Pertamax Price Hike Are Cheap Evs Really Cheaper To Run

Every time Pertamax prices creep up, social media fills with the same question: is it finally time to switch to an EV? The short answer is: for many city drivers, yes — but it depends on how you charge.

The math

Let's keep it simple. A typical 1,000–1,500cc city car might use Rp150,000–Rp250,000 worth of fuel per week depending on distance and traffic. A cheap EV doing the same distance can cost Rp30,000–Rp70,000 per week if charged at home at residential electricity rates. The gap widens the more you drive.

Charging is the key

If you can charge at home overnight, you'll usually come out ahead. If you rely entirely on public fast chargers, running costs go up significantly and the savings shrink. Some public chargers are reasonably priced, but others can be surprisingly close to petrol on a per-km basis.

Other costs to consider

EVs typically need less routine maintenance (no oil changes, fewer fluids), but tires can wear faster in some cases. Insurance, tires and unexpected repairs still apply. Don't forget installation costs if you need a home charger, though many cheap EV owners just use a standard socket with proper safety considerations.

Pragmatic verdict

For high-mileage city drivers with home charging, cheap EVs are genuinely cheaper to run, and Pertamax hikes make the case stronger every time. For low-mileage drivers who rely on public charging, the savings are less dramatic. Do your own simple math based on your actual weekly km — that's far more useful than any headline.

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