Spark Plug Manufacturers' Strategy to Survive in the EV Era, Relying on Hybrid Cars

KatadataOTO – The government has begun to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the country by providing incentives, especially for manufacturers with large domestic investments.

Furthermore, there is a target for the electric vehicle population in Indonesia, namely two million electric cars and 13 million electric motorcycles by 2030.

However, the percentage of electric vehicles in Indonesia is still much smaller compared to conventional vehicles, especially in areas outside of Java island.

“We think the EV (Electric Vehicle) transition will still be long; in five years, the movement has only been two percent. Unless perhaps there is another breakthrough from brands like BYD,” said Diko Oktaviano, Aftermarket Technical Support at PT Niterra Mobility Indonesia in South Jakarta, Monday (10/2).

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According to him, during the transition period towards the implementation of environmentally friendly vehicles, manufacturers of spark plugs can still survive, partly due to the presence of hybrid cars.

Hybrid cars still require spark plugs, just like conventional vehicles. He added that his company also has a product to support engine performance to become more fuel-efficient, namely iridium spark plugs.

“We are still confident that the go-green solution is more towards hybrid. So, for now, we are waiting and seeing what we will do, as we are also awaiting direction from our headquarters in Japan,” said Citra Aji Sanjaya, Marketing Manager of PT Niterra Mobility Indonesia on the same occasion.

Iridium spark plugs themselves have several advantages that can support the performance of hybrid cars. Their main element has high durability and conductivity, making ignition more efficient and fuel-saving.

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Additionally, their lifespan is long, as they can last up to 100,000 kilometers in four-wheeled vehicles.

In terms of price, iridium spark plugs can be purchased for around Rp 120,000. Meanwhile, a similar alternative, the G Power, is priced from Rp 45,000 upwards.

“Hybrid is one solution to pursue efficiency and go green, so for now, we are still following the manufacturers' movements. We contribute by producing environmentally friendly spark plugs,” Aji affirmed.