automotive

ALETRA Has Kicked Off The Construction Of An Electric Vehicle Research And Development Facility In Indonesia

ALETRA, the electric vehicle brand born from a collaboration between PT Aletra Mobil Nusantara and LIVAN Auto, a subsidiary of Geely Group, has officially kicked off the construction of its first research and development center in Indonesia. The groundbreaking ceremony took place today in Alam Sutera, Tangerang, Banten, with key stakeholders in attendance, including ALETRA's Founder & Chairman, Megusdyan Susanto, and LIVAN Auto representative, Zhou Zongcheng. This R&D center is expected to be a hub for innovation in electric vehicles designed specifically for the Asian market, particularly Indonesia, with a focus on Right Hand Drive (RHD) technology. Additionally, the facility will serve as a base for exporting electric cars to countries in the Asia-Pacific region that use right-hand driving systems. In an exclusive interview, Megusdyan Susanto emphasized ALETRA's strong commitment to supporting the transition to clean and eco-friendly energy. “ALETRA was created with the mission to provide cleaner transportation solutions, aligning with the government's efforts to reduce carbon emissions. We believe electric vehicles are crucial for realizing Indonesia's vision of a zero-emission future,” Megusdyan stated.

The first vehicle to roll off ALETRA's production line will be an MPV, tailored for Indonesian families. “We chose the MPV because we see significant potential in the family vehicle market. Besides being fuel-efficient and low in emissions, this car will also offer a quieter and more comfortable driving experience,” Megusdyan explained.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Challenges in Indonesia

Despite the growing potential for electric vehicles, Megusdyan acknowledges that charging infrastructure remains a significant challenge in Indonesia. “The adoption of electric vehicles needs to be supported by adequate infrastructure, especially charging stations. We see that both the government and private sector are starting to invest in this area, although progress hasn't reached an ideal stage yet.” We're pretty optimistic that infrastructure will keep improving in the coming years, he said. Megusdyan also mentioned that ALETRA plans to produce electric cars in Indonesia using a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) approach, incorporating local components that meet the Domestic Content Level (TKDN) regulations. "By manufacturing locally, we hope to make electric cars more affordable for Indonesian consumers," he added.

Collaboration with Bumiterra for Nature Restoration

At the same event, Tara Susanto, the Founder of Bumiterra, shared her thoughts on the partnership between ALETRA and Bumiterra. Bumiterra, which focuses on restoring degraded land, will team up with ALETRA to plant trees in areas that need rehabilitation. "ALETRA has committed to planting one hectare of degraded land in West Kalimantan. This planting effort will not only help reduce carbon but also restore biodiversity and provide alternative income for local communities," Tara explained.

According to Tara, this collaboration shows how environmental preservation and the shift to renewable energy can go hand in hand. "We believe that efforts to protect nature and reduce carbon emissions should happen simultaneously. It's not just about focusing on one solution but combining various initiatives to achieve more significant results," she added.

The Future of Electric Cars in Indonesia

The ALETRA Research and Development Center, built on a 6,000 square meter site, will not only focus on developing electric vehicles but also provide sales services, after-sales support, product education, and battery charging. This facility is expected to become a hub for innovation and electric car exports in the Asia-Pacific region.

Tag: ALETRA Electric Vehicle MPV TKDN