INVI and Trans Semarang Launch Electric City Bus Operational Trial Across Various City Service Corridors
PT Energi Makmur Buana (INVI), in collaboration with Trans Semarang, has launched the Operational Trial of Electric Buses as part of efforts to strengthen the readiness of electric-based public transportation in the City of Semarang.
In this program, INVI introduces electric buses under the HIGER brand, a global bus manufacturer with extensive international experience in developing electric commercial vehicles. The presence of HIGER through INVI reflects a commitment to delivering electric vehicle solutions supported by integrated operational systems and after-sales services in Indonesia.
The operational trial is conducted with real passengers across several existing Trans Semarang service corridors, aiming to evaluate vehicle feasibility, operational performance, and readiness for integration into various urban transportation service characteristics.
The trial implementation covers main BRT corridors, feeder routes, and night services, providing a comprehensive overview of electric city bus operations under different conditions. For primary service, the trial is conducted on the Mangkang – Penggaron route.
The launch series began with vehicle roadworthiness testing at the Semarang City Transportation Agency, followed by the signing of a cooperation agreement and a flag-off ceremony marking the start of the trial journey along city service corridors. This entire series demonstrates the readiness of the HIGER electric bus system introduced by INVI to support real-world public transportation operations.
Beyond vehicle readiness, the trial also emphasizes the importance of after-sales services as a critical factor in public transport operations. INVI ensures technical support through certified mechanics and authorized workshops that meet HIGER Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards, supported by spare parts availability and the implementation of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards to maintain daily operational reliability.
The President Director of PT Energi Makmur Buana, Alif Sasetyo, stated that this trial marks an important phase before broader implementation.
“Through operational trials across various corridors, we aim to ensure that electric buses can adapt to diverse service needs, in terms of capacity, operational patterns, and service hours.”
As part of its long-term commitment to the sustainability of the national electric vehicle industry, INVI has also initiated plans for local assembly through a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) scheme. This will be carried out by PT Invi Manufaktur Andalan Indonesia (IMAI), with operations targeted to begin in 2027. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the ecosystem, increase local content, and support the sustainable growth of electric-based public transportation in Indonesia.
Through this city bus operational trial, it is expected that comprehensive insights will be gained from operational, regulatory, and user experience perspectives, forming the foundation for the broader and more sustainable development of electric public transportation services in Semarang.
