Wahana States Selling Electric Motorcycles Still Full of Challenges

KatadataOTO – PT Wahana Makmur Sejati, the main dealer for Honda motorcycles in Jakarta and Tangerang, admits it still faces challenges in marketing electric vehicles. This is despite Honda having launched three electric vehicle models: the Icon e:, Cuv e:, and EM1 e:.

These three models were once touted to become the primary choice for people wanting to own an electric motorcycle.

“Indeed, this vehicle still presents its own task because consumers are still considering many factors, from range, charging time, to its speed. So there are many challenges to overcome,” said Olivia Widyasuwita, Division Head of Sales at PT Wahana Makmur Sejati, to the media some time ago.

She also admitted that currently, sales of Honda electric motorcycles are still small. It is recorded that they only deliver around 30 to 40 units per month.

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The low market acceptance is estimated to be due to the public's habit of using motorcycles as their primary mode of transportation. Therefore, travel range is a primary need.

“Usually, consumers use motorcycles for quite long distances, possibly 30 to 40 km per day. They also want fast performance, so there are still many adjustments to be made in the future,” she later added.

It should be noted that Honda has three electric motorcycles that the public can choose from. These three models are the Icon e:, Cuv e:, and EM1 e:.

However, of the three, the Honda EM1 e: is said to be the best-selling model. Various advantages have been embedded, such as a drive motor with 2.3 hp and 90 Nm of torque, while its maximum speed is 45 km/h.

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When fully charged, the motorcycle can travel a distance of 41.1 km. Meanwhile, to charge from 25 percent to 75 percent, the Honda EM1 e: only takes 2.7 hours.

Three color options are available for the standard type: Innovative White, Intelligent Matte Black, and Smart Red. Meanwhile, the EM1 e: Plus is only available in Excellent Matte Silver.