Don't Be Easily Tempted by Cheap Electric Car Prices at GJAW 2025

KatadataOTO – GJAW 2025 will feature many new products. Visitors will be able to purchase everything from electric cars to gasoline-powered vehicles.

Moreover, many manufacturers are offering their Electric Vehicles (EVs) at very competitive prices, with the cheapest starting from Rp 100 million.

Of course, such a condition is very beneficial for people who come directly to GJAW 2025, as they can bring home an affordable electric car.

However, visitors are advised not to be tempted by the affordable prices of electric four-wheeled vehicles. There are several things that must be considered.

Photo : Special

“Understand the battery technology, because this affects the price, driving range, and long-term costs,” said Josua Pardede, Chief Economist of Permata Bank to KatadataOTO some time ago.

Josua explained that electric cars with LFP batteries tend to be offered at more affordable prices and tend to dominate the EV market in the country.

As for electric four-wheeled vehicles with NMC batteries, they generally offer higher performance and also come at a quite expensive cost.

“Choose according to your daily usage patterns and the availability of charging at home or the office. Also, make sure to check the battery warranty terms, the coverage for high-voltage components, and the replacement costs outside of the warranty,” Josua continued.

Meanwhile, from a monthly budget perspective, also prepare a safety net for things like rising living costs, new family needs, or job transitions that can suddenly impact your cash flow.

Simulate three conditions: a 10 percent drop in income, a 10 percent increase in routine expenses, and a five percent increase in car ownership costs.

“The monthly installment must still pass these three scenarios. If it doesn't, lower the specifications or postpone the decision until your cash reserves are stronger,” he added.

Furthermore, if you still want to buy an electric car at GJAW 2025, it is recommended to leverage the competitive landscape and service network when choosing a brand.

According to Josua, the competition among manufacturers is now more crowded with newcomers. Some are offering aggressive features and prices.

Photo : KatadataOTO

However, this competition is not always matched by an official workshop network and spare parts availability, which may not be evenly distributed.

“Brands with a stable market share and a wide service network are generally safer for resale value and result in shorter downtime in case of repairs,” said Josua.

He said that during GJAW 2025, consumers can assess after-sales readiness based on the availability of spare parts, clarity of the warranty, and the transparency of periodic service costs.