Honda launched the EM1 e: electric scooter in Japan and Europe and now targets Indonesia due to its massive motorcycle market. With around 85 % of Indonesian households owning motorcycles and over 125 million motorbikes in the country, Honda sees substantial potential.
EM1 e: Electric scooter
Indonesia is in a transitional phase towards electric vehicles (EVs) since the government declared plans to be EV-focused by 2050. To back this up, a significant subsidy program was introduced in March 2023, aiming to introduce approximately 800,000 new electric two-wheelers onto Indonesian roads.
Battery packs
PT Astra Honda Motor, Honda’s network in Indonesia, began selling the Honda EM1 e: on August 23, 2023. This electric scooter utilizes Honda’s Mobile Power Pack e: battery packs, which can be swapped, removed, and charged through a dedicated home charger.
In contrast to Japan and Europe, the EM1 e: is available for direct purchase in Indonesia, not just for rental. Pricing for the scooter stands at 40,000,000 Indonesian rupiah (about $2,610), while the EM1 e: with a Honda Mobile Power Pack e: is priced at 45,000,000 rupiah (about $2,936).
EV Adoption
Comparatively, smaller combustion models like Honda BeAT, Genio, Scoopy, and Vario are approximately half the price. For a closer comparison, the Honda ADV160’s cost is 36,200,000 rupiah (about $2,362) for the Combined Braking System version and 39,400,000 rupiah (about $2,571) for the ABS version. Alternatively, the luxurious Honda Forza is priced at 90,330,000 rupiah (about $5,894) as of August 23, 2023.
Developing the required infrastructure for EVs in Indonesia is an ongoing process. The speed and effectiveness of this development will significantly impact the success of EV adoption.
Conclusion
Honda’s launch of the EM1 e: electric scooter in Indonesia aligns with the nation’s transition to EVs. With the vast motorcycle ownership and government incentives, the EM1 e: enters a market ripe with potential. Success hinges on various factors including pricing, infrastructure advancement, and consumer preference.
Sources: PT Astra Honda Motor, Nikkei Asia, Statista
