Comparison of customer preferences in Malaysia and Indonesia to evaluate the need of charging infrastructure and dual battery electric motorcycle as an effort to increase the adoption rate of electric motorcycles

Abstract

Global transportation energy consumption is projected to rise significantly from 2012 to 2040, with gasoline remaining the primary fuel source. Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia, faces substantial air pollution challenges due to high motorcycle usage. Electric motorcycles (EMs) offer a potential solution; however, their adoption rates in these countries are currently low, falling short of government targets. Key obstacles include range anxiety and limited charging infrastructure, which hinder widespread EM adoption and demand substantial investment. This study aims to assess which approach: developing more charging stations or increasing the availability of dual battery EMs, would better address these barriers. Data from Malaysia was collected through a user survey and analyzed using the multinomial logit model, while data from Indonesia was gathered through a literature review of previous studies. The results reveal distinct consumer preferences in each country: Malaysian consumers prioritize EMs with advanced technological features and high battery range, while Indonesian consumers value cost-effective and practical EMs for short urban trips. Dual-battery EMs emerged as the preferred option in both markets, with a 51.3% probability of selection, slightly higher than the single-battery alternative (42.4%). These findings suggest that promoting dual-battery EMs could be more effective than expanding public charging infrastructure. Policymakers and industry stakeholders are advised to consider tailored strategies: focusing on affordability and dual-battery solutions in Indonesia and enhancing high-tech features in Malaysia. This approach aligns better with consumer demands in both countries, potentially accelerating EM adoption.