Indonesia races toward EV future, but will Tesla join?

More: Zomato’s departure from Indonesia. [Read from your browser]( Daily Newsletter --------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to Tech in Asia's free Daily Newsletter! Get full access to our subscribers-only Daily Newsletter and other insightful analysis on the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community by [registering here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} Indonesia is not only the world’s top exporter of nickel - a key ingredient for electric vehicles’ batteries - but it is also Southeast Asia’s biggest auto market and second-largest motor vehicle producer. There is little surprise then that Tesla is reportedly closing in on a deal with the country, which has over a million skilled autoworkers, to build an EV plant that could produce 1 million cars a year. There are no two ways about it: The archipelago has all the necessary qualities needed for success in the EV sector, and the government has recognized this by giving processing commodities such as nickel a central role in its downstreaming ambitions. However, Southeast Asia’s largest economy continues to face significant hurdles on the path towards its EV future, including a dispute with the European Union (EU) over the ban of nickel ore exports as well as the lack of homegrown brands and locally sourced powertrains. Today’s featured piece assesses how Indonesia can fulfill its potential in the EV space and highlights the missing tools on its journey to the top of the sector. Further, we run a feasibility check on four-wheeled EV vehicles and explore the viability of e-motorcycles in the world’s third-biggest market for motorbikes. -- Shravanth  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [Indonesia courts Tesla but faces EV roadblocks]( In spite of its nickel reserves, the country’s electric vehicle story has big challenges, including not having a local car brand.  --------------------------------------------------------------- GET HEARD ON TECH IN ASIA! We want to hear from you! With Grab growing its market lead in food delivery last year, an Aletheia Capital analyst recently [reaffirmed]( his thesis that the Singapore-based tech giant will acquire it rival, GoTo Group. Should Grab buy GoTo? [Click here]( to share your views with the Tech in Asia community! 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