Indonesia Accelerates Its First National EV: Can the i2C Hit the Roads by 2027?

Indonesia is pushing the i2C electric SUV toward National Strategic Project status with President Prabowo's support to expedite funding, factories, and mass production.

With President Prabowo Subianto's strong support, Indonesia plans to develop its long-awaited national automobile over the next three years. With the national automobile project on the verge of becoming a National Strategic Project (PSN), this ambitious timeframe is being expedited. Thus, domestic EVs in this region of the world will be represented by more than simply the Perodua QV-E.

The request has been signed and submitted, according to Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, who stated that PSN status will greatly expedite all required preparations, including plant readiness and budget allocation. According to President Prabowo, a committed team is presently working to allocate the necessary funds and land for industrial facilities. The all-electric i2C SUV, a three-row prototype EV unveiled earlier this year, is the focal point of the push for local production.

The country's desire for electric vehicles is set to be led by the Indonesian Indigenous Car (i2C). The i2C was developed by PT Teknologi Militer Indonesia (TMI), a company that has historically concentrated on defense technology, in partnership with the design firm Italdesign. It was unveiled as a three-row, six-seater EV SUV at the GAIKINDO International Auto Show earlier in July. With a heavy emphasis on national identity, the i2C is a huge EV SUV that draws some inspiration from the Kia EV9. The Garuda emblem and the batik patterns inside the design are examples of local cultural influences incorporated into the design.

The i2C seeks to be affordable for a wide range of customers by aiming for a price of 500 million IDR (about RM123K). According to preliminary specifications, a single rear-mounted engine producing 204 PS powers a large 83.4 kWh battery pack with a range of up to 617 km (CLTC). In accordance with the President's three-year goal, mass manufacturing is expected to start in late 2027 or early 2028.