Pure Electric Vehicles Dominate as Multiple New Models Make Debut
The 33rd GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show took place from August 1 to 9 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in BSD City, Jakarta, drawing over 65 automotive brands. This year’s event focused on pure electric vehicles, with numerous new models making their ASEAN debut, underscoring Indonesia’s pivotal role as a regional hub for electric vehicle development.
Honda introduced its Super-One compact electric hot hatch exclusively for the Indonesian market, with a limited production run of 100 units. The model features a 95-horsepower Boost Mode, a simulated seven-speed paddle-shift transmission, and an active sound synthesis system, emphasizing driving engagement. Honda also showcased its Prelude sports hybrid concept, highlighting its diverse electric vehicle strategy.
Chinese automaker BYD presented its full lineup of consumer battery electric vehicles, including the Dolphin, Atto 3, Seal sedan, and the M6 electric multi-purpose vehicle. BYD noted that the M6 targets family transport needs in Southeast Asia, where multi-purpose vehicles remain dominant. VinFast displayed its core consumer crossovers, the VF 3, VF 6, and VF 7, alongside commercial electric vehicles such as the Nerio Green, Herio Green, and Limo Green. These models are integrated with the V-GREEN charging ecosystem to meet the demands of commercial fleets.
Chery unveiled the Chery Q electric hatchback, available in Pure and Rizz variants, offering an NEDC range of 400 kilometers and supporting 30% to 80% fast charging in 16.5 minutes. The model is equipped with 20 advanced driver assistance systems, six airbags, autonomous parking assist, a 540-degree panoramic camera, and a 6.6-kW vehicle-to-load system. Chery emphasized that this launch reflects a shift among Chinese automakers from competing on price alone to leveraging intelligent technologies and safety features to enhance market competitiveness.
Local Assembly and Innovative Business Models Lower Purchase Barriers
Leapmotor announced that its B10 and C10 electric crossovers will be locally assembled in Indonesia through a partnership with PT National Assemblers. Both models feature Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems and have achieved a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. Leapmotor highlighted that over 65% of key technologies, including electric drivetrains, battery management systems, and digital cockpits, are developed in-house. The B10 is offered at an introductory price of IDR 449 million (~USD 27,400) for the first 500 buyers, with the regular price set at IDR 499 million (~USD 30,500). The C10 starts at IDR 598 million (~USD 36,500).
Indonesian brand Polytron introduced the G3+ Special Collaboration electric SUV, combining the Skyworth EV6 platform with localized design elements such as a two-tone exterior, carbon fiber accents, and a proprietary XBR subwoofer audio system. The model is assembled as knock-down units at PT Handal Indonesia Motor in Purwakarta, West Java, with battery packs supplied by Gotion High-Tech Indonesia and a local content ratio of 40%. Polytron also launched a Battery-as-a-Service subscription model, guaranteeing a 70% residual value after three years to reduce upfront costs for consumers.
Changan’s Deepal brand entered the Indonesian market with the S05, offering both battery-electric and range-extended electric vehicle variants. The range-extended version uses a small gasoline engine to generate electricity, extending the driving range and addressing challenges posed by insufficient charging infrastructure. Changan stated that this marks the debut of its premium new-energy vehicle technology in Indonesia, providing consumers with more diverse electric mobility options.
DFSK showcased the E5 Plus plug-in hybrid SUV, equipped with a 25.3-kWh battery, a 140-kilometer electric-only range, and a combined range of 1,400 kilometers. The model features a six-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs and a 15.6-inch rear entertainment screen, priced at IDR 479 million (~USD 29,200) as an introductory offer. MG Motor launched the ZS Hybrid+, combining a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with a 136-horsepower electric motor, with the first 1,000 units available at a limited price of IDR 299.9 million (~USD 18,300).
Commercial Electric Vehicle Market Continues to Grow
The commercial electric vehicle segment also garnered significant attention. Farizon, Geely’s commercial vehicle brand, displayed the Super Van electric van and a light-duty electric truck, reflecting the demand for zero-emission transport in Indonesia’s commercial vehicle market. Wuling introduced the Aira EV, succeeding the popular Air EV with a more practical four-door configuration aimed at first-time electric vehicle buyers. XPENG showcased its X9 luxury electric multi-purpose vehicle and G6 Pro midsize crossover under the theme of “embodied AI democratization,” emphasizing localized production in Java and advanced autonomous driving software.
Other participating brands included BAIC, which launched the T1 compact crossover targeting younger consumers; GAC Aion, which presented the Aletra electric sedan; and Zeekr, which brought the 007 electric sedan and X9 luxury electric multi-purpose vehicle. Through innovative technologies and business models, automakers are aggressively competing for a share of Indonesia’s and Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle market, demonstrating the strong momentum of the region’s electrification transition.
