Hyundai Says Affordable EVs May Not Necessarily Reach Regional Consumers

KatadataOTO – Electric cars or Electric Vehicles (EVs) are starting to become popular in the Indonesian market, especially since the arrival of Chinese brands like BYD.

EVs with a price tag of Rp 200 million and below are expected to reach many consumers in the country, including areas outside of Jakarta.

However, PT Hyundai Motors Indonesia (HMID), as one of the electric car manufacturers in Indonesia, believes that cheap EVs are not necessarily in demand by consumers in the regions.

“We cannot force EVs to be accepted in Papua, for example. Or even in Kalimantan, even though the electricity supply is larger than in Java,” said Franciscus Soerjopranoto, Chief Operating Officer of PT HMID, on the sidelines of GIIAS 2025, Friday (01/08).

Photo : Hyundai

According to Frans, infrastructure is once again a major obstacle that is still a concern for consumers in areas outside of Jakarta.

He revealed that hybrids could be the right solution for people in the regions for now.

“From Hyundai itself, the direction is that we have three powertrains. Combustion (conventional cars), hybrid, and EV. Of course, we are also still considering hydrogen,” said Frans.

In the future, he emphasized that Hyundai will continue to conduct studies to see which cars are suitable for Indonesian consumers, not necessarily just EVs.

“Whether it complies with government regulations, and then how it contributes to the environment, that's what we consider,” Frans emphasized.

Interested in Targeting the Low-Cost Car Segment

Frans revealed that Hyundai is indeed interested in marketing low-cost cars in Indonesia.

“That was proven at the last Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS), where we tried to introduce the Venue,” said Frans.

Photo : KatadataOTO

He emphasized that the launch of the Hyundai Venue in the country is a sign that the South Korean manufacturer is interested in entering  the low-cost car market.

Not limited to gasoline-powered cars but also the electrification line. It seems Hyundai is more confident in marketing hybrid cars.

“We cannot force cheap EVs to enter the Eastern regions, for example. Whether hybrid cars will become the main choice in the Eastern region, the price, and so on, will be greatly determined by government policy,” said Frans.