- Chinese EVs dominate Indonesia’s market.
- Affordable prices drive consumer preference.
- Global tensions push Chinese manufacturers towards Southeast Asia.
Dragon-powered wheels hit the streets
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are making waves in Indonesia, outpacing their Japanese counterparts.
Seven Chinese brands now compete in the country’s EV space, compared to just four Japanese players.
Sales figures tell a compelling story – Chinese EVs sold 6,283 units between January and April 2024, dwarfing the mere 12 units sold by Japanese firms during the same period.
Budget-friendly bolts
Chinese EVs like the Wuling Air EV Lite retail for around US$11,680, a fraction of the cost of Japanese offerings.
This pricing strategy resonates strongly with Indonesian consumers, 81.4% of whom cite value for money as their primary reason for choosing Chinese vehicles.
Global tensions are reshaping the EV landscape. U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese EVs and EU investigations into subsidies have prompted Chinese manufacturers to seek new markets.
Indonesia’s welcoming stance, complete government incentives, makes it an attractive destination for these companies.
Meanwhile, Japanese automakers are doubling down on hybrid technology, banking on gradual electrification amidst infrastructure challenges.
To read the original article: https://www.techinasia.com/china-lead-indonesias-ev-race