Trans Semarang to Add 27 Electric Buses to Its Fleet in Indonesia
Local companies VKTR and Laksana Bus Manufaktur have formed a strategic partnership to supply the public transport operator Trans Semarang with new electric buses. Laksana Bus Manufaktur manufactures the electric bus bodies, while VKTR handles vehicle assembly.
VKTR CEO A. Ardiansyah Bakrie stated: "It is not just about the vehicles; it also encompasses how local manufacturing, bus body production, supply chains, the workforce, and industrial capabilities can expand together to establish an electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia."
According to Stefan Arman, Technical Director at Laksana Bus Manufaktur, the cost of each electric bus will range from 4.0 to 4.5 billion rupiah (equivalent to between 198,000 and 223,000 euros), bringing the total cost for the 27 units to between 108 and 121.5 billion rupiah (between 5.3 and 6 million euros).
The first two electric buses are low-floor vehicles, twelve meters in length, with a capacity for 60 passengers. The vehicle features a battery pack providing an energy storage capacity of approximately 340 kWh, allowing it to travel up to 250 kilometers on a single charge. However, Arman anticipates that Trans Semarang will maintain charge levels between 20% and 100% to preserve battery health, resulting in an operating range of approximately 200 to 240 kilometers.
Trans Semarang has introduced 12-meter electric buses, initially on its Corridor 1 route, which connects the Mangkang and Penggaron terminals—a journey of approximately 29 kilometers. As an introductory offer, fares on these buses have been waived until October 14.
The public transport company plans to add at least three electric buses each week, aiming to have the entire 27-unit fleet operational by early November, according to Haris Setyo Yunanto, Director of Trans Semarang. A low-floor design was chosen because elderly passengers account for around 7,000—or 20%—of the average 35,000 daily riders.
Commenting on Semarang's new initiative, Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti stated: "The city of Semarang is committed to continuously providing public transport that is more comfortable, cleaner, and environmentally friendly. The introduction of Trans Semarang's electric buses represents a significant step forward in fulfilling this commitment and in offering the public healthier, more sustainable mobility options."
