China’s XPeng Expands in Indonesia: Local EV Production and Nickel Battery Plans

China's EV maker Xpeng is in talks with Malaysia’s EPMB to start mass EV production in 2026, as Chinese automakers expand in Southeast Asia.
Brian Gu, co-president of Xpeng Inc. in Hong Kong on May 17, 2024. China's EV maker Xpeng is in talks with Malaysia’s EPMB to start mass EV production in 2026, as Chinese automakers expand in Southeast Asia. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP)

Chinese Electric-Vehicle EV manufacturer XPeng officially entered the Indonesian market, partnering with Indonesian Erajaya Group. Announced late last week, XPeng’s entry into Indonesia highlights its push for localization, with plans for domestic production and the potential use of Indonesia’s vast nickel reserves for EV batteries.

Unveiling its X9 and G6 Battery Electric Vehicle BEV models at the Jakarta launch event, XPeng aims to roll them out this year and begin local assembly in the second half of 2025 at a facility in Purwakarta, West Java, which also produces models from Geely, Jaecoo, and Jetour.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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