PHEVs Assessed as Offering Solution to Electric Car Limitations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) are seen as offering a solution to overcome the limitations of using fully electric cars.

“PHEV delivers an everyday electric driving experience while also providing peace of mind for long-distance journeys without the shadow of range anxiety,” said Doni Putra Okten, Head of Sales and Marketing at PT Sokonindo Automobile.

The advantages of PHEV over pure battery electric vehicles were outlined during a discussion titled “The Next Drive: Why PHEV?” held on Tuesday (4/8) at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2026 in Tangerang, Banten.

At the event, attended by automotive industry representatives and observers of electric vehicle safety, it was explained that a PHEV combines a battery-powered electric motor with a petrol combustion engine.

A PHEV allows drivers to use the electric motor for shorter journeys and switch to the combustion engine when covering long distances.

The use of such vehicles can ease concerns regarding the limited driving range of electrified vehicles.

To date, there remain concerns among users of electrified vehicles about the risk of battery fires, short battery lifespans, and high battery maintenance costs.

In fact, batteries in modern electrified vehicles have undergone safety testing that includes crash resistance tests, extreme temperature endurance tests, and Battery Management System (BMS) tests.

Ichsan Aria Putra, Product Expert at PT Sokonindo Automobile, said that most concerns among consumers of electrified vehicles have been addressed through the implementation of battery safety standards and procedures for using electrified vehicles.

“Every DFSK E5 Plus battery has undergone comprehensive safety and durability testing before being used by consumers,” he said at the discussion organised by PT Sokonindo Automobile (DFSK) together with EVSafe Indonesia.

“Our BMS is also designed to maintain long-term battery health by optimising the charging process, usage, and protection against various operational conditions,” he added.

“PHEV plays a strategic role as a bridge that accelerates the adoption of electric vehicles in Indonesia. However, the success of this transition also depends on education that can build public trust in the technology,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of charging infrastructure availability and after-sales services for electrified vehicles during the transition process.

During the transition period, when charging infrastructure for electrified vehicles remains limited, PHEV can serve as an alternative for consumers who wish to switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles.