BYD Leads Chinese Domination of Indonesia’s Electric Vehicle Market
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BYD Co. Ltd. has pulled out in front of its fellow Chinese automakers as they cement their control over Indonesia’s fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market, notching up more than 90% of sales in the first half of 2025.
Wholesale sales of pure EVs in Southeast Asia’s largest economy surged to 35,749 vehicles in the first half of 2025, a 267% jump from the same period last year, according to data released by The Association of Indonesia Automotive Industries.
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- Chinese automakers, led by BYD with a 40% share, accounted for over 90% of Indonesia’s EV sales in H1 2025, as pure EV sales surged 267% to 35,749 units.
- Indonesia is rapidly expanding its EV industry, aiming for 600,000 EVs annually by 2030, supported by major new investments from BYD, Wuling, GAC Aion, and CATL.
- Despite fast growth, EVs reached only 9.1% market penetration in H1 2025, below Thailand’s 13% in 2024.
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Who’s Who
- BYD Co. Ltd.
- BYD Co. Ltd. has rapidly become a dominant player in Indonesia's EV market, securing about 40% of battery electric vehicle sales in the first half of 2025. They announced their entry in January 2024 and quickly rose to the top, investing $1.2 billion for a factory complex. BYD's success highlights China's industrial strategy abroad, challenging established global automakers.
- Wuling Motors Holdings Ltd.
- Wuling Motors Holdings Ltd. is a Chinese automaker that has established a significant presence in Indonesia's EV market. They were an early entrant, building their first plant in 2017. In the first half of 2025, Wuling Motors was among the top four Chinese brands in EV sales in Indonesia.
- Chery Automobile Co. Ltd.
- Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. is a Chinese automaker that has established a presence in Indonesia's rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market. In the first half of 2025, Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. was among the top four Chinese brands in terms of EV sales, contributing to Chinese automakers' dominance, which accounted for over 90% of sales in the Indonesian EV market.
- GAC Aion New Energy Automobile Co. Ltd.
- GAC Aion New Energy Automobile Co. Ltd. is a Chinese automaker that has established a presence in Indonesia's rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market. The company, a brand under Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd., opened a factory in Jakarta in June. GAC Aion is among the top Chinese brands dominating EV sales in Indonesia, alongside BYD, Wuling Motors, and Chery Automobile.
- Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd.
- Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. (GAC) is identified as the parent company of the Aion brand. GAC has expanded its operations in Indonesia, opening a factory in Jakarta in June. This move contributes to the growing presence of Chinese automakers in Indonesia's electric vehicle market.
- XPeng Inc.
- XPeng Inc. has established its first overseas manufacturing base in Indonesia. The company commenced local production in July 2025, contributing to the rapid growth of Chinese automakers in the Indonesian EV market.
- Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.
- Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) is a Chinese battery giant mentioned in the article. It has broken ground on a nearly $6 billion nickel and battery industrial park in Indonesia. This project aims to create a closed-loop system encompassing mining, smelting, battery manufacturing, and recycling, supporting Indonesia's EV ecosystem.
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What Happened When
- 2017：
- Wuling built its first plant in Indonesia.
- Early 2024：
- BYD announced a $1.2 billion investment for a factory complex, including an R&D center, in Indonesia.
- January 2024：
- BYD announced its foray into the Indonesian market.
- End of 2024：
- BYD had sold 15,429 pure EVs in Indonesia.
- First half of 2025：
- BYD notched up more than 90% of EV sales in Indonesia; BYD sold 13,995 EVs, securing about 40% of the battery electric vehicle market.
- First half of 2025：
- Wholesale sales of pure EVs in Indonesia surged to 35,749 vehicles, a 267% jump from the same period in 2024.
- First half of 2025：
- Overall wholesale vehicle sales in Indonesia were 374,740.
- June 2025：
- Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. (Aion) opened a factory in Jakarta.
- July 2025：
- XPeng Inc. began local production in Indonesia, making it its first overseas manufacturing base.
- July 2025：
- Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. officially broke ground on its nickel and battery industrial park in Indonesia.
AI generated, for reference only
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