Astra Daihatsu Motor has unveiled the Daihatsu Ayla EV Concept at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2022 at BSD City just outside of Jakarta. Yup, this showcar’s concept is as straightforward as its name – this is a battery-powered version of the Daihatsu Ayla, which is of course the Indonesian sister to our Perodua Axia. There’s also a Toyota-badged version called Agya.
Built by ADM at its R&D centre in
Indonesia, the Ayla EV Concept swaps out the regular Low Cost Green Car’s 1.2
litre 3NR-VE four-cylinder engine and gearbox (Ayla is available with 5MT or
4AT), fuel tank and spare tyre for an electric powertrain. The latter is a
combo of a 60 kW (80 hp) electric motor and a 32 kWh EV battery. No further
details are given. Daihatsu says that it also fitted the Ayla EV Concept with
stronger suspension. This is likely due to the electric version weighing a fair
bit more than the original ICE car, as EVs always do. ADM also worked on the
car’s underbody. They didn’t elaborate, but perhaps it’s a smooth,
fully-covered underbody for safety and aerodynamics.
Looks wise, the familiar Ayla/Axia shape
is apparent on this silver-black showcar, but with a closed-off front end
typical of EVs, as they don’t need so much cooling. We also see LED light bars
that go all the way to the logo, camera-style wing mirrors, a digital meter panel and twin-bar LED tail
lamps. Aero two-tone wheels, too.
However, it’s a sign of intent from Daihatsu-Perodua,
proving that EVs are indeed in their long-term plans for our region. “By
exhibiting these vehicles, Daihatsu will convey its approach of promoting the
sustainable spread of practical electrified vehicles to visitors. It will also
communicate its corporate commitment to contributing to the realisation of
carbon neutrality in Indonesia,” Daihatsu said.
