The Seres E1 electric car is currently the cheapest electric car marketed in Indonesia. According to the official DFSK Motors website, the Seres E1 is sold in two variants: B Type and L Type.
Specifically, the Seres E1 B Type is sold at Rp 189 million on the road. Its price competes with the Wuling Air ev Lite, which is priced at Rp 190 million.
However, in terms of features, the Seres E1 B Type is far more attractive compared to the Wuling Air ev Lite. For instance, in terms of features.
The Wuling Air ev Lite is only equipped with Bluetooth audio connection, USB port, speaker, driver-only airbag, rotary gear selector, ABS, and EBD.
On the other hand, with a price Rp 1 million cheaper, the Seres E1 has a 7-inch meter cluster, MP3+Bluetooth audio capabilities, speaker, touch panel AC control, USB interface, USB charging, e-shift selector, seat belt reminder, ISOFIX, TPMS, rear parking camera, parking sensor, hill hold control, pedestrian warning sound, ABS EBD, airbag, AC type 2 charging, cruise control, ECO/Sport mode, energy management display, charging status display, battery system thermal management, charging port cover reminder, and high voltage safety monitoring.
In fact, with these features, the Seres E1 B Type should be able to compete better in the Indonesian automotive market. Unfortunately, the population of Seres E1s is very difficult to find on the streets of the capital city.
Interestingly, Doni Putra Okten, Head of Marketing and Sales at PT Sokonindo Automobil, claims that the Indonesian public’s reception of the Seres E1 B Type is actually quite good. In fact, they distribute hundreds of units to dealers every month.
“So far, we have sent hundreds of units (per month) of the Seres E1 to dealers. We receive orders from dealers for hundreds of units every month,” said Doni when met at JIExpo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.
Doni even admitted that he is confident they can dominate the Indonesian electric car market through the sales of the Seres E1. He believes this vehicle targets a very large segment, namely entry-level or beginner.
“EV sales in Indonesia still have a 1 percent market share, and competitors are increasing, but I am confident that we can grab a 0.3 percent market share in Indonesia with our presence in the low-end segment,” he said.
So what exactly is wrong with the Seres E1? Doni explained that the small electric car from a Chinese manufacturer is not yet widely seen on the roads due to procedural issues.
“We just have to wait, because the Vehicle Sales Value (NJKB) and Vehicle Registration Certificate (STNK) are still pending for May and June. We see a lot of people using temporary plates,” said Doni.
However, it can be said that the dominance of the Wuling Air ev, which appeared first, is certainly difficult for the Seres E1 to match. This is because the Wuling Air ev has already been able to meet market expectations first as an affordable, well-designed, and reliable electric car.
