Jakarta (ANTARA) - Grab Indonesia President Ridzki Kramadibrata confirmed on Friday that the company will operate its electric cars and motorbikes in January 2020 in Jakarta and the neighboring cities.
Kramadibrata stated that the operations of electric rental vehicles are in accordance with Presidential Law Number 55 of 2019 on the Program Acceleration of Battery-based Electric Vehicles.
“It is such a pride for Grab and Indonesia and also for me personally, as I consider it an advanced step for us ahead to realize the brand new vehicle ecosystem of battery and electrical technology,” he noted.
Kramadibrata remarked that to create the ecosystem, Grab expects to receive support from several stakeholders, including governmental institutions, vehicle companies, and technology firms.
Prior to the official operations, Grab will test 20 Hyundai Ioniq Electric cars and 20 electric motorbikes from manufacturers Astra Honda and Gesits.
The trial targets to conduct road test of electric vehicles, including for food and goods and delivery services across Jakarta and the satellite areas.
Related news: Minister urges Gojek, Grab to work with locals on electric cars
Attendees at Grab’s launch event comprised several ministers, including Minister of Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan and Minister of Research and Technology Bambang Brodjonegoro.
Pandjaitan lauded the measures undertaken by Grab Indonesia and echoed the government's constant support for this electric car program.
“I congratulate Mr Ridzki Kramadibrata and the Grab Team and hope that you would have better work. Apart from the profit earned, Grab also needs to be concerned more about this country,” he stated.
Brodjonegoro highlighted the opportunity arising from Grab partnering with Gesits company, as the local manufacturer of electric vehicles.
“Gesits is a product of Indonesia, developed by our people. To introduce the local product among communities, we need this initial step. We are immensely thankful to Grab for partnering with Gesits,” he stated.
Related news: Online transportation most preferred by urban consumers: survey
