Category: Guides

In-depth guides to buying, charging and understanding EVs in Indonesia.

  • Indonesia’s EV and Battery Industry: Nickel, Policy and the Road to 2030

    Indonesia’s EV and Battery Industry: Nickel, Policy and the Road to 2030

    Top image: Photo: Government of North Morowali, Indonesia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    Indonesia wants to do more than buy electric vehicles. It wants to make them, from the nickel in the ground to the finished battery pack. That goal has shaped policy for more than five years, including export bans, tax incentives and billion-dollar deals with Chinese and Korean partners. This guide explains how the strategy works, who the main players are, what has been built so far, what the government is aiming for by 2030 and where it could go wrong.

    Why nickel matters

    Nickel is a key ingredient in the NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) and similar battery chemistries used in many long-range EVs. Indonesia dominates the supply. The US Geological Survey estimates that Indonesia mined about 2.6 million tonnes of nickel in 2025, around two-thirds of the world’s 3.9 million tonnes. It also holds some 62 million tonnes of reserves out of a global total of more than 140 million tonnes.

    Downstreaming: the export ban and what followed

    In 2020 Indonesia reinstated a ban on exporting raw nickel ore. The aim was to force processing to happen at home. A March 2026 policy paper from the London School of Economics’ Centre for Economic Transition Expertise (CETEx) found that the ban brought a wave of mostly foreign investment in smelters. That investment went largely into huge industrial parks such as the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) in Central Sulawesi and Weda Bay (IWIP) in North Maluku. According to the paper, Indonesia has produced more than half of the world’s nickel since 2023, and its exports have moved from ore towards higher-value products, including the nickel sulphate used in batteries.

    Output has grown so fast that the government is now holding it back. For 2026 the energy ministry cut the approved ore quota (RKAB) to about 260 million tonnes, from 379 million tonnes in 2025, to ease oversupply and support prices, CNBC Indonesia reported. Indonesia also imported about 15.8 million tonnes of ore in 2025, mostly from the Philippines, to keep its smelters supplied.

    Indonesia Battery Corporation and the big projects

    Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), or PT Industri Baterai Indonesia, is a state-owned holding company set up to be the government’s partner in battery projects. There are three projects to know about.

    Hyundai–LG: the first cell plant

    HLI Green Power in Karawang, West Java, was opened by President Joko Widodo in July 2024 as Indonesia’s first large EV battery-cell factory (CNBC Indonesia). It was the first 10 GWh of a planned 30 GWh “Indonesia Grand Package” agreed with LG Energy Solution. LG pulled out of the remaining stages in early 2025, and China’s Huayou took over. The Antam–IBC–Huayou consortium agreement was signed in January 2026, Antara reported.

    CATL: an integrated project worth about US$6 billion

    In June 2025 a CATL subsidiary broke ground with Antam and IBC on a project costing nearly US$6 billion. It covers nickel mining and processing, cathode materials and recycling in East Halmahera, and cell manufacturing in Karawang. CATL says the Halmahera facilities will eventually produce 142,000 tonnes of nickel and 30,000 tonnes of cathode material a year. The Karawang cell plant, run by the joint venture PT CATIB, has a first-phase capacity of 6.9 GWh. It began phased operations in August 2026, according to the energy ministry, and is expected to make both LFP and nickel-based batteries (Suara).

    Vehicle makers moving in

    Carmakers are building factories too. BYD opened its plant in Subang, West Java, on 3 September 2026, which is expected to employ around 5,000 local workers (Antara). Several other Chinese brands now assemble in Indonesia. That is partly because tax breaks for fully imported EVs ended in December 2025, and brands that imported cars under the scheme promised to build the same number locally between 2026 and 2027.

    Policy levers

    • Local content (TKDN). EVs must meet rising local-content minimums to qualify for incentives: 40% in 2026, 60% in 2027–2029 and 80% in 2030 (Antara).
    • Incentives that favour nickel. The VAT incentive announced in 2026 gives a larger discount to cars with nickel-based batteries. The then finance minister said this was meant to get Indonesia’s own nickel used (CNBC Indonesia).
    • A national motorbike programme. The Molinas initiative, launched in August 2026, aims to connect nickel refining, cell making and two-wheeler assembly in one domestic supply chain (Antara).

    The road to 2030: targets

    • Production of 600,000 electric cars and 2.45 million electric motorbikes a year by 2030, set by the industry ministry (Kompas).
    • 62,918 four-wheel public chargers by 2030, compared with about 4,892 in May 2026 (Periskop).
    • The ministry’s TKDN roadmap, reaching 80% in 2030.

    Domestic demand is growing. BEV wholesales passed 101,000 in the first eight months of 2026 (Kompas).

    The challenges

    • The shift to LFP. Many of the best-selling EVs in Indonesia and worldwide use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which contain no nickel. IBC’s own chief executive has said LFP now dominates the local market (Suara). That makes it harder to argue that nickel will automatically turn into battery value.
    • Prices and oversupply. Data cited by the USGS shows the global nickel market in surplus every year since 2022. That squeezes margins and is the reason for the production quota cuts.
    • Environmental and social costs. CETEx notes that nickel miners cleared more than 75,000 hectares of forest in 2007–2022, and that much of the processing runs on captive coal power plants. New mining in sensitive areas such as Raja Ampat has caused public concern.
    • Concentration and policy risk. CETEx also points to the dominance of Chinese-Indonesian smelting groups. Repeated delays to consumer incentives in 2026 have made demand less predictable.

    This guide describes policy and investment as reported at the time of writing. Targets, quotas and incentive rules are revised often, so check the latest announcements from the ministries concerned.

    FAQ

    What is nickel downstreaming?

    It is the policy of processing nickel ore in Indonesia instead of exporting it raw. It is backed by an ore export ban that was reinstated in 2020.

    What is Indonesia Battery Corporation?

    It is a state-owned battery holding company that partners with foreign firms such as CATL, Huayou and LG on cell and materials projects.

    Does Indonesia make EV batteries yet?

    Yes. The Hyundai–LG plant in Karawang has operated since 2024, and the CATL–IBC plant began phased operations in August 2026.

    What are the 2030 targets?

    Annual production of 600,000 electric cars and 2.45 million electric motorbikes, with 80% local content and nearly 63,000 public car chargers.

    Sources: USGS – Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Nickel; CETEx (LSE) – How Indonesia’s ban on raw nickel exports provides lessons; CNBC Indonesia – Produksi Bijih Nikel RI Dipangkas Jadi 260-an Juta Ton; Antara – Indonesia targets 2026 groundbreaking for Huayou EV battery project; CATL – CATL and Partners Break Ground on US$6 Billion Battery Integration Project in Indonesia; Suara – Pabrik Baterai PT CATIB di Karawang Sudah Beroperasi; CNBC Indonesia – Siap-Siap Pabrik Baterai EV Raksasa Ke-2 RI Segera Beroperasi; Antara – Pemerintah kaji insentif kendaraan listrik berbasis TKDN; CNBC Indonesia – Purbaya Tunda Insentif Mobil Listrik; Kompas – Kemenperin Targetkan Produksi Mobil Listrik 600.000 Unit pada 2030; Periskop – Konsumsi SPKLU Tembus 62,4 Juta kWh; CNN Indonesia – Daftar Insentif Mobil Listrik yang Disetop; Antara (English) – Molinas marks new chapter; Kompas – Daftar Mobil Listrik Terlaris hingga Agustus 2026

  • Charging an EV in Indonesia: SPKLU, Home Charging and Battery Swapping Explained

    Charging an EV in Indonesia: SPKLU, Home Charging and Battery Swapping Explained

    Top image: Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Where and how to charge is the first practical question most new EV owners in Indonesia ask. The answer depends on where you live, how far you drive and whether you ride a scooter or drive a car. This guide explains the public SPKLU network run by the state electricity company PLN and its partners, what charging costs, how home charging works, what the battery-swap stations (SPBKLU) for motorbikes are, and which connector your vehicle probably uses.

    The SPKLU network: how big is it?

    SPKLU (Stasiun Pengisian Kendaraan Listrik Umum) are public charging stations. PLN operated 4,655 of them at the end of 2025. By June 2026, PLN and its partners had 5,016 units at 3,132 locations, according to PLN figures reported by Periskop. Use is climbing fast. SPKLU delivered 62.4 million kWh in the first half of 2026, more than the 48.5 million kWh for the whole of 2025.

    The energy ministry’s target is much bigger: 62,918 four-wheel SPKLU by 2030. Coverage is also uneven. Most chargers are in Java’s cities and along the main toll roads. For the 2026 Lebaran homecoming, PLN had 4,769 SPKLU ready at 3,097 points, on average about 22 km apart. Other islands have far fewer.

    Types of public charger

    SPKLU fall into broad classes by power output. The categories below are from a guide by Auto2000:

    • Standard (below 7 kW): an overnight top-up taking 8–12 hours.
    • Medium (7–22 kW): AC charging, about 4–8 hours.
    • Fast (22–50 kW): DC charging, about 1–2 hours.
    • Ultra-fast (above 50 kW): DC charging, from about 30 minutes to an hour for many cars.

    Actual times depend on the car’s battery size and the maximum power it can accept.

    What public charging costs

    The energy ministry has set the base SPKLU tariff at about Rp2,467 per kWh. On top of that, Energy Minister Decree 182/2023 allows a service fee of up to Rp25,000 per session for fast charging and up to Rp57,000 per session for ultra-fast charging (Republika). Auto2000’s 2026 guide puts the base rate at roughly Rp2,466–2,475 per kWh. As a rough guide, adding 40 kWh at a fast charger costs about Rp99,000 in energy plus the session fee. That is still well below the cost of the petrol for the same distance.

    Using the PLN Mobile app

    Most PLN-network chargers are run through the PLN Mobile app. Payment is cashless and the steps are straightforward:

    1. Open the app’s EV section and find an SPKLU near you. The map shows whether chargers are free.
    2. Choose a unit and scan its QR code.
    3. Plug in the connector that matches your car.
    4. Pay in the app, start charging and follow the progress on your phone.

    The app also has antreEV, a digital queue for busy chargers, and a Trip Planner that suggests SPKLU along your route, Periskop reports. Private operators such as Starvo have their own apps. On a long trip it helps to have more than one installed.

    Charging at home

    For most car owners, home is where most charging happens. It is also the cheapest option. Two things matter.

    Your electricity connection

    Household tariffs depend on your connection. In the third quarter of 2026, non-subsidised homes paid about Rp1,444.70 per kWh for 1,300–2,200 VA connections and about Rp1,699.53 for larger ones (Nasional.news). A 7 kW wallbox needs more capacity than many homes have, so you may have to upgrade. PLN’s Home Charging Service (HCS) promotion halved the connection fee until June 2026, bringing a new single-phase 7,700 VA connection down from Rp7,461,300 to Rp3,730,650. Ask PLN whether a similar offer is running now.

    The night-time discount

    PLN gives EV owners a 30% discount on electricity used for charging between 22:00 and 05:00 (GridOto). Setting a timer on your charger or car is the easiest way to save money.

    Connector types: Type 2, CCS2 and others

    Most cars sold officially in Indonesia use:

    • Type 2: the standard AC connector, used for home wallboxes and slower public chargers.
    • CCS2 (Combo 2): a Type 2 plug with two extra DC pins. It is the main standard for DC fast charging and is used by brands such as Hyundai, BMW and Chery, and by many BYD models.

    Some models from Chinese brands, including certain Wuling products, use the Chinese GB/T standard. CHAdeMO is now found mainly on older cars such as the first-generation Nissan Leaf, and fewer stations offer it, according to charging operator Starvo. Look at your car’s charging port or the handbook, and filter chargers by connector in the app before you set off.

    Battery swapping for motorbikes (SPBKLU)

    Most electric scooters can be charged from a normal socket, but that takes a few hours. SPBKLU (Stasiun Penukaran Baterai Kendaraan Listrik Umum) let riders swap a flat battery for a charged one in moments. The motorbike association Aismoli counted 1,907 SPBKLU by March 2026, most of them on Java. PLN Mobile listed 1,118 PLN-operated swap cabinets, plus 603 SPKLU for two-wheelers and 9,601 general-purpose SPLU charging points (Otodream). Swap batteries usually only fit particular brands, so check compatibility before you rely on a network.

    Prices, tariffs and incentive rules in Indonesia change often, sometimes month to month. Figures here were correct according to the sources linked at the time of writing; always confirm current prices, promotions and eligibility with an authorised dealer or the relevant provider before you commit.

    FAQ

    How much does it cost to charge at an SPKLU?

    About Rp2,467 per kWh, plus a service fee of up to Rp25,000 per session on fast chargers or up to Rp57,000 on ultra-fast chargers.

    How many SPKLU are there in Indonesia?

    PLN and its partners had 5,016 units at 3,132 locations by June 2026. The 2030 target is almost 63,000.

    Which connector does my car use?

    Most cars sold in Indonesia use Type 2 for AC and CCS2 for DC fast charging. Some Chinese-brand models use GB/T.

    Is there a discount for charging at home?

    Yes. PLN offers 30% off electricity used for EV charging between 22:00 and 05:00.

    Sources: Periskop – Konsumsi SPKLU Tembus 62,4 Juta kWh; PLN – PLN Operasikan 4.655 SPKLU Sepanjang 2025; Republika – Isi Daya Fast Charging di SPKLU Kena Tambahan Biaya; Auto2000 – SPKLU PLN 2026: Panduan Lengkap; Nasional.news – Tarif Listrik PLN September 2026; GridOto – PLN Diskon 50 Persen Pemasangan Home Charging Service; Starvo – Standar Konektor Mobil Listrik di Indonesia; Otodream – Infrastruktur SPLU dan Penukaran Baterai

  • Electric Motorbikes in Indonesia: A Buyer’s Guide

    Electric Motorbikes in Indonesia: A Buyer’s Guide

    Top image: Photo: オーバードライブ83, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Indonesia is one of the world’s biggest motorcycle markets, with annual sales of around 6 million to 7 million units. Electric models have still only managed roughly 60,000 to 70,000 sales a year, about 1% of the total, according to Antara. That leaves a lot of room to grow, and the government wants to fill it. This guide covers the brands and price bands in 2026, where purchase incentives stand, what local content (TKDN) means for you, how charging and battery swapping work, and the programme for converting petrol bikes to electric.

    The market in 2026: a pause while buyers wait

    E-motorbike sales have been hit by uncertainty over incentives. The electric motorcycle industry association Aismoli said sales were about 77,000 units in 2024, when a subsidy was in place, and around 70,000 in 2025 without one. From January to August 2026 they fell to about 18,900, as reported by detikFinance. Aismoli puts the drop down to shoppers holding off until a promised subsidy starts. By April 2026 there were about 242,909 electric motorbikes on Indonesian roads, according to industry ministry data cited by Otodream.

    Brands and price bands

    VIVA’s September 2026 OTR Jakarta price list shows how wide the market is:

    Budget: under Rp20 million

    • Polytron Fox-200: Rp12.1 million with battery rental, or Rp21.1 million with the battery included.
    • Selis (Neo Scootic Rp13.5 million, E-Max Rp15.5 million), Avand SC121 (Rp13.5 million) and Yadea GT20 (Rp15.5 million).
    • United T1800, MX-1200 and MT1500 at around Rp16–17 million.
    • Volta eX, 401, Eagle and Virgo at around Rp17.9–19.1 million.

    Mid-range: roughly Rp20 million to Rp60 million

    • ALVA: N3 from Rp16.5 million with battery rental. The N3 Next Gen and ONE XP cost around Rp31.5 million.
    • Honda: ICON e: Rp28 million, EM1 e: about Rp40 million, CUV e: Rp54.45 million.
    • MAKA Cavalry: around Rp39.5 million. Omoway: Rp46.9 million to Rp76.9 million.

    Premium

    Kawasaki’s Z e-1 and Ninja e-1 cost about Rp148–151 million. The Vespa Elettrica is listed at Rp198 million.

    Subsidy and incentive status

    In 2024 buyers of qualifying e-motorbikes got a Rp7 million discount, provided the bike had at least 40% local content, Kompas notes. There was no subsidy in 2025. In May 2026 the finance ministry announced Rp5 million per unit for 100,000 bikes. In August that was revised to Rp3 million per unit, with a budget of Rp3 trillion aimed at up to one million domestically made bikes. Officials expected only about 100,000 to be taken up by the end of 2026 because factory capacity is limited.

    At the time of writing the incentive still was not in force. After a change of finance minister, the industry minister said on 23 September that the technical rules were ready and only the finance ministry regulation (PMK) was needed (detikFinance). The deputy industry minister said the government still aimed to deliver it this year. If you are ready to buy, ask dealers whether they will honour the subsidy for bikes delivered before it officially starts. Most will not.

    Molinas, the national e-motorbike programme

    On 13 August 2026 President Prabowo launched the Motor Listrik Nasional (Molinas) programme at ALVA’s factory in Cikarang. He promised lower loan interest, work towards zero-down-payment financing and a trade-in scheme for petrol bikes, Kompas reported. Industry ministry figures quoted by Antara show 69 two- and three-wheel EV makers with a combined capacity of about 2.5 million units a year.

    What TKDN means for buyers

    TKDN, or Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri, measures how much of a vehicle is made in Indonesia. It matters because incentives usually go only to models above a threshold. The current minimum is 40%, rising to 60% in 2027–2029 and 80% in 2030, according to the industry minister (Antara). A high-TKDN bike is more likely to qualify for future subsidies. Local assembly can also make spare parts easier to find.

    Charging at home or swapping batteries?

    Home charging

    Most budget and mid-range scooters use a removable battery that you charge from a standard wall socket. The main drawback is time. Even with a fast charger, a full charge usually takes 2–3 hours. If you park at home or at work every day, this is the simplest and cheapest way to charge.

    Battery swapping (SPBKLU)

    At a swap station you exchange a flat battery for a charged one in about a minute. This suits ride-hailing drivers and couriers. Aismoli counted 1,907 SPBKLU nationwide by March 2026, with 1,480 of them on Java, and just 20 in Kalimantan and one in Nusa Tenggara (Otodream). PLN Mobile also listed 1,118 PLN-run swap cabinets and 603 two-wheeler SPKLU. The catch is that swap networks usually only work with particular brands, so check that your bike is compatible and that there are stations on your usual routes.

    Converting a petrol bike

    The energy ministry runs a programme to convert petrol motorbikes to electric at certified workshops. In late 2023 it raised the grant to Rp10 million per bike under Energy Minister Regulation 13/2023. Take-up was low, partly because a typical conversion cost about Rp15 million, leaving owners to pay the difference. The ministry is now redesigning the scheme for 2027 and has proposed a budget of Rp635.24 billion. Check the current terms with the ministry before you book a conversion.

    Prices, tariffs and incentive rules in Indonesia change often, sometimes month to month. Figures here were correct according to the sources linked at the time of writing; always confirm current prices, promotions and eligibility with an authorised dealer or the relevant provider before you commit.

    FAQ

    Is there an electric motorbike subsidy right now?

    Not yet. A Rp3 million per unit subsidy has been approved in principle, but in late September 2026 it was still waiting for its finance ministry regulation.

    What is the cheapest electric motorbike in Indonesia?

    Prices start at around Rp12 million on battery-rental plans. VIVA listed the Polytron Fox-200 at Rp12.1 million.

    Can I charge an electric scooter at home?

    Yes. Most models with removable batteries charge from a normal household socket, usually in a few hours.

    Is battery swapping available everywhere?

    No. Stations are concentrated in Java and are usually tied to particular brands.

    Sources: VIVA – Daftar Harga Motor Listrik September 2026; detikFinance – Insentif Motor Listrik Tunggu Keputusan Menteri Keuangan; Matamata – Pemerintah Targetkan Insentif Motor Listrik Cair Tahun Ini; CNBC Indonesia – Insentif Motor Listrik Turun Jadi Rp 3 Juta/Unit; Kompas – Menkeu Targetkan Insentif Mobil dan Motor Listrik Mulai Juni 2026; Kompas – Banyak Motor Listrik RI Sudah Capai TKDN 40 Persen; Antara – Pemerintah kaji insentif kendaraan listrik berbasis TKDN; Kompas – Prabowo Resmikan Motor Listrik Nasional; Antara (English) – Molinas marks new chapter in Indonesia’s EV industrialization; Otodream – Infrastruktur SPLU dan Penukaran Baterai Dinilai Belum Sebanding; Kementerian ESDM – Bantuan Konversi Sepeda Motor Listrik Jadi Rp10 Juta; KilasJatim – Program Konversi Motor Listrik 2027

  • Electric Cars in Indonesia: Prices, Models and What to Know Before Buying (2026)

    Electric Cars in Indonesia: Prices, Models and What to Know Before Buying (2026)

    Top image: Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Electric cars have gone from niche to mainstream in Indonesia remarkably quickly. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) wholesales reached 101,171 units in the first eight months of 2026, almost double the same period of 2025, according to Gaikindo data reported by Kompas. There is now a model for almost every budget, from compact city cars under Rp200 million to luxury SUVs costing billions. This guide sets out what electric cars cost in Indonesia in 2026, which models people are buying, which incentives apply, and what it costs to run one compared with a petrol car.

    What electric cars cost in Indonesia: price bands

    The prices below are on-the-road (OTR) Jakarta figures unless stated, taken mainly from Kompas’s September 2026 price list. Prices elsewhere in the country are usually higher because of shipping and regional taxes.

    Entry level: under about Rp250 million

    • Wuling Aira EV: Rp155 million (Standard Range) to Rp175 million (Long Range).
    • VinFast VF 3: Rp152 million with a battery-rental plan, or around Rp215 million with the battery included, according to Moladin.
    • Wuling Air EV Lite: Rp214 million to Rp251 million.
    • BYD Atto 1: Rp205 million (Dynamic) and Rp245 million (Premium), per Kompas.
    • Geely EX2: Rp239.9 million (Pro) and Rp269.9 million (Max).
    • Chery Q: Rp249.9 million to Rp269.9 million at normal list price.

    Mid-range: roughly Rp250 million to Rp500 million

    This is where the family crossovers sit. The Jaecoo J5 EV costs Rp279.9 million to Rp324.9 million. The MG S5 EV runs from Rp355.9 million and the BYD M6 seven-seater from Rp423 million. Several newcomers launched at GIIAS 2026 with introductory prices, including the Changan Nevo Q05 from Rp309 million and the BAIC T1 at a retail price of Rp393 million.

    Upper and premium: Rp500 million and above

    Above the mid-range you will find the BYD Sealion 7 Performance (Rp719 million), the Hyundai Kona Electric (about Rp565 million to Rp690 million) and the Ioniq 5 (Rp809 million to around Rp926 million). Past the Rp1 billion mark are cars such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 (Rp1.237 billion) and the Lexus ES 350e (Rp1.48 billion).

    The models Indonesians are actually buying

    Chinese brands have almost all of the market. Gaikindo’s January to August 2026 figures, compiled by Kompas, show that all of the ten best-selling BEVs are Chinese:

    1. Jaecoo J5: 23,359 units
    2. BYD Atto 1: 19,909
    3. Geely EX2: 9,769
    4. BYD M6: 6,694
    5. BYD Sealion 7: 4,251

    Most sales are compact, affordable models. For many buyers an EV is now priced like a mid-spec petrol hatchback or small SUV, not like a luxury car.

    Incentives: what applies in 2026

    National taxes: PPN DTP and PPnBM

    Until the end of 2025, locally built EVs with at least 40% local content (TKDN) had 10 percentage points of the 12% VAT paid by the government (PPN DTP), so buyers paid 2%. That scheme, set out in PMK 12/2025, expired in December 2025. The import-duty and luxury-tax exemptions for fully imported (CBU) EVs also ended on 31 December 2025. Qualifying BEVs have also been exempt from luxury-goods sales tax (PPnBM), according to Kompas.

    In May 2026 the government announced a new PPN DTP scheme of 40% to 100% for pure battery EVs only (no hybrids), with a quota of 100,000 cars. Kompas reported that nickel-based batteries would get the larger discount. The launch was pushed back more than once, first from June and then into August. In September the industry minister said the government was also studying incentives tied to local content, and the required TKDN is due to rise from 40% now to 60% in 2027–2029 and 80% in 2030. Ask the dealer in writing which tax treatment applies to the exact variant you are buying.

    Regional taxes and Jakarta’s odd-even exemption

    Annual vehicle tax (PKB) and the transfer-of-ownership fee (BBNKB) are set by each province. In May 2026 Jakarta confirmed that EVs remain exempt from both. Jakarta EVs are also still exempt from the odd-even number-plate restriction under Governor Regulation 88/2019. Outside Jakarta the rules vary, so check with your local Samsat office.

    Running costs: electricity versus petrol

    Here is a simple monthly comparison for 1,000 km of driving. We assume an EV covers about 6.6 km per kWh, a figure the energy ministry has used (Republika), and a petrol car does 12 km per litre. Both are illustrative. Your own car and driving style will change the numbers.

    • EV, home charging (about 152 kWh at Rp1,444.70/kWh for 1,300–2,200 VA households): around Rp219,000. PLN also offers a 30% discount for night charging between 22:00 and 05:00, which brings this down to roughly Rp153,000.
    • EV, public SPKLU (Rp2,467/kWh): around Rp374,000, plus a service fee of up to Rp25,000 per fast-charging session or Rp57,000 per ultra-fast session.
    • Petrol car on Pertalite (Rp10,000/litre): around Rp833,000.
    • Petrol car on Pertamax (Rp15,950/litre in Java and Bali from 1 September 2026): around Rp1.33 million.

    These figures leave out local electricity taxes and the car’s charging losses, but the gap is clear. Mostly charging at home costs a fraction of running a petrol car, and EVs also need less routine servicing because they have no oil changes.

    What to check before you buy

    • Battery ownership. Some brands sell cars with a battery-rental plan. The price looks lower, but you pay a monthly fee. Compare the total cost over the years you expect to own the car.
    • Warranty. Confirm how long the battery warranty lasts, what mileage it covers and what capacity it guarantees, and check whether it transfers to the next owner.
    • Home power supply. Many homes need a higher electricity connection before they can use a wallbox charger. Include that cost in your budget.
    • Service network. Several brands are new to Indonesia. Check where the nearest authorised workshop is, especially outside Java.
    • Resale value. Used EV prices are still settling, and battery health is the main thing buyers look at.

    Prices, tariffs and incentive rules in Indonesia change often, sometimes month to month. Figures here were correct according to the sources linked at the time of writing; always confirm current prices, promotions and eligibility with an authorised dealer or the relevant provider before you commit.

    FAQ

    What is the cheapest electric car in Indonesia?

    In September 2026 the cheapest listed options were the VinFast VF 3 at Rp152 million on a battery-rental plan and the Wuling Aira EV from Rp155 million with the battery included.

    Are EVs exempt from Jakarta’s odd-even rule?

    Yes. Battery electric vehicles remain exempt under Governor Regulation 88/2019, and Jakarta also still waives PKB and BBNKB for EVs.

    Is the 2026 PPN DTP discount in force?

    The scheme of 40% to 100% depending on battery type has been announced but delayed several times. Check its current status with the dealer before you sign.

    Do hybrids get the same incentives?

    No. The government has said the new PPN DTP scheme covers pure battery EVs only, not hybrids.

    Sources: Kompas – Update Daftar Harga Mobil Listrik September 2026; Kompas – Cicilan Mobil Listrik Rp 200 Jutaan: BYD Atto 1 dan Geely EX2; Kompas – Daftar Mobil Listrik Terlaris hingga Agustus 2026; Moladin – 15 Mobil Listrik Termurah September 2026; CNN Indonesia – Daftar Insentif Mobil Listrik yang Disetop; Kompas – Insentif Mobil Listrik Berakhir 2026; Kompas – Menkeu Targetkan Insentif Mobil dan Motor Listrik Mulai Juni 2026; CNBC Indonesia – Purbaya Tunda Insentif Mobil Listrik; DDTCNews – Subsidi dan PPN DTP untuk Kendaraan Listrik Akan Segera Diluncurkan; Antara – Pemerintah kaji insentif kendaraan listrik berbasis TKDN; Kompas – Mobil Listrik Tetap Bebas Ganjil Genap di Jakarta; Republika – Isi Daya Fast Charging di SPKLU Kena Tambahan Biaya; Nasional.news – Tarif Listrik PLN September 2026; GridOto – PLN Diskon 50 Persen Pemasangan Home Charging; Antara – Harga BBM 1 September 2026