Fuel Price Hike Could Boost Sales of Used Electric Vehicles

JAKARTA – The rise in fuel prices (BBM), including diesel and non-subsidised fuels, could trigger changes in consumer behaviour in the automotive market. One segment expected to be affected is interest in electric vehicles, including the used car market. Andi, owner of Jordy Motor showroom at MGK Kemayoran in Central Jakarta, stated that there has indeed been a spike in interest in used electric vehicles, but it appears to be temporary. “Yeah, it’s just like panic buying. They’re turning to electric vehicles, even though I don’t have stock, I’ve seen the turnover for electric vehicles is good right now,” Andi told Kompas.com on Friday (17/4/2026). “For used (electric vehicles), that’s it. But it’s temporary. Because the government will also impose taxes,” he added. According to Andi, this phenomenon is mainly driven by consumers’ spontaneous reactions to news of fuel price hikes. Thus, it will take longer to prove any long-term shift in preferences. He added that consumers with higher purchasing power tend to use electric vehicles as a second car for short-distance daily mobility. “Now, for short distances, they definitely buy electric vehicles in addition to their petrol car. So it’s like an alternative second car,” he said. “They (will) choose electric vehicles. For those with decent money. But for the middle to lower class, they’ll definitely buy petrol cars but with small cc (engine capacity),” Andi explained.