by Dames Alexander Sinaga
JAKARTA, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- For Ratna Dewinta, a 31-year-old marketing professional from Jakarta, buying her first car was no easy decision.
Eco-friendly, modern and affordable were her three main requirements. At first, she considered several electric vehicles (EVs), attracted by their designs and advanced features. However, their prices soon proved beyond her budget.
"I spent months researching, reading reviews and comparing prices," Ratna told Xinhua. "Then I saw an advertisement for the BYD Atto 1. It matched what I needed and was affordable."
Ratna's choice reflects a growing trend in Indonesia, where Chinese-made electric vehicles are increasingly favored by young consumers. Once regarded as niche products, these EVs are now emerging as practical alternatives to gasoline-powered cars.
The growing popularity of EVs in Indonesia is part of a broader global shift toward greener transportation. For millennials and Generation Z, environmental considerations are becoming an important factor in purchasing decisions.
For young Indonesians like Ratna, choosing an electric vehicle is not only about reducing emissions, but also about aligning daily consumption with sustainability goals without exceeding their budgets.
Randy Varianda, a 30-year-old IT professional from Yogyakarta who now works in Jakarta, shares a similar view. Last weekend, he visited the 2026 Indonesia International Motor Show, where he paid particular attention to Wuling, a Chinese automaker that has steadily expanded its presence in Indonesia's EV market.
Randy was especially interested in the Wuling Air EV, a compact and affordable model.
"The technology, warranties and dealer network all made sense," he said. "It offered a good balance between price and performance."
Official data underline this rising momentum. According to the Association of Indonesia Automotive Industries, electric vehicle sales from factories to dealers reached 103,931 units in 2025, up 141 percent from 43,188 units a year earlier.
Electric cars now account for more than 12 percent of total national car sales, indicating that the adoption of battery electric vehicles is becoming increasingly widespread across the country.
In the past, Chinese-made cars were often met with skepticism in Indonesia, as consumers associated them with low quality and reliability concerns. However, as more buyers gain firsthand experience with Chinese electric vehicles, perceptions are gradually changing.
For Ratna, price was not the only deciding factor.
"I wasn't confident about Chinese cars at first," she said. "But after test-driving the BYD Atto 1, I was impressed. It was smooth, quiet, and the technology exceeded my expectations." ■