri Lankan consumers through strong international partnerships and a rapidly expanding ecosystem.

The evening’s centerpiece was the unveiling of the BAW M8, a 7-seater flagship MPV manufactured by Beijing Automobile Works, one of China’s most respected automotive brands with a heritage dating back to 1951. Developed under the Shandong Weiqiao Pioneering Group, a Fortune Global 500 conglomerate, the M8 reflects BAW’s evolution into next-generation mobility. 

Designed for families, executives and fleet operators, the BAW M8 combines generous proportions, flexible seating and a refined cabin experience. Built on a spacious 5.3-metre platform with a 3,200 mm wheelbase, it prioritises interior comfort, complemented by a modern exterior design. As an electric vehicle, the M8 delivers the smoothness of electric driving with long-distance confidence. With a range exceeding 1,050 km, the M8 is well suited to Sri Lankan driving conditions.

Inside, the M8 offers a premium, technology-led experience, featuring a fully digital instrument cluster, a large floating touchscreen, dual power sliding doors, electrically adjustable seats with leg rests, seat heating, massage function and ventilation, multi-zone climate control and external power discharge capability. Safety is reinforced with multiple airbags, electronic stability systems and advanced braking technologies. Introduced at a price of Rs. 21 million, the BAW M8   bridges the gap between ultra-luxury and affordability, delivering flagship level comfort and technology to Sri Lanka’s MPV market. 

Equally significant was the ceremonial handover of the 1,500th electric vehicle by Browns EV, reflecting strong market confidence and the company’s consistent ability to deliver on its promises. This milestone builds on the strong performance of models such as the BAW E6 and BAW E7, underscoring a decisive shift towards electric mobility.

LOLC Holdings PLC Group Managing Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena said: “Through Browns EV, we have redefined vehicle ownership in Sri Lanka. What was once out of reach, the aspiration to own a modern, technologically advanced vehicle, has now become a reality for over 1,500 customers. In early 2025, we committed to delivering vehicles priced below Rs. 5 million, and as a responsible, people-centric organisation, we delivered on that promise. Supported by a fully integrated ecosystem encompassing financing, insurance and after-sales care, and now strengthened by strategic EV charging partnerships ahead of a nationwide rollout, LOLC continues to create sustainable value for customers and drive meaningful progress for the nation.” Further strengthening this ecosystem, the event also marked the announcement of an exclusive partnership with Qingdao TELD New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., (TELD), the world’s largest EV charging operator and manufacturer. For EV users, this collaboration directly addresses one of the most critical adoption barriers - access to reliable and convenient charging.

TELD, the global leader in EV charging solutions and one of China’s charging standard writers, is backed by over 1,300 technical patents, a 1,500-strong R&D team, and a dominant 40% share of China’s EV charging consumption market, operating more than 800,000 charging points worldwide. Its solutions are certified to international standards including IEC 61851, CE, CB and TÜV, ensuring high levels of safety, reliability and operational stability.

Under this collaboration, arrangements are in place to strategically deploy TELD chargers across key locations, ensuring greater convenience and confidence for EV owners.