Jakarta. Japanese auto giant Honda Motor Co. is preparing two models of electric motorbikes for the Indonesian market where the government is pushing for vehicle electrification and offering generous incentives for owners of emission-free vehicles.

Astra Honda Motor, the local unit of Honda’s motorcycle division, will launch the electric motorbikes later this year.

"Back to our plan, we are still committed to introducing at least two models [of electric motorbikes] to be launched this year," Astra Honda Marketing Director Octavianus Dwi said in Jakarta on Monday.

He said the current government incentive on electric vehicles is part of the reasons for Honda to speed up the introduction of electric motorcycles in Southeast Asia’s biggest country, which has among the biggest number of motorcycle users in the world.

But Octavianus quickly added that Honda is not in rush to launch the electric models pending the ongoing feasibility study and reliability tests.

"We have concerns about quality and safety so we really make careful calculations. It’s not just about the product, but also the supporting ecosystem,” he said. 

“We cannot simply make things and sell them. What if something happens? What if consumers complain about their motorcycles breaking down during a trip? Where to recharge?”

During a recent motorcycle show in Jakarta, Honda exhibited two models of electric scooters namely EM1-e and PCX Electric. But it remains unknown if both models will actually go into commercial production here.

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