DFSK Focuses on PHEV as EV Infrastructure Remains Uneven

PT Sokonindo Automobile, through its DFSK brand, has chosen to introduce plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) as the initial step in developing electrified vehicles in Indonesia, amid ongoing challenges regarding the equitable distribution of pure electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Chief Executive Officer of PT Sokonindo Automobile, Alexander Barus, stated that PHEVs are seen as a solution for consumers wanting to enjoy the efficiency of electric vehicles without being fully dependent on the availability of public electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU). “Why did we choose PHEV first? Because we leave it to consumers to manage their own driving habits,” Alexander said in Jakarta on Tuesday. Alexander explained that a PHEV can be used like a pure electric car for daily needs. He cited the example of the DFSK E5 Plus, which with a battery capacity of around 25 kWh can travel up to approximately 140 kilometres in electric mode without using the petrol engine. However, when used for long-distance journeys, the driver does not need to worry about the availability of charging facilities because the vehicle still has an internal combustion engine that can function as an additional power source. Alexander assessed that the uneven charging infrastructure remains a consideration for consumers switching to pure electric vehicles. Besides the growing number of SPKLU, queuing for charging is also a concern for some users. He illustrated a situation where an electric vehicle user arrives at a charging location with limited remaining battery capacity but must wait their turn because the facility is being used by another vehicle. “We should already be gathered with family, but we still have to queue for charging. That is why PHEV offers greater flexibility,” he said. On the other hand, DFSK emphasised that its decision to introduce a PHEV does not mean ignoring pure electric vehicles or other electrification technologies. The company remains open to the possibility of introducing battery electric vehicle (BEV) models and other electrification technologies in the future. “This does not mean we will not launch a BEV. In the next stage, there will be other models we introduce,” Alexander stated. The move to introduce PHEV vehicles is also part of DFSK’s strategy to capitalise on opportunities in the Indonesian automotive market, which is still considered to have long-term growth prospects. The company believes electrified vehicles will increasingly gain traction in the domestic market as public awareness of energy efficiency and environmentally friendly technology rises. “PHEV can serve as a transition bridge for consumers towards the full electrification era, while providing peace of mind for users who still consider the aspect of charging infrastructure in their daily activities,” he said.