Sneak peek to Hyundai IONIQ, the electric vehicle (EV) from Hyundai, for Grab Indonesia. In Singapore, Hyundai goes with Kona. (Image via Tribunnews.com)

Hyundai collaborates with Grab to develop electric vehicles as taxi in Indonesia

Recently, the President Director of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI), Yoon Seok Choi, visited Indonesia. His visitation was to attend the collaboration between the South Korean (S. Korea) automaker and Singapore-based ride-hailing service, Grab.

Grab and Hyundai agreed to realize an online taxi service in the ASEAN nation. In 2018, both Hyundai and KIA invested Rp3.7 trillion for the goal. Through Rp21.8 trillion investments in Indonesia, Hyundai Motor established another new branch in Indonesia, which is HMMI. Indonesia's collaboration with Hyundai started this year until 2030.

For the vehicle, Grab will use Hyundai IONIQ, an electric vehicle (EV) released in Indonesia last week. About 20 IONIQs will be operational in Jakarta next year. Hyundai IONIQ is powered by a 33.8 kWh battery with a quick-charging feature. It only takes approximately 57 minutes to reach 80 percent battery levels. Fully charged, IONIQ can travel up to 373 km.

The director said that IONIQ’s release is the token of collaboration between Hyundai and Grab.

Yoon said that to release IONIQ in Indonesia, he needed to study what kind of model suitable for the country. Besides IONIQ, Hyundai also produces Kona, another EV. While Kona hasn’t built its reputation in Indonesia yet, it is already famous in Singapore.

About 200 Kona units are distributed in Singapore as Hyundai cooperated with Grab Singapore.

However, regarding the possibility of whether IONIQ will be available for the Indonesian people, Yoon could not say much. To sell IONIQ, Hyundai needs to test the waters first. Should the enthusiasm exceed its expectation, Hyundai might consider producing and selling more EVs in Indonesia.

Developing EV in Indonesia is a long-term project for Hyundai. The S. Korean automaker aims to be the third-largest automotive company in the world by 2025.

Source: https://bit.ly/2LYQMmG