The development of electric cars in Indonesia is rapidly accelerating. From being just a trend to a new lifestyle, these environmentally friendly vehicles are increasingly being sought after for two main reasons: lower operating costs and, of course, their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Now, the selection of electric cars in Indonesia is also increasingly diverse. There are at least four types of electric cars in the world, and three of them can already be found in the Indonesian automotive market. So, to avoid confusion, let's discuss each type, complete with how they work and their advantages.

1. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

When talking about pure electric cars, this is it: BEV. This car relies entirely on batteries as its power source without any gasoline engine at all. Energy is stored in the battery, then recharged via an external electrical outlet.

The way it works is simple. DC electricity from the battery is converted into AC via an inverter, then the electric motor works to drive the wheels. Since there is no combustion process, BEVs produce zero exhaust emissions.

Examples of BEVs that are already popular on Indonesian roads? There's the compact Wuling Air ev, plus the Hyundai Ioniq, which is supported by government subsidies.

2. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

For those who are still hesitant to leave gasoline engines behind, there are HEVs, also known as hybrid cars. This type of car combines a gasoline engine (ICE) and an electric motor. Both can work together to drive the wheels.

The cool thing is that HEVs have a regenerative braking feature. So when the car brakes or slows down, the energy that would normally be wasted as heat can be converted back into electricity to charge the battery. As a result, fuel consumption is more efficient than conventional cars.

However, it should be noted that unlike BEVs, HEV batteries cannot be charged via an electrical outlet. They only charge themselves through the engine and braking.

3. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

If you want a hybrid but still want to be able to charge the battery like a pure electric car, the answer is PHEV.

PHEVs have a gasoline engine plus an electric motor with a larger battery than HEVs. These cars can be used in full electric mode for short distances, then automatically switch to hybrid mode for long trips. They are very flexible for those who need efficiency but also don't want to worry about charging stations on long trips.

4. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

This is the most futuristic type of electric car: the FCEV. Instead of using a large battery or gasoline, it uses a hydrogen fuel cell. The process involves mixing hydrogen with oxygen, which is then converted into electricity to power the electric motor. Emissions? Only water vapor.

The advantage of FCEVs is that they can travel farther than BEVs, plus they are highly environmentally friendly. The challenge? Hydrogen infrastructure in Indonesia is still far from ready.

Towards a Green Automotive Future

Each type of electric car has its own characteristics and challenges. Just choose according to your needs: whether you want to go all-in on electric power right away, or start with a hybrid first for the transition.

What is clear is that this trend is unstoppable. The Indonesian automotive industry will become even more exciting with the arrival of various electric vehicle technologies that make driving more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Mengenal 4 Jenis Mobil Listrik dan Cara Kerjanya

Perkembangan mobil listrik di Indonesia lagi ngebut banget. Dari sekadar tren jadi gaya hidup baru, kendaraan ramah lingkungan ini makin dilirik karena dua alasan utama: biaya operasional yang lebih hemat dan tentu saja, kontribusinya buat mengurangi emisi gas rumah kaca.

Sekarang, pilihan mobil listrik di Tanah Air juga makin beragam. Setidaknya ada empat jenis mobil listrik yang beredar di dunia, dan tiga di antaranya sudah bisa kita temui di pasar otomotif Indonesia. Nah, biar nggak bingung, yuk kita bahas satu per satu jenisnya, lengkap dengan cara kerja dan keunggulannya.

1. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

Kalau ngomongin mobil listrik murni, ya inilah dia: BEV. Mobil ini sepenuhnya mengandalkan baterai sebagai sumber tenaga tanpa ada mesin bensin sama sekali. Energi disimpan di baterai, terus diisi ulang lewat colokan listrik eksternal.

Cara kerjanya simpel. Listrik DC dari baterai diubah jadi AC lewat inverter, lalu motor listrik pun bekerja menggerakkan roda. Karena nggak ada proses pembakaran, mobil BEV sama sekali nggak menghasilkan emisi gas buang.

Contoh BEV yang udah ramai di jalanan Indonesia? Ada Wuling Air ev yang ringkas, plus Hyundai Ioniq yang dapat dukungan subsidi pemerintah.

2. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

Buat yang masih setengah hati ninggalin mesin bensin, ada HEV alias mobil hybrid. Mobil jenis ini gabungan antara mesin bensin (ICE) dan motor listrik. Keduanya bisa kerja bareng untuk menggerakkan roda.

Kerennya, HEV punya fitur pengereman regeneratif. Jadi saat mobil ngerem atau melambat, energi yang biasanya kebuang jadi panas bisa diubah lagi jadi listrik buat isi baterai. Efeknya, konsumsi BBM jadi lebih irit dibanding mobil konvensional.

Tapi perlu dicatat, beda sama BEV, baterai HEV nggak bisa di-charge lewat colokan listrik. Dia hanya ngisi sendiri lewat mesin dan pengereman.

3. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Nah, kalau pengin rasa hybrid tapi tetap bisa nge-charge baterai kayak mobil listrik murni, jawabannya PHEV.

PHEV punya mesin bensin plus motor listrik dengan baterai lebih besar dari HEV. Mobil ini bisa dipakai full listrik untuk jarak pendek, terus otomatis pindah ke mode hybrid buat perjalanan jauh. Fleksibel banget buat yang butuh efisiensi tapi juga nggak mau repot mikirin charging station di perjalanan jauh.

4. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)

Ini jenis mobil listrik yang paling futuristis: FCEV. Bukan pakai baterai besar atau BBM, tapi pakai sel bahan bakar hidrogen. Prosesnya, hidrogen dicampur oksigen, terus diubah jadi listrik buat menggerakkan motor listrik. Emisinya? Hanya berupa uap air.

Keunggulan FCEV adalah jarak tempuhnya bisa lebih jauh dibanding BEV, plus ramah lingkungan tingkat tinggi. Tantangannya? Infrastruktur hidrogen di Indonesia masih jauh dari siap.

Menuju Masa Depan Otomotif Hijau

Masing-masing jenis mobil listrik punya karakteristik dan tantangan sendiri. Tinggal pilih sesuai kebutuhan: mau langsung all-in ke listrik penuh, atau mulai dari hybrid dulu buat transisi.

Yang jelas, tren ini sudah nggak bisa dibendung lagi. Industri otomotif Indonesia bakal makin seru dengan hadirnya berbagai teknologi kendaraan listrik yang bikin berkendara lebih efisien sekaligus ramah lingkungan.