The constant hum of motorbikes has long been the background noise of Bali, but a quieter, cleaner revolution is rapidly taking over the island’s streets. As Indonesia’s designated pilot region for electric vehicles, Bali is undergoing a massive infrastructure shift that is reshaping tourism, transport, and real estate.
For foreign investors, this isn’t just about eco-friendly branding; it represents a strategic pivot backed by substantial national incentives and provincial zoning laws that favor green mobility.
However, navigating this emerging sector is fraught with regulatory complexities. From understanding the nuances of the “Provider” versus “Retailer” schemes for charging stations to ensuring your PT PMA is registered under the correct business classification (KBLI) codes, the path to profitability requires precise legal alignment.
Many enthusiastic investors rush in, only to find their “eco-tourism” project stalled because they missed critical energy licenses or zoning permits required for operating public charging infrastructure.
This guide provides a clear roadmap for Bali EV charging investment. We break down the national policy backbone, the specific opportunities in green zones like Nusa Dua and Ubud, and the step-by-step process to legally establish your EV business.
Whether you are looking to build a charging network or electrify a villa fleet, understanding these rules is the key to unlocking the potential of Bali’s sustainable future.
Table of Contents
- Bali EV charging investment: National Policy Backbone
- Bali’s EV Policies: Zones and Public Commitments
- Charging Infrastructure: SPKLU and Battery Swaps
- Investment Opportunities and Legal Structures
- EVs for Travel, Hospitality, and Villa Operators
- Real Story: The Green Fleet Pivot in Uluwatu
- Key Risks, Penalties, and Common Mistakes
- Step-by-Step Outline for EV Investors
- FAQs about EV Investment in Bali
Bali EV charging investment: National Policy Backbone
Indonesia’s commitment to electric vehicles is anchored in Presidential Regulation No. 55 of 2019, recently updated by PR 79/2023.
This regulation sets an aggressive roadmap targeting millions of EVs on the road by 2030, supported by a suite of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. For investors, this national framework provides the stability needed for long-term investment in Bali’s EV sector.
Key incentives have historically included reduced import duties and VAT exemptions for vehicles that meet local content (TKDN) thresholds. However, by early 2026, the fiscal landscape is shifting toward prioritizing domestic production.
Ministry of Finance updates indicate a transition where broad-based VAT subsidies are being replaced by structural mandates. Understanding this national backbone is essential for leveraging the available benefits while adapting to the “domestic production first” policy shift.
While there is no separate “Bali tax holiday,” the island benefits uniquely from these national rules due to its status as a tourism icon.
The government is using Bali as a showcase for its green economy ambitions. Consequently, projects here often receive priority support and visibility. Aligning with these national targets is the first step toward a secure and profitable venture.
Bali’s EV Policies: Zones and Public Commitments
Bali has taken the national mandate and tailored it to its unique cultural and environmental vision, known as Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali. The provincial government is actively pushing for the gradual replacement of fossil-fuel vehicles, starting with major tourist corridors.
Zones such as Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, and Nusa Dua are prioritized for early adoption, while Nusa Penida is earmarked as a dedicated “green island.”
In January 2026, official meetings between the Bali provincial administration and state electricity company PLN confirmed plans to accelerate EV adoption for government fleets and public transport.
This policy direction signals a future where access to prime tourist areas may be restricted for conventional vehicles, making EV infrastructure investment a necessity for future-proofing transport businesses.
For investors, this creates a clear geography of opportunity. Establishing operations within these designated green zones aligns your business with provincial planning, reducing friction and opening doors to government partnerships.
The message is clear: the future of Bali’s mobility is electric, and the policy framework is being built to enforce it.
Charging Infrastructure: SPKLU and Battery Swaps
The success of the EV ecosystem hinges on robust charging infrastructure, known locally as SPKLU (Public EV Charging Stations) and SPBKLU (Battery Swap Stations).
The regulatory framework for this has been significantly updated by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) Regulation No. 1 of 2023, which replaced the older 2020 rules.
This regulation outlines specific business schemes for investors, ensuring a structured approach to investing in Bali’s charging network.
Investors can choose from three main schemes: the Provider scheme, where you generate and sell electricity directly; the Retailer scheme, where you buy from PLN and resell; and the Cooperation scheme, where you partner with an existing license holder.
Each model requires a specific SPKLU Identity Number and strict compliance with Technical and Safety Standards.
In Bali, PLN serves as the backbone, but there is a massive opening for private investment to fill the gaps, particularly in hospitality settings.
PLN UID Bali has reported that by 2026, total SPKLU units have reached new milestones, with private business entities managing nearly 35% of the network.
While home charging currently dominates energy consumption, the tourism sector needs a dense network of public power ports to support high mobility.
Investment Opportunities and Legal Structures
The legal pathway for foreign investors in the EV sector is well-defined but requires careful navigation. The primary vehicle is the PT PMA (Foreign Owned Company), which allows for 100% foreign ownership in most EV-related sectors, including the distribution and sale of electricity.
Aligning your business classification (KBLI) with your specific model—such as KBLI 35118 for SPKLU operations—is the first step toward a compliant venture.
Opportunities are diverse. Beyond building charging hubs, there is growing demand for battery-powered fleets, green shuttle services, and integrated tourism packages. Under BKPM Regulation No. 5 of 2025, foreign investors must meet a minimum paid-up capital of IDR 2.5 billion, with a total investment commitment of IDR 10 billion per business sector.
The Ministry of Energy explicitly invites private entities to develop charging infrastructure. As a priority tourism region, Bali offers a fertile ground for these investments. By securing the right licenses via the OSS Risk-Based Approach (OSS RBA), foreign investors can tap into a market that is supported by both regulatory push and consumer demand for non-combustion transport.
EVs for Travel, Hospitality, and Villa Operators
For the hospitality sector, integrating electric mobility is no longer just a “nice to have”—it’s a competitive advantage. High-end villas and hotels in Ubud and Canggu are already marketing “eco-transfers” and EV-based tours as premium services.
This alignment with green trends not only attracts eco-conscious guests but also prepares businesses for future zoning restrictions on petrol vehicles.
Villa owners can leverage PLN’s incentives to install on-site charging stations, turning a utility into a revenue-generating amenity. Offering a “charge and stay” package can differentiate a property in a crowded market. Furthermore, partnering with established green transport providers allows smaller operators to offer sustainable shuttles without the heavy capital expenditure of buying vehicles.
The practical implication is clear: if your property is in a designated green zone, you need an EV strategy. Whether it’s installing a wall-box charger for guests or switching your airport shuttle to a battery-powered van, aligning with the island’s mobility vision is essential for long-term relevance.
Real Story: The Green Fleet Pivot in Uluwatu
Marcus thought his fleet of 150cc scooters in Uluwatu was an untouchable cash cow. That changed in late 2025 when he looked at his booking ledger and saw a 30% drop. It wasn’t the season; it was his neighbor.
A new competitor had opened shop down the road with a silent, all-electric fleet, and tourists were voting with their wallets. Marcus realized his “classic” petrol bikes weren’t just noisy—they were becoming obsolete.
By late 2025, however, the market sentiment had shifted. That’s when he used [Your Service Name/Website] to analyze the incentives available for his business pivot.
We helped him identify the specific tax breaks for procuring locally assembled electric scooters and guided him through the licensing process for installing a battery swap station right at his shop.
By leveraging the Retailer scheme, he turned his depot into a charging hub. Today, Marcus’s fleet is 100% electric, his operating costs are down due to lower maintenance, and his “Silent Surf Shuttles” are the most booked ride in Uluwatu. He learned that sustainability was not just a policy goal—it was a luxury product requirement.
Key Risks, Penalties, and Common Mistakes
A major risk in the sector is operating charging hubs open to the public without the correct licenses. Simply plugging a high-voltage charger into a wall and selling electricity is illegal.
Without an IUPTL or a valid cooperation agreement, you violate MEMR regulations and risk hefty administrative fines or even license revocation.
Another common mistake is treating EV tourism as “just vehicle rental.” Running EV tours requires specific tourism transport licenses. Doing this under a general trading PT PMA exposes you to local enforcement and potential closure.
Additionally, relying on rumors about “EV-only” bans can lead to bad timing. While policy is moving that way, immediate blanket bans are not confirmed; the transition is gradual.
Technical non-compliance is also a pitfall. Using non-SNI (Indonesian National Standard) equipment for electricity supply points can lead to safety hazards and license refusal.
Investors must ensure all hardware meets the strict technical standards set by the Ministry of Energy. Avoiding these errors is crucial for a secure and long-term Bali EV charging investment.
Step-by-Step Outline for EV Investors
Investing in Bali’s EV sector requires a methodical approach. Start by defining your business model: are you an infrastructure builder, a fleet operator, or a service provider? This decision dictates your legal structure.
Step 1: Company Setup. Incorporate a PT PMA with the correct KBLI codes. For charging station capital projects in Bali, ensure your investment pledge meets the IDR 10 billion threshold.
Step 2: Licensing. For infrastructure, select your scheme (Provider, Retailer, or Cooperation) and apply for the necessary IUPTL and SPKLU Identity Number via the ESDM portal.
Step 3: Zoning Check. Verify that your proposed location aligns with spatial planning (RTRW). Charging stations in green zones may face specific environmental assessment (AMDAL) requirements.
Step 4: Incentives. Apply for national fiscal incentives where eligible, particularly focusing on equipment that meets TKDN local-content requirements.
Step 5: Operational Rollout. Ensure all equipment is SNI-certified and integrate with platforms like PLN Mobile and Love Bali for visibility.
FAQs about EV Investment in Bali
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Can a foreigner own an EV charging station business in Bali?
Yes, foreign investors can own EV charging businesses through a PT PMA structure, provided they meet the IDR 10 billion investment capital requirement and obtain the correct Integrated or Sales IUPTL.
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What is the main incentive for Bali EV charging investment?
The primary incentives are national fiscal benefits, including import duty exemptions and VAT relief for equipment meeting TKDN standards, though broad VAT discounts for car buyers are transitioning to supply-side mandates in 2026.
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Do I need a special license to install a charger at my villa?
For private use by guests (free), no special license is usually needed beyond standard building permits. However, if you sell the electricity as a public service, you must obtain an SPKLU Identity Number.
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Are there specific zones where only EVs are allowed in Bali?
Currently, zones like Nusa Penida, Ubud, and Sanur are prioritized for green mobility, but strict "EV-only" mandates are being implemented gradually through local spatial planning.
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Can I import EV chargers from overseas?
Yes, but they must meet Indonesian National Standards (SNI) and adhere to the Combined Charging System (CCS) or other approved connector standards.
