Summary
- BYD’s arrival in Indonesia is expected to help electrify taxi fleets
- PT Blue Bird hopes the price of electric vehicles will be reduced significantly
- Blue Bird had about 23,000 vehicles in its fleet by the end of 2023, but EVs accounted for only 1%
- The price of electric vehicles for Blue Bird is currently three-and-a-half times that of combustion engine vehicles
- BYD’s reputation for affordable battery electric vehicles may push other automakers to launch more affordable options in Indonesia
Article
BYD, a Chinese automotive company, has recently arrived in Indonesia with the goal of helping to electrify taxi fleets. PT Blue Bird, Indonesia’s largest taxi operator, is optimistic about this development and hopes that the prices of electric vehicles will become more affordable in the near future. Noni Purnomo, the President Commissioner at Bluebird Group Holdings, expressed enthusiasm for BYD’s investment in Indonesia.
In 2019, PT Blue Bird introduced electric taxis into its fleet, which consisted of approximately 23,000 vehicles by the end of 2023. However, electric vehicles only made up 1% of the total number of cars available. Blue Bird has acknowledged that they have been slow in adopting electric vehicles due to the high costs involved. Purnomo mentioned that the price of electric vehicles is currently about three-and-a-half times that of combustion engine cars.
BYD’s presence in Indonesia is expected to encourage other automakers in the market to make more affordable electric vehicles. The company is known for offering the most budget-friendly battery electric vehicles in the global car market. This competition may lead to a reduction in prices for electric cars overall in Indonesia, making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
BYD’s entry into Indonesia’s automotive market has the potential to have a significant impact on the adoption of electric vehicles, particularly in the taxi industry. Blue Bird’s decision to introduce electric taxis into its fleet is a step towards sustainability and reducing emissions. The transition to electric vehicles is essential for combating climate change and reducing the environmental impact of transportation in Indonesia.
As BYD continues to establish a presence in Indonesia, there is hope that more affordable electric vehicles will become available in the market. This could result in a more rapid transition towards electric mobility and contribute to the overall reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the country. Blue Bird’s partnership with BYD signifies a commitment to sustainable transportation and a move towards a greener future for Indonesia’s automotive industry.
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