The Real Barriers to EV Adoption in Indonesia and Why BYD Isn’t Waiting Around

A recent survey revealed a striking insight: 54.9% of Indonesian respondents are still hesitant to purchase electric vehicles (EVs). And no. It’s not just about infrastructure. The biggest hurdle is psychological: pricing fears, unfamiliarity, and uncertainty.

Yet BYD, the world’s EV leader, is rewriting the rules. With aggressive affordability, like the BYD Dolphin at just 425M IDR, and powerful partnerships with PLN and Bank Mandiri for seamless charging access, BYD is tackling resistance head-on.“EVs aren’t the future. They’re HERE rewriting the rules.”

BYD’s $1 Billion Bet: Building Indonesia’s EV Future

BYD isn’t waiting for the market to catch up. It’s shaping the future—right now. A $1B EV factory in Subang, with a production capacity of 150,000 units/year, is set to go live by 2025. This aligns with Indonesia’s ambitious goal: 600,000 domestically produced EVs by 2030. This isn’t just about production. It’s about jobs, exports, and regional leadership. “When a global giant invests $1B, it’s not just business—it’s a revolution.”

BYD’s Rulebook for EV Domination

So, what’s the BYD digital marketing playbook in Indonesia?

• Rule #1: Build EVs that fit the Indonesian lifestyle
• Rule #2: Be everywhere, at auto shows, ride-hailing apps, and TikTok
• Rule #3: Win hearts before wallets

Because success isn’t just about tech, it’s about emotion, identity, and relevance.

EVs Built for Indonesian Lifestyles

From family needs to luxury travel, BYD’s product lineup reflects Indonesia’s diverse mobility needs:

• BYD M6 (7-seater): A bestseller among Indonesian families.
• Denza D9: Luxury meets Blade Battery safety.
• Commuter-focused models perfect for city living or ride-hailing.

Know your audience. Build for their needs. Market where they live.

BYD’s Omnipresence = Trust

If it feels like BYD is everywhere, that’s because they are.

• Dominated IIMS 2024 with 4 EV launches.
• Introduced Denza & BYD directly to President Joko Widodo.
• Partnered with Grab & Bluebird for massive on-road visibility.

Consistency builds credibility. Visibility builds trust.

BYD’s After-Sales Network: Trust Beyond Purchase

What’s the point of owning an EV if the service is a nightmare? Not with BYD.

• 80 nationwide dealerships by 2025 (40+ operational now)
• EV charging at all dealer locations
• 24/7 support for stress-free ownership

Great products need great support to turn buyers into believers.

Winning Hearts Before Wallets

Why do Indonesians talk about BYD, even if they haven’t bought one?

Because BYD is more than a product-it’s a movement.

• Influencer marketing to make EVs aspirational
• Compelling brand storytelling across social media
• Real-world community events and digital engagement campaigns

People don’t just buy EVs. They buy identity, purpose, and belonging.

Cool the Earth by 1° C: BYD’s Climate Commitment

Sustainability isn’t a slogan. It’s a mission.

• 4.3M global EVs sold in 2024 = 1.5M tons of CO2 saved
• Tree-planting CSR programs enhance green credibility

Brands with a cause build stronger loyalty. BYD stands for a cooler planet.

Want a BYD-Level Digital Marketing Strategy?

The biggest barrier to EV adoption isn’t infrastructure. It's the mindset.

BYD didn’t wait for the Indonesian market to be ready.
They shaped it through visibility, trust, emotion, and ecosystem-building.

So… How Do You Replicate This Success for Your Brand?

That’s where Unithree comes in. Let’s build a marketing strategy that goes beyond product. Let’s create movements. Let’s shape markets.