16/08/2023 (Singapore/ Indonesia) - Electric motorcycle manufacturer Charged Asia is leading the way as the first Singaporean brand to introduce its vehicles on Indonesian roads, surpassing local competitors. The startup aims to sell 10 million electric motorcycles (e-motos) across Southeast Asia within a decade, with a Singapore launch planned by the end of 2023.
Since its inception in March 2022, Charged Asia has successfully deployed around 1,500 e-motos on Jakarta's streets, catering mainly to delivery riders and online motorcycle taxi operators.
Charged Asia's rapid progress in the Indonesian electric vehicle (EV) market is due to strategic partnerships with reputable suppliers like Chinese battery company CATL and Australian firm Vmoto.
Mr. Chang, co-founder of Charged Asia, noted, "In terms of timing, we need to move fast. The solutions to problems we have are right in front of us. That’s why we chose to work with reputable people and technology, with a good track record, in order to move fast."
Mr. Chang, drawing on his extensive Indonesian experience, introduced an "innovative" solution – a subscription model – to counter the perception of high e-moto costs and ignite consumer interest in Charged Asia's offerings. This approach played a pivotal role in the company's success, with over 90% of its Indonesian bikes being distributed through this method.
Looking ahead, Charged Asia has expansion plans in Indonesia and Vietnam, where their bikes have already gained traction. The company is set to launch its models in Singapore later in 2023, with deliveries to the Philippines and Thailand planned for 2024.
Amid the Southeast Asian motorcycle market's recovery since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Chang pointed to promising projections for the global e-moto market's growth.
Mr. Chang concluded on a note of sustainability and commitment to EV adoption, saying, "Mobility is a key tenet to human freedom, but why does moving for a better life have to come at the cost of our health, and our natural habitat? EVs can play a large part of the solution, and we will keep on working on it."