A Sustainability Assessment of Electric Vehicles for Enhancing Energy Security and Reducing Emissions in Indonesia

In the past three years, electric vehicle (EV) sales in Indonesia have increased significantly, reflecting a positive trend in the country’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. However, EV adoption in developing countries may not always lead to effective carbon emission reductions. The environmental benefits of EVs are highly dependent on the electricity generation mix of a given country. Since Indonesia still relies heavily on fossil fuel-based power plants, the positive impact of EV usage on emission reduction needs to be critically assessed. This paper examines the adoption of EVs as a strategic pathway to reduce fossil fuel import dependency and carbon emissions. Using emissions data provided by the Google Environmental Insights Explorer (EIE) in West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB), this study adopts a System Dynamics approach to explore various policy and energy transition scenarios that could maximize the environmental benefits of EV use. This study aims to analyze the impact of EV development on CO2 emissions, fossil fuel dependency, and cross-sectoral sustainability trade-offs in Indonesia. These insights can inform the formulation of more integrated and effective policies to guide the national transition toward sustainable transportation.