Here's How Indonesia Can Have Its Own Electric Car In 2026

5 meter long electric sedan Galaxy E8. (Doc. Carnewschina)

JAKARTA - In order to prepare for the transition to electrification, Indonesia is targeting to have its own electric car (EV) by 2025 or 2026.

This was revealed by the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, who said that Indonesia is currently attracting EV producers from outside brands to represent half of the global production volume.

One of the automotive manufacturers is Geely. Luhut said that the Chinese manufacturer was interested in developing EVs in Indonesia in the near future.

"We spoke with Geely a few months ago and the peak was two days ago where we offered for joint research to make EV cars in Indonesia," Luhut said as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, September 14.

Geely welcomed the offer well to conduct joint EV research in Indonesia. Luhut said that he had reported the matter with the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, and had agreed.

"Currently we are discussing technical matters and the president approved it," added Luhut.

Luhut also added that currently is a good momentum for Indonesia to own and produce its own EVs. Globally, the transition from combustion engine to EV is increasing rapidly.

EV adoption is accelerating due to multiplier effects from individuals or groups that use innovation, new products or technologies before being used by a wider population or also known as early adapters.

The manufacturing sector also has a critical point after EV sales reached 10 percent of total sales. EV sales can triple.

"When else do we have an EV car made by Indonesia. So we research together and we make a long jump or leapfrog," concluded Luhut.

It is known, Geely is one of the largest automotive manufacturers from China. Founded in 1986, Geely became one of the pioneers in automotive development in China both in combustion engines and EVs.

In addition, Geely is a company that houses various brands and contributes to presenting EVs globally, such as Volvo Cars, Polestars, and Zeekr.

Geely also launched a sub-brand, namely Geely Galaxy, in presenting vehicles that have renewable energy in the form of hybrid and EVs in the executive market by presenting L7 models as plug-in hybrid SUVs (PHEVs) and E8, sedans powered by pure electricity.