Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has unveiled an electric motorcycle prototype as part of its push to support Indonesia’s transition to low-emission transportation and renewable energy in the mobility sector.
Developed by the Faculty of Engineering, the motorcycle—named Laplace—is designed to align with the government’s target of achieving zero-emission public transport by 2050. The project reflects a growing effort by Indonesian universities to contribute to the country’s clean energy goals through research and innovation.
“For too long, we have been users of imported technologies. It is now time for us to create homegrown innovations that serve our communities and support the government’s zero-emission agenda,” said Wirawan Sumbodo, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, in an interview at the Engineering Building E5 in Semarang.
The prototype features a 1.2 kW motor, a 60-volt battery with 1,200 Wh capacity, and a range of 40–60 km per charge. It can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h and carry a payload of 100 kg. Charging costs are estimated at IDR 10,000 ($0.60), significantly less than gasoline for the same distance, which would cost about IDR 48,000 ($2.90).
Hammam, coordinator of the research team, said the group is already developing a larger, high-performance model inspired by big bikes. “This motorcycle is our initial prototype. We are currently working on a larger, high-performance version modeled after big bikes (moge),” he said.
Constructed entirely in-house, the motorcycle adopts a chopper-style design, with a frame made from three-millimeter-thick hollow steel and a fiber-reinforced resin body. The project cost exceeded IDR 20 million ($1,220) and took four to five months to complete. It has undergone road testing under various conditions and been showcased at national innovation expos.
By developing homegrown electric vehicle technologies, UNNES aims to reduce Indonesia’s dependence on imported components while encouraging greater adoption of renewable energy in transportation. The university says its research will contribute to broader policy goals, including decarbonising urban mobility and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
