Analyst deems EVs the right choice for building energy independence

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Managing Director of the Energy Shift Institute, Putra Adhiguna, believes that developing the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem is the right choice for building energy independence. “In many other countries, the use of electric vehicles is always a priority because it is indeed the most efficient path,” Putra said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday. Both in terms of energy use and costs, he continued, electric vehicles require lower operational costs compared to biofuels, such as biodiesel or bioethanol. He also acknowledged that the current challenge for the government is providing supporting infrastructure. “But this (building the EV industry) is something that Indonesia can do, especially as a country with a large population,” Putra stated. On that occasion, Putra mentioned that the cost of biofuels is higher compared to fossil-based fuel oil (BBM). Meanwhile, he said, biodiesel is still supported by the presence of large palm oil companies that can be subsidised with export costs from palm oil.