VinFast to install EV charger stations throughout Indonesia, Minister says

After President Prabowo met with company representatives on Tuesday, Indonesia's Investment Minister said that Vietnamese electric car maker VinFast plans to install up to 100,000 charging stations throughout the country.

VinFast, a factory located in West Java Province and with a capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, will begin operations next year. Last year, the company broke ground for a $200 million EV Assembly Plant.

VinFast didn't immediately respond to our request for comment. After meeting Prabowo, company executives refused to speak with the media.

Indonesia aims to become a hub for EV production, leveraging its nickel reserves that are used to manufacture EV batteries. The government is also offering incentives to automakers.

In recent months, the adoption of electric vehicles in the country also increased as more EV manufacturers offered affordable models.

In February, car sales rose by 2.2% on a year-on-year basis

The first increase in sales since June 2023 is largely due to EV sales.

Rosan says that the planned investment in VinFast charging stations could fuel growth.

"VinFast has selected the charging stations." Rosan stated that with the EV infrastructure, electric car adoption can increase.

The minister also said that the firm was considering investments in Indonesia’s renewable energy sector. This includes building wind farms and installing solar panels.

Prabowo met with VinFast a day after a bilateral discussion between the Indonesian President and To Lam, leader of the Vietnamese Communist Party. Both countries had agreed to intensify their economic co-operation. (Reporting and writing by Stefanno Sulaiman, Stanley Widianto, Editing by John Mair & Kate Mayberry).

(source: Reuters)