Honda Boss Says Affordable EVs Not Yet the Primary Choice for First-Time Buyers

KatadataOTO – Electric cars with prices under IDR 200 million are now increasingly prevalent in the country's four-wheeled vehicle market.

Most recently, there is the BYD Atto 1 which is marketed at around IDR 195 million at the GIIAS 2025 event at ICE BSD, Tangerang.

Then, the Electric Vehicle (EV) segment under IDR 200 million was first enlivened by the Wuling Air ev.

The electric four-wheeler is sold with a price tag of IDR 184 million for the Lite Standard Range variant.

Photo : KatadataOTO

Meanwhile, the Wuling Air ev Lite Long Range can be had for around IDR 195 million.

Not to be left out is the Seres E1, which tempts consumers in the country, as it is sold for IDR 189 million On The Road (OTR) Jakarta.

If you look, the prices above are cheaper than a number of Low Cost Green Car (LCGC) cars in Indonesia. Take for example the Honda Brio Satya, which is sold for around IDR 170 million for the lowest variant and IDR 202 million for the most expensive type.

Of course, the presence of the BYD Atto 1 and its peers will disrupt the LCGC four-wheeled vehicle market in the country. It is estimated that many people will be tempted to buy an electric car under IDR 200 million.

This is a threat in itself for the Honda Brio Satya to the Toyota Agya if this really happens. Seeing this fact, Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) spoke up about the invasion of cheap EVs comparable to LCGCs.

"Of course it's interesting, but it's interesting for people who are indeed looking for a cheap electric car," said Yusak Billy, After Sales Director of HPM at GIIAS 2025 some time ago.

According to him, LCGC products are currently favored by consumers from the first-time car buyer segment.

Therefore, Yusak believes the presence of the BYD Atto 1, Wuling Air ev, and Seres E1 will not disrupt Honda's products.

"First-time buyers usually want to find peace of mind," continued Billy.