Electric vehicle buyers in Indonesia are now making battery quality and trusted recommendations their top priorities when deciding on a new car. Many consumers want to ensure their investment not only meets technological expectations but is also validated by real user experiences. These patterns were revealed in a large-scale national survey conducted by Praxis Indonesia, involving 1,200 electric vehicle (EV) owners from major cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, Yogyakarta, Solo, Denpasar, and Semarang.
According to Praxis Indonesia’s Director of Public Affairs, Sofyan Herbowo, the survey showed nearly all EV buyers—up to 98%—actively seek out recommendations and authentic stories from existing users. The study confirms that technical factors matter, but confirmation from peers and friends has a defining influence on the purchasing journey.
Battery Endurance as the Key Technical Focus
Praxis Indonesia’s research shows battery endurance is the most important technical factor for 35.17% of respondents. This issue sits above price and brand reputation in the list of consumer considerations. Many buyers worry about the distance an EV can travel on one charge, reflecting persistent range anxiety despite technological advances. Respondents see the battery not only as a component but as the heart of an EV’s usability and appeal.
Alongside battery life, 21.33% of buyers focus on the vehicle’s purchase price and available promotions. Incentives such as price discounts, installation of home wall chargers, or extended battery warranties are major attractions. Brand reputation, cited by 18.5% of participants, is the next critical factor, showing lasting value in strong manufacturer credibility.
EV marketers and dealers are advised to highlight battery performance and offer comprehensive guarantees. Marketing strategies that include battery warranty extensions and accessible maintenance packages are particularly valued. Such tactics address actual user concerns and strengthen buyer confidence about long-term use.
Recommendations Matter More Than Advertising
The survey’s findings emphasize that 98% of buyers prefer first-hand user reviews and recommendations rather than relying solely on advertisements or social media. Specifically, recommendations come from these sources:
- Friends: 67%
- EV communities: 24%
- Family: 9%
This signals a shift in trust from corporate messages to authentic, peer-driven insights. Information from acquaintances or local EV owners holds far more sway than promotional materials. Many buyers report that seeing friends or community members use EVs, hearing stories about usability, and discussing challenges and benefits in person are decisive.
Manufacturers and dealers in this context must foster active user communities. Peer gatherings, open testimonial platforms, and user-focused events can help increase trust and word-of-mouth appeal. The credibility gained from fellow consumers is now more valuable than conventional advertising.
Buyer Demographics and EV Transition Patterns
Looking at the demographic composition, the survey found the majority of EV buyers are between 31 and 42 years old (49%). Monthly income data shows that 44% of respondents earn between IDR 10 million and IDR 19.9 million, while just 1% fall below the IDR 10 million mark. This suggests that EV adoption is now led by relatively affluent, middle-aged urban professionals.
Transition trends show that 66.24% of participants previously owned at least one conventional car before switching to an EV. Another 24% shifted to electric after having two cars. Conversely, only 4% of surveyed users made an EV their first car, highlighting that most consider EVs after some automotive experience and financial stability.
Usage Patterns Reflect Practical Priorities
Praxis Indonesia’s report also revealed how electric cars are actually used on a daily basis. Up to 82% of respondents rely on their EVs for daily commutes and work responsibilities, not just for weekend trips. The breakdown of daily average travel distances is as follows:
- 35% drive 51–100 km per day
- 33% travel 21–50 km per day
- 17% clock 0–20 km per day
- 11% use their car for distances under 10 km per day
- 4% drive more than 100 km daily
This diverse range suggests that most EV owners use their cars intensively—battery reliability and charging access are therefore real-world priorities. Only a minority of drivers routinely attempt long journeys, probably due to limited charging infrastructure and current battery range limitations.
Accessibility of Charging Infrastructure
Charging convenience is another pivotal element in EV ownership. The survey found that 57% of EV owners can reach a public charging station within 3–5 km of their home. However, home charging remains the leading option—67% of respondents have a personal charging device at home. In comparison, 42% prefer using official public charging stations, 40% use workplace infrastructure, and only 9% rely on chargers at malls or shopping centers.
Remarkably, 46% of respondents still feel that the development of charging and repair infrastructure has not kept up with the pace of EV adoption. Many call for expanded access to public charging stations and more integrated service centers. EV industry stakeholders are urged to accelerate efforts to improve infrastructure coverage and reliability in order to match consumer expectations.
Charging Time and Cost Considerations
Time spent charging also figures large in consumer satisfaction levels. As many as 46% of users need more than six hours to fully recharge their vehicles. Another 32% report charging times around six hours, with only 7% enjoying a fast charging experience of just one to three hours.
Cost remains a positive note—most users pay less than IDR 500,000 monthly for electricity to power their cars, which is typically far cheaper than fueling conventional vehicles. Despite this, 42% of EV users still aspire to see faster charging speeds, ideally just one to two hours per session. Charging technology that delivers speed and convenience could strongly sway future purchase decisions.
The Role of Government and Ecosystem Growth
Praxis Indonesia’s research also indicated a gap in policy and industry responses. About 30% of users remain dissatisfied with government efforts to foster a robust EV ecosystem. Furthermore, 46% of buyers express hope for better access to both charging and authorized maintenance facilities.
Both government authorities and the private sector must coordinate to ease the transformation toward mass EV adoption. Increasing the quantity and quality of public infrastructure and providing consumer education would help dispel doubts and support broader adoption rates.
Ultimately, today’s electric vehicle buyers in Indonesia want more than just innovation—they want lasting battery performance, honest conversations with experienced users, and confidence in a maturing support ecosystem. The future of EV growth will depend on how well the industry listens and responds to these evolving demands.
