EV Adoption Cannot Rely on Infrastructure Alone

The acceleration of electric vehicle usage is deemed insufficient if it only relies on the development of charging infrastructure and technological progress. Ease of access to financing is also an important factor in encouraging more people to switch to electric vehicles. Acting President Director of PT Mandiri Utama Finance (MUF) Dapot Parasian Sukoco Sinaga stated that affordable financing is one of the factors that can drive electric vehicle adoption in Indonesia. According to him, the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem requires collaboration between the financing industry, banking, and automotive players. “The acceleration of electric vehicle adoption does not only depend on product availability, but also on affordable and easily accessible financing support. MUF strives to be part of this ecosystem through competitive financing solutions,” Dapot said in a statement on Tuesday (30/6/2026). In addition to financing, Dapot believes that the direct experience of trying electric vehicles can also increase public understanding of environmentally friendly technology. For this reason, MUF, together with Bank Mandiri and a network of automotive dealers, held the ‘Coffee & Drive: EV & Hybrid Experience’ programme on 26-27 June 2026. The activity took place at PIK Sedayu City Kelapa Gading, Kopitagram Centang Biru BSD, and Summarecon Bogor. A total of 15 electric and hybrid vehicle brands were presented to provide the public with the opportunity to test drive vehicles while obtaining information on financing schemes. In this programme, MUF offered electric and hybrid vehicle financing with interest rates starting from 1.99 percent through Livin’ Auto applications. The company also provided several incentives, including an administration fee of Rp1, administration fee discounts of up to 50 percent, shopping vouchers, and third-party liability insurance protection. Collaboration with dealers was also carried out through the provision of test drive units and various sales promotions, such as price discounts, accessory bonuses, instalment subsidies, and unit availability priority for MUF financing customers. Consumers who placed a Vehicle Order Letter (SPK) during the event also had the opportunity to participate in a Lucky Dip programme with prizes including household electronic equipment, audio devices, and vehicle accessories. Dapot said MUF wants to play a role in supporting the development of electric vehicles by providing financing that is more accessible to the public. According to him, infrastructure readiness followed by increasingly diverse financing options will accelerate the growth of electric vehicles in Indonesia. “Through this programme, MUF affirms its role as a financing company that supports the development of electric and hybrid vehicles in Indonesia, in line with efforts to strengthen the sustainable mobility ecosystem,” said Dapot. He is optimistic that the use of electric vehicles will continue to increase along with the growing choice of vehicle models, infrastructure development, and increasingly competitive financing support.