To Improve the Availability of High-Quality Batteries and Increase Domestic Component Levels, ESB-Volta, MCAS Group, Collaborate with ABC Lithium to Procure and Assemble Electric Vehicle Batteries

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta, March 29, 2023 - PT Energi Selalu Baru (ESB), a member of PT M Cash Integrasi Tbk (IDX: MCAS) group and a subsidiary of PT NFC Indonesia Tbk (IDX: NFCX), has established a strategic partnership with PT International Chemical Industry (ABC Lithium) in the procurement and assembly of battery packs for electric vehicles (EV).

ESB is a company focused on developing EV technology and infrastructure, particularly battery components and battery swap stations for Volta electric motorbikes. Meanwhile, ABC Lithium is the first local battery industry to produce Lithium-Ion Ferro Phosphate (LFP) battery cells for electric vehicles.

This collaboration aims to accelerate the supply and assembly of high-quality battery packs to meet domestic EV production needs, especially for Volta electric motorbikes. ESB and ABC Lithium will also conduct joint research and development to improve ESB's ability to master battery technology. Therefore, ESB will be better equipped to face future challenges and provide the best service to Volta riders in Indonesia, creating a safer and more comfortable driving experience.

Furthermore, this collaborative step is an effort by ESB and Volta to increase the Domestic Component Level (TKDN) in each electric motor battery unit. ESB and Volta will obtain a supply of Lithium batteries produced by ABC using LFP materials according to the required specifications and quality. At the same time, ABC Lithium will expand its portfolio in the EV market through collaboration with Volta.

Abraham Theofilus, Director of PT Energi Selalu Baru, stated, “This collaboration is expected to help boost Volta’s battery production and improve its quality, which can support the mobility of electric motorbike users for a more comfortable driving experience. Furthermore, this step also aligns with ESB and Volta's commitment to using more local materials and components in the production process to increase the domestic component level (TKDN). Currently, Volta electric motorbikes have a domestic component level (TKDN) of 47.36%. In the long run, we are confident that we can increase domestic battery production capacity and accelerate the implementation of Indonesia’s EV ecosystem.”

Hermawan Wijaya, Marketing Director of PT International Chemical Industry (ABC Lithium), said, “As a pioneer of the battery industry in Indonesia since 1959, we feel compelled to support the government's programs in building new and clean energy. We agree that EVs and their supporting components are a solution to save the earth from air pollution and global warming. ABC is committed to helping build the nation's self-reliance to ensure a smooth transition to EV usage in Indonesia. ABC's current focus is to support the electric motorcycle industry, which requires locally made batteries to increase the domestic component level (TKDN).”

Jahja Suryandy, Managing Director of PT M Cash Integrasi Tbk, stated, “To encourage and advance clean energy products and services, we are committed to continuing developing ecosystems and strengthening electric vehicle infrastructure. By strengthening strategic partnerships within the local industry and receiving support from MCAS Group's ecosystem, we are confident that we can become a leader in this industry and contribute together in realizing the transition to electric vehicles in Indonesia.”