Amidst the ongoing campaign for the use of electric vehicles in Bali, PT Sentrik Persada Nusantara, a company specializing in selling electric motorcycles and bicycles, has been experiencing a surge in interest. Despite being operational for only three years, Sentrik has ambitious plans to expand its presence.
General Manager of PT Sentrik Persada Nusantara, I Gede Pasek Wijaya, highlighted the enthusiasm of the Balinese community towards electric vehicles. When Sentrik first entered the Bali market in 2019, they averaged sales of 100 units per month. However, the pandemic has caused a significant drop in sales, with numbers plummeting by more than 50%, resulting in an average of 30 electric vehicles sold monthly.
Interestingly, 70% of these sales are electric bicycles, which are more affordable. A unique observation is that the majority of electric bicycle users are housewives, utilizing them for daily activities such as market visits. In contrast, electric motorcycles are more popular among the tech-savvy millennial generation.
I Gede Pasek Wijaya mentioned that the curiosity of the public is quite high, with many visiting showrooms for test rides. However, the current pandemic situation has made people more cautious, adopting a “wait and see” approach. Sentrik is optimistic about sales returning to normal by next year. This optimism is fueled by the expected economic recovery and the fact that civil servants will soon begin tendering for electric vehicles for operational transportation.
Despite the evident enthusiasm, I Gede Pasek Wijaya emphasized the need for increased education regarding the benefits of electric vehicles. Many still associate electric vehicles with potential hazards when exposed to rain. Additionally, the public needs to be made aware of the cost savings associated with electric vehicles, such as the absence of service fees and oil changes.
I Gede Pasek Wijaya concluded, “For the upper economic class, they are well-educated about these benefits. Our buyers include both locals and expatriates, and the ratio is almost equal.”
Note: This article is a professionally written summary based on the content from Bali Bisnis link.
