Over the last couple of years, electric vehicles have become the new segment for car buyers worldwide in the automotive market, and Indonesia is no exception. With great concern about environmental sustainability, increased fuel prices, and being incentivized by government policies, questions about buying an electric car versus sticking with traditional petrol-powered cars are indeed more relevant now than ever. The two alternatives also have pros and cons, and your choice really depends on needs, budgets, and driving habits.
For city commuters, electric vehicles are a smart, eco-friendly choice, while gasoline cars remain ideal for those needing convenience and longer driving range for frequent long-distance trips.
Cost Considerations: Initial vs Long-term
Electric Cars: Among the first things you are likely to notice as you take a look at electric cars in Indonesia is that they have higher upfront costs compared to gasoline cars. The base prices of all EVs like Wuling Air EV or BYD Dolphin have higher starting prices, while the costs saved can be substantial over a longer period. Generally, electric cars cost less to maintain and the price of electricity is cheaper than that of gasoline; hence, EVs are cost-effective over some periods.
Petrol Cars: On the contrary, conventional petrol cars are much cheaper at the outset. For example, a conventional Toyota Avanza running on petrol would be way cheaper compared to most electric vehicles. However, as time goes by, fuel and maintenance costs start piling up. Generally speaking, when talking about electric vehicles, compared to gasoline-run cars, the latter have so much more to attend to regarding oil change, filter replacement, or other things related to their engines.
Bottom Line: If you want to reduce the running cost in the long run, an electric vehicle could be just the value of your higher initial investment.
Environmental Friendly and Sustainability
Electric Cars: EVs are surely friendlier to the environment. They emit absolutely no fumes, which can help reduce air pollution, particularly in clogged cities like Jakarta. Indonesia has pledged to slash carbon emissions, to which switching to an electric vehicle would surely be a major contribution. But it has to be considered that there is also dependence on the question of how far the environmental benefits rely on the generation of electricity to be used by the car. Coal, in any case, is one of the dominant sources of energy in Indonesia, and the prospects for electricity being as “clean” as one could hope are poor.
Gasoline Cars: Traditional old cars run on the combustion of gasoline, emitting carbon dioxide, along with other pollutants, which are extremely harmful to the atmosphere and increase climate change. In case you go green, not being carbon-intensive, too much bothered about the carbon footprint-emission, then at all costs it would be better if you avoid gasoline cars. However, hybrid models offer a middle ground by pairing gasoline engines with electric motors to achieve better fuel economy and, subsequently, reduced emissions.
Bottom Line: If the environmental impact is a priority, EVs are the outright winner, but look at Indonesia’s energy mix when thinking about how “green” your EV will get.
Convenience and Infrastructure
Electric Car: Once again, one of the biggest question marks hovering above the heads of prospective EV buyers in Indonesia is the state of charging infrastructure. While cities like Jakarta and Bali have a number of charging stations popping up, they are still very few compared to gas station availability. Long road trips in an electric vehicle can be a nightmare if you do not know where you will get the fast charger as you dont have longer time to charge. Charging times vary: fast-charging stations can recharge your battery in about 30 minutes, while home charging could take several hours.
Gasoline Car: Gasoline cars no doubt are way convenient and will be the winner. Indonesia has an excellent network of gas stations all over, so there is no need to worry about running out of fuel. Refueling only takes a few minutes, so gasoline cars better suit long-distance driving or even rural drives where charging stations may not be provided.
Bottom Line: EVs are convenient for city driving on a daily basis, but long-distance driving trips or driving in the countryside might still be more practical with a gasoline car.
Driving Range and Performance
Electric Cars: Electric cars also improve in driving range but cannot match that of gasoline-powered ones. Electric cars, such as the MG 4 EV, only have a driving range of about 450 kilometers for a single charge, which would be acceptable for daily travel to work and school but may raise anxiety during those long drives. But electric vehicles offer a far more refined and quiet driving experience, with electric motors providing immediate torque or power, making them accelerate faster.
Petrol Cars: Gasoline cars normally allow for longer driving ranges and do not require one to make long stops for refueling. Whether it is to go to work daily or for those road trips, a gasoline car allows you the range flexibility. Complementing this fact, due to the nature of the gasoline engines being loud and rough, they are generally more powerful, especially in the bigger models of cars such as SUVs.
Bottom Line: Driving range is still a major factor to consider, and if that’s an overriding concern, you’re still better off with a gasoline car. But if you prize a smooth, quiet ride and don’t drive over long distances, an EV can be more pleasant to use.
Pros and Cons of Electric Cars (EVs) and Gasoline Cars
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Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between an electric vehicle and a traditional gasoline car in Indonesia comes down to a matter of priorities. Where long-term savings are a factor, it’s important that the environmental impact be as small as possible, and most driving is done in urban areas, then an electric vehicle is likely the better choice. In all other cases, when the convenience of a more developed fueling infrastructure, a greater range of driving, or lower upfront cost is more important, a gasoline car might be a better fit.
As the government continues to provide tax incentives and building infrastructure, the balance may soon go in favor of electric vehicles. For now, though, each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice is decided by your needs.