Starting in 2015, car buyers in Indonesia will be able to purchase the most successful electric car model in America, the Tesla Model S, right here in Jakarta.
“Next year we want the Tesla electric car to enter the market,” said Rudy Salim, the president director of Prestige Image Motorcars, as quoted by Detik.
Rudy was optimistic that the Tesla S, which costs about $70,000 for the base model in the US (the Indonesian price has yet to be determined), would find a place in the local market.
“I think [demand] should be high, yes. Moreover, there is the LCGC [Low Cost Green Car program] encouraging the use of low cost or green cars. We are also excited about the government’s enthusiasm for electric cars. [Former State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan] also wants to see electric cars come out here,” Rudy said.
When fully charged, the Tesla Model S can go about 400 kilometers before requiring a recharge. In America, charging stations are popping up to allow electric car owners to recharge during long trips, but that is obviously not an option Tesla drivers will have in Indonesia. However, Rudy says that shouldn’t be a problem for most users here.
“[Drivers] can charge at home or in the office. Because it can go up to 400 kilometers, they don’t need to worry. You could go back from Jakarta to Bandung twice [without needing to recharge],” said Rudy.
Rudy says the Tesla Model S will be available starting in January 2015.
