BAIC Bets on Indonesia, Targets 1,000 EV Sales with Local Assembly Plans

PT JIO Distribusi Indonesia (JDI) is optimistic that the prospects for electric vehicles in Indonesia remain promising. This confidence underpins the company’s introduction of the BAIC T1 as the first pure electric vehicle it markets in the country. The launch of the BAIC T1 also tightens competition in the electric hatchback crossover segment, which already includes players such as BYD Dolphin, Aion UT, Wuling Cloud EV, and MG4 EV. JDI Chief Operating Officer Dhani Yahya stated that the growth of electric vehicles in Indonesia signals a tangible shift towards electrification. ‘The 78 percent growth in the battery electric vehicle market shows that New Energy Vehicles are no longer just a trend, but the future direction of the automotive industry,’ Dhani said during the launch in Alam Sutera on Thursday. He added that the BAIC T1’s arrival is not merely about adding a product line, but is part of the company’s long-term strategy in Indonesia. ‘We are not just introducing a new electric vehicle, but building a long-term foundation for BAIC Indonesia to grow alongside changing consumer needs and the development of the national automotive industry,’ he said. Initially, the BAIC T1 will be marketed as a completely built-up unit. However, the company is targeting local assembly with a domestic component level of around 60 percent by 2027. BAIC is aiming for sales of 1,000 units by the end of 2026, targeting approximately 16 percent of the national electric hatchback crossover market share. This optimism is supported by the company’s increasing sales performance, with wholesale sales reaching 382 units in the first half of 2026, a 91 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The BAIC BJ30 was the largest sales contributor, followed by the BJ40 Plus and X55 II.