Electrification is a coming thing, whether petrol heads would like to admit it or not, and the motorcycle world is no different, with the impending launch of the 2018 Honda PCX Hybrid scooter in Malaysia. Slated to be happening somewhere “around the last quarter,” and if things go to plan, will be Boon Siew Honda’s (BSH) first foray into the area of hybrid two-wheelers in the local market.

While there are many pure electric motorcycles (e-bikes) in the market, it is unfortunate charging infrastructure is still lagging. This is notably so for e-bikes, which usually do not have the space to carry long charging cables to reach a charging point which might be inconveniently located.


In the case of the PCX Hybrid, Honda has combined the standard petrol engine with an electric drive. While details have been scarce on exactly how this was achieved within the small form factor of an urban scooter, Honda would only say “the compact hybrid system employs a high-output battery and ACG starter to assist the engine.”

Not much else was available in the way of information, but Honda has stated that the PCX Hybrid, as well as the battery powered PCX Electric, will only be sold in the Asian market in 2018. In Malaysia, the current model 2017 Honda PCX with 149 cc single-cylinder, 12.5 hp engine is priced at RM 11,568.



Meanwhile, during the BSH media gathering held at the Sepang International Circuit, where Malaysian journalists were given the chance to ride the RC213V-S, it was announced that sales had increased by 18% compared to the previous year. Datuk Sri Tan Hui Jing, deputy chairman of BSH, said, “2018 is an important year for BSH to take a big step and move back to leadership position in the market. We are targeting to introduce around 10 brand new models and will certainly surprise everyone with our product lineup.”