The biggest surprise in the 2026 cost simulation is not the purchase price, but what happens after the car leaves the showroom. For drivers covering about 1,500 kilometers per month, a battery electric vehicle can cut monthly energy spending far below a gasoline car.
Under that usage pattern, a gasoline car with fuel consumption of 14 kilometers per liter needs around Rp1 million per month in fuel. An electric car with energy use of about 15 kWh per 100 kilometers needs only around Rp380,000 if most charging is done at home.
Energy costs create the clearest gap
The difference starts with the source of power. Gasoline cars depend on fuel prices that move with global energy conditions, while home electricity rates tend to be more stable for daily charging.
That stability becomes more attractive for urban users who drive every day and already have access to charging at home or at work. In that setting, an electric car can look less like a niche choice and more like a practical financial decision.
| Usage Scenario | Gasoline Car | Electric Car |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly distance | 1,500 km | 1,500 km |
| Energy use | 14 km/l | 15 kWh per 100 km |
| Estimated monthly energy cost | around Rp1 million | around Rp380,000 |
Across a year, the gap can reach about Rp8 million to more than Rp13 million, depending on mileage, electricity rates, and fuel prices. The more a vehicle is used, the more visible the savings from an electric car become.
Servicing also shifts the calculation
Running costs are not limited to energy. A realistic ownership estimate also has to include maintenance, taxes, insurance, depreciation, and the chance of replacing major parts.
Gasoline cars generally need more routine service items, including engine oil, oil filters, air filters, spark plugs, coolant, and periodic inspection of the combustion system. Electric cars are mechanically simpler and do not use engine oil, spark plugs, or exhaust systems.
In many ownership simulations, electric car servicing can be 30% to 50% lower than comparable gasoline car servicing. That lower maintenance burden is one reason long-term operating costs for electric cars often appear lighter.
Battery replacement remains the expensive variable that cannot be ignored. Even so, the risk during the early years of ownership is considered relatively small because many manufacturers now offer battery warranties of up to 8 years or about 160,000 kilometers.
Price still favors gasoline cars at the showroom
Despite the lower running costs, gasoline cars still have an advantage at the point of purchase. In general, electric cars remain slightly more expensive than gasoline cars in the same class.
That gap is reportedly narrowing as local production expands, more models enter the market, and government incentives support electric vehicles. Some regions also offer special tax incentives for electric cars, although the details differ by local regulation.
Driving experience and travel patterns matter
Daily use also brings different strengths. Electric cars offer instant torque, quieter cabins, and regenerative braking that helps recover some energy while reducing brake load.
Gasoline cars still hold a major advantage for long-distance travel because fuel stations are widely distributed and refueling takes only a few minutes. For drivers who frequently travel to areas with limited public charging, that convenience remains hard to replace.
This is why electric cars fit urban mobility more naturally, especially when charging can be done routinely at home or at the office. Gasoline cars remain the simpler option for drivers who need fast refueling and broad coverage across Indonesia.
Resale value remains a dividing line
Depreciation is another factor that can influence the final decision. The used gasoline car market is mature, so resale values are generally easier to predict.
The used electric car market is still developing, and factors such as battery condition, remaining warranty, and technological progress can affect pricing. Buyers therefore need to look beyond monthly installments or catalog prices and compare total ownership costs before choosing between the two.
