Otodiva – The government plans to limit the use of fuel oil (BBM) subsidies are expected to have a major impact on consumer preferences for types of vehicles that are more fuel efficient. One type of vehicle that is predicted to receive more attention is hybrid cars. This type of vehicle is known to be fuel efficient and is expected to become the main choice when the policy of limiting fuel subsidies is implemented.
Restrictions on Subsidized Fuel: Initial Steps to Save Energy
The government continues to discuss the formulation of restrictions on fuel subsidies, with planned restrictions that will likely target petrol cars with engine capacities above 1.400 cc and diesel cars above 2.000 cc. It is believed that this step will encourage consumers to look for alternative vehicles that are more fuel efficient. Chief Marketing Auto2000, Yagimin, explained that consumers who can no longer consume Pertalite will switch to fuel with higher octane, such as Pertamax or Pertamina Dex.
“Sebagai konsumen, I will choose a car that is more fuel efficient. Toyota, for example, has many choices for economical LCGC cars, and if you want to be even more economical, Hybrid cars could be the solution,” ujar Yagimin dalam sebuah wawancara di Jakarta Selatan.
Mobile Hybrid: Efficiency Solutions Without the Burden
Mobile hybrid, which combines a conventional engine with an electric motor, provides better fuel efficiency than conventional cars. This makes operational costs lighter, especially when using high octane fuel such as Pertamax.
“Hybrid itu super irit, so even though it is filled with Pertamax, The costs incurred will not feel burdensome. This technology allows hybrid cars to rival the efficiency of electric vehicles without the need for electric charging, but it is still more economical than ordinary petrol cars,” jelas Yagimin.
Incentive Challenges for Hybrid Cars
On the other hand, although sales of hybrid cars have increased, Government incentives for this type of vehicle have not yet been realized. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, emphasized that incentives for hybrid cars will not be provided this year. According to him, even without incentives, Hybrid car sales continue to show a positive trend.
“Selama ini, Hybrid car sales have been good enough without incentives. So, Hybrid car sales will continue to increase,” jelas Airlangga.
However, different opinion with Airlangga, Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita believes that incentives are still needed to support the existence of hybrid vehicle manufacturers in Indonesia. According to him, This incentive is important to prevent manufacturers from moving their factories to other countries that offer more attractive policies.
“Walaupun insentif untuk mobil hybrid tidak sebesar insentif mobil listrik, We still need to consider it so that existing hybrid car manufacturers in Indonesia do not move to other countries,” jelas Agus.
Several countries have provided incentives to vehicle manufacturers that support the electrification era, including hybrid cars. The Indonesian government's main concern is if big brands already operating in Indonesia are tempted to move their factories overseas due to incentive policies in those countries..
Increasing Sales of Hybrid Cars
In the midst of this challenge, Hybrid car sales in Indonesia have actually increased. Even, its sales figures have surpassed those of electric cars, although electric cars get more incentives. One of the reasons for the high price of hybrid cars is the use of more sophisticated technology, including battery and drive motor, which requires higher production costs.
Several manufacturers hope that the government will immediately provide stimulus in the form of incentives to support hybrid car sales. With incentives, four-wheeled vehicle sales in Indonesia, which is experiencing a decline, it is hoped that it will increase again.
Hybrid Cars for First-Time Buyers (First Buyer)
Resha Kusuma Atmaja, Marketing Planning Deputy General Manager PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM), said that it wants everyone to have the opportunity to switch to electrified vehicles. Toyota, he continued, wants to ensure that hybrid cars are accessible to all segments of society, not just certain circles.
“Tagline kami, ‘It’s Time for Everyone’, reflects our vision to provide vehicle solutions that are affordable for everyone,” ujar Resha.
Based on a survey conducted by Toyota, Consumers in Indonesia currently tend to choose electric cars as their second car, while those who have just switched from two-wheeled vehicles (first buyer) prefer conventional cars. Trust in infrastructure is still a major concern for these first-time buyers, so a hybrid car is the most appropriate choice.
“Mobil hybrid tidak terbatas pada masalah pengecasan dan tetap menggunakan BBM. This is the best solution at the moment, and we don't want to delay waiting for better infrastructure for electric cars,” tambah Resha.
Thus, Hybrid cars are considered a strategic first step for the transition to electrified vehicles in Indonesia. Vehicle manufacturers are hopeful, with increasing consumer interest and supportive government policies, Hybrid cars will increasingly dominate the automotive market in Indonesia.
