Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government is urged to provide incentives for development of electric cars to be included in the policy of "low carbon emission project" (LCEP).

Minister for state enterprises Dahlan Iskan has said the country will launch its first electric cars next year.

Leading automotive observer Suhari Sargo said in order to attract investors, the government needs to offer attractive incentives .

"If successful, the national car product will be the trend setter for development of cars with low emission to support the LCEP program," Suhari said here on Monday.

He said the success in the implementation of the project will depend much on the availability of components locally.

In addition, there should be after sales service to be provided by producers, he said.

Marketing is not easy as most people still favor conventional cars with the availability of supporting facilities , he added.

Electric cars could be the second alternative especially for use for city transport, he said.

The opportunity for electric cars in the market is open with more expensive fuel for conventional cars, he said.

Dahlan said earlier mass production of electric cars will need new regulation to be ready this year including on motor vehicle license, certificate of ownership and tax. (ASG/YH)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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