Honda Discusses Potential of Electric Cars Entering Indonesia

KatadataOTO – Amidst the onslaught of Chinese electric cars, Japanese brands are starting to collaborate with other manufacturers to present competitive EV (Electric Vehicle) products.

No exception for Honda. At the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, the H-logo brand introduced three new models under the Ye series, already using the latest Honda logo.

After their debut, two models resulting from a collaboration with GAC have returned this year, namely the GAC Honda GT and the Dongfeng Honda GT, an electric-powered flagship sedan.

The Ye series adds more choices for consumers. Some of its design elements retain Honda's distinctive features, but its features and technology are abundant, like most Chinese electric cars today.

Photo : Honda

Responding to the possibility of this vehicle line being introduced in Indonesia, PT HPM (Honda Prospect Motor) revealed that the Ye electric car series is currently still focused on China.

“It’s for the Chinese market for now,” said Yusak Billy, Sales and Marketing & After Sales Director of PT HPM, when met in Sunter some time ago.

However, it is not yet certain when the Ye series can be exhibited or even sold in the country.

Honda Indonesia seems likely to market more HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) or hybrid cars than EVs for the time being.

However, Honda emphasized that it will continue to study market conditions, especially amidst economic uncertainty.

“The electric car market did go up last month, (around) eleven or ten percent. We will continue to monitor it,” said Billy.

For your information, PT HPM currently only has one electric car for the Indonesian market, the Honda e:N1.

Photo : KatadataOTO

Not sold to the general public, the electric version of the HR-V is offered through a rental scheme targeting fleet customers. The rental cost is Rp 22 million per month.

Although Billy revealed that there are still plans to sell electric cars in the future, throughout 2025, the three new models to be introduced will be HEVs.

The first model went on sale not long ago, namely the Civic RS e:HEV. The other two are expected to be the HR-V e:HEV and the MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) Stepwgn e:HEV.