In the Hands of Chinese Brands, PHEVs Are Set to Become an Attractive Alternative in Indonesia

KatadataOTO – Besides electric cars, several Chinese manufacturers are starting to prepare other environmentally friendly vehicle alternatives. While the majority of Japanese brands present conventional hybrids, China has an interesting alternative.

This technology is the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), where the performance of a conventional engine is supported by an electric motor and battery. First developed by BYD, PHEVs are very popular and in high demand in China.

However, BYD has not yet brought its PHEV models to the country. Meanwhile, other manufacturers like Chery have already signaled the arrival of the Tiggo 8 PHEV at the IIMS 2025 automotive exhibition.

PHEVs are still rare in Indonesia, with not many options available. PHEV options like the Toyota Rav4 PHEV and Mazda CX-80 are priced quite high, above IDR 1 billion.

Photo : Carnewschina

However, this is set to change with the arrival of players from China. Because rumors suggest the Tiggo 8 PHEV could potentially be sold for under IDR 1 billion.

In addition, observers believe that the mastery of environmentally friendly vehicle technology is in the hands of Chinese manufacturers.

“(The mastery of electric car technology) is used as a tool to create more modern and fuel-efficient hybrids, and that is what consumers will consider,” said Bebin Djuana, an automotive observer, when contacted by KatadataOTO recently.

He does not deny that hybrid technology is still the mainstay of Japanese manufacturers at present. The obstacle is that the price tag is still considered high.

But with the various advantages offered by PHEVs from China, such as competitive pricing, Bebin is optimistic that they will be increasingly considered by potential customers.

“That's precisely where the opportunity lies (for the popularization of PHEVs by Chinese car brands),” Bebin affirmed.

Chery Signals the Arrival of an Affordable PHEV

The Tiggo 8 PHEV, displayed at IIMS 2025, could be a new option for consumers who want a fuel-efficient SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).

Interestingly, Chery wants to reach more customers by offering their PHEV for under IDR 1 billion.

Photo : KatadataOTO

“We plan to make a more familiar version of the PHEV. The point is, we will always make a breakthrough,” said Rifkie Setiawan, Head of Brand at PT CSI (Chery Sales Indonesia), to KatadataOTO some time ago.

Other sub-brands from Chery, such as Jetour, also plan to bring in PHEVs. However, they are targeting a different market, namely off-road SUV enthusiasts with a more aggressive look, like the Jetour T1 and T2.

The exact timing has not been revealed, but there is a chance this lineup of new models will be present at the GIIAS 2025 automotive event in the middle of next year.