The two companies are planning to begin the research experiment in December 2018. Locations identified for the experiment are Bandung and Bali. This research experiment will be conducted as one of the projects subsidised by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation.
As the third largest motorcycle market in the world, Indonesia is facing an issue with air pollution associated with the increase in traffic volume. To address this issue, the Indonesian government has announced a policy to facilitate the widespread use of electric scooters and other electric two-wheelers.
While being environment-friendly, electric two-wheelers still have to overcome range and charging time limitations. The Mobile Power Pack and mobility products powered by it are expected to solve such issues and provide a boost to their widespread use.
The Japanese companies will install charging stations at several dozen locations, which will charge multiple units of the Mobile Power Pack simultaneously and supply fully-charged Mobile Power Packs to users at any time. Users of electric two-wheelers who experience a low battery level can stop at the nearest charging station and exchange their Mobile Power Pack for a fully-charged one and get back on the road.
Honda sells more than 20 million motorcycles and automobiles a year all around the world and has a track record of developing environment-friendly electric mobility products. Panasonic has considerable experience in the development of high-efficiency and high-quality batteries for automobiles.
Honda sells electric and hybrid scooters such as the EV-neo and PCX Hybrid (below).
