Gojek, TBS Energi Utama form two-wheel EV joint venture

GOJEK has teamed up with Indonesian energy company TBS Energi Utama (TBS) to launch a new venture aimed at developing Indonesia's two-wheel electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, the companies said in a joint statement on Thursday (Nov 18).

The new entity, known as Electrum, seeks to build a comprehensive and scalable EV ecosystem throughout the country, tapping the ride-hailing start up's deep presence in Indonesia and TBS' capabilities in the energy sector.

This will include two-wheel EV manufacturing, battery packaging, battery swapping infrastructure, as well as financing for EV ownership, Gojek and TBS said.

Kevin Aluwi, Gojek's chief executive officer and co-founder, said the partnership is part of the company's target of achieving zero emissions by 2030, which includes plans to transition its entire fleet to EVs by then.

The venture also supports the Indonesian government's plans to build a cleaner and sustainable transport system, he said.

For TBS, the new venture is an opportunity for the company to invest in clean and renewable energy.

Pandu Sjahrir, the energy company's president-director, said: "Our vast experience and deep understanding of the energy sector, combined with the large scale of the Gojek network, will be a catalyst for the development of the EV industry in Indonesia."

"As EVs become more widely available, we hope this will inspire greater confidence in EVs from members of the public and encourage them to give it a try," he added.