This Is The Reason UD Trucks Are Not In A Hurry To Present Electric Commercial Vehicles In Indonesia

JAKARTA - Last November, PT Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian (KTB) as a vehicle distributor from Mitsubishi Fuso officially started operations from its first electric truck in Indonesia, eCanter.

The electric truck is currently a distribution vehicle at PT Yusen Logistics Indonesia, and is a historic moment on the Fuso eCanter trip in Indonesia.

The manufacturer launched the electric truck with an 83 kWh battery capable of traveling 140 km with a GVM of 6 tons. In addition, this commercial vehicle comes with a wheelbase length of up to 3.4 meters so that it is suitable for transporting large loads.

Mitsubishi Fuso became the first manufacturer in initiating the presence of electrification in the truck market in the country.

What about competitors like UD Trucks?

Responding to this, Vice President Director, Marketing and Aftersales Service Director of UD Trucks Indonesia, Handi Lim said that this manufacturer has plans to prepare electrified vehicles and is now in the study phase in Japan.

"From UD Trucks in Japan, we have prepared the plan to go to electrification. We have accommodated the prototype and study," said Handi Lim when met by reporters at the Media Gathering event in the Menteng area, Jakarta, Tuesday, November 10.

However, he mentioned that there are various challenges in the development of EV commercial vehicles, especially heavy duty, one of which is about adjusting batteries for large vehicles.

"The heavy duty is still under development because for us, electrification trucks need a heavy and reliable battery. This study certainly takes time," explained Handi Lim.

In addition, Handi Lim also added that UD Trucks is not only focused on developing electrification in the commercial vehicle business, but also on hydrogen.

"In addition to electrification, we also see the potential of hydrogen. Manufacturingly in Japan, hydrogen is considered more efficient and potential compared to electricity," he added.

Globally, UD Trucks itself has a vision of 'Fujin & Raijin'. Vision 2030', which is a roadmap that aims to provide smart logistics solutions including presenting trucks that are fully electric until the presence of autonomous vehicles towards 2030.

This vision focuses on several main areas of automation and electromobility to tackle the world's rapidly changing challenges.