Dedicated SPKLU Infrastructure Becomes Key as Kalista Explains Why EV Logistics Transition Is Growing More Viable
Jakarta — Kalista Group, a provider of commercial electric vehicle solutions, says the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) for the logistics sector is becoming increasingly realistic, particularly in urban areas and industrial corridors on Java. The availability of charging infrastructure and efficiency in operating costs are the main factors driving businesses to shift away from fossil-fuel vehicles.
Kalista Group CEO Albert Aulia Ilyas explained that over the past four years, the penetration of commercial EVs has remained below one percent, while passenger cars account for 16 percent of the total market.
He said businesses face six main challenges that hamper growth in EV logistics: vehicle specifications, technology, after-sales service and maintenance, charging infrastructure, vehicle quality, and high initial capital expenditure.
‘We see this year that these six factors are beginning to be addressed. The technology is maturing, products are more plentiful, fuel prices are high, and the business calculations are becoming viable,’ Albert said during a media and industry logistics roundtable in Jakarta on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
According to him, the logistics sector is among the fastest to adopt EVs, especially for last-mile and middle-mile segments. Vehicle models such as electric blind vans and mini-vans have already been used by various companies since 2021–2022.
Kalista regards the availability of public charging stations (SPKLU) as the main reason EV logistics use is now easier to operate than a few years ago. In the Jabodetabek area to parts of Java, charging infrastructure is considered adequate for the operation of light commercial vehicles.
‘Five years ago people were worried because charging stations were few and queues were long. Now in big cities SPKLU stations are much more numerous, making the operation of electric vehicles increasingly feasible,’ he said.
One fleet user of EV logistics, Michael Sung from Evershine Group, said his company has succeeded in cutting operating costs for transportation by around 70 percent compared with traditional diesel trucks.
‘The savings are around 50 percent from fuel alone. When maintenance and other costs are added, total savings can approach 70 percent,’ Michael, who uses Kalista’s EV fleet rental service, said.
Beyond cost savings, using electric vehicles also helps the company reduce carbon emissions. He cited a Tangerang–Bandung delivery route that could cut emissions by around 35–40 percent.