Electric vehicles in Malaysia and Indonesia: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

In the roadmaps of the automotive industry, the electric vehicle (EV) is regarded as a crucial technology for the future of automotive power systems. The EV has become a top priority of major global car manufacturers and is expected to disrupt the road transportation sector. In Malaysia and Indonesia, EVs just started as an important force. However, in Malaysia, the lack of EV infrastructure, along with its strong dependency on fossil fuels, poses an enormous challenge. The situation is very similar in Indonesia. Indonesia has huge potential as Southeast Asia’s largest vehicle market and a major nickel producer, an important EV battery ingredient. Therefore, this article addresses several critical issues in implementing EVs in Malaysia and Indonesia. In preparing this review, we have thoroughly selected very important EV keywords that are frequently asked. We have also interviewed some prominent figures in the field of EV to address the most critical aspects worth including in the paper. In doing so, we plan to provide content that will be beneficial not only to the academic world but also to the automotive industry in general. Firstly, a summary of the EV adoption scenario in each country was presented. Afterwards, the types of EVs and battery capacities available in both countries were explained. The next section focused on the adoption rate of EVs, followed by the discussion of EVs charging infrastructure. In addition to that, issues pertaining to vehicle tax credit were also addressed. The opportunities and challenges of EV were then addressed in depth before concluding remarks were given.