Electric Vehicle Charging System

Electric cars are indeed not commonly found in our society. However, in ten years, we will see many electric cars operating on the main roads. One of the reasons why many people have not yet considered electric cars is the fact that the charging infrastructure for electric cars is not as widespread as gas stations.

The electric car charging system is a "fuel" charging system for electric cars that requires significant investment. Although it is possible to charge electric cars at home, you should know that the minimum requirement for charging is 2200 VA.

Electric Car Charging System at PLN's SPKLU

Because it is quite difficult to find available SPKLU, you need to search for it through Google Maps. Sometimes it is also inaccurate, as the SPKLU may be closed.

To address this, PLN has initiated the creation of an application called Charge.IN that can help you find the nearest available SPKLU to your location. So how does the electric car charging system work? Here are the steps.

1. Install the Charge.IN application. You can download it from the Play Store or App Store.
2. After that, register an account in the application. Don't forget to verify your data as well.
3. Link your Charge.IN account with LinkAja. This is important for future payments.
4. Then start searching for the nearest SPKLU using the Charge.IN application.
5. Head to the SPKLU.
6. Once you arrive at the SPKLU, choose whether to charge using the regular or fast charging option.
7. Then select the Gun that matches your electric car type.
8. Tap the NFC card for authentication.
9. Scan the QR Code with the Charge.IN application to set how many kWh of charging you will do. After that, you will be shown the cost you need to pay.
10. Pay the fee using LinkAja.
11. The electric charging process will take place. Wait until the process is complete.

Comparison of Charging Electric Cars at Home and SPKLU

According to those who have tried charging electric cars at home and at the Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU), there are several advantages and disadvantages that you can experience.

Advantages of Charging at Home

The advantages you can gain by charging your electric car battery at home include:

1. You do not need to search around for an open and available SPKLU.
2. It is very suitable if the battery percentage is low and you are at home.
3. You can charge anytime and leave it while you sleep.

Disadvantages of Charging at Home

The disadvantages are as follows:

1. You need to buy a connector tool to connect the home electrical outlet and the car charger Gun.
2. The process takes a long time, around 17 hours.
3. Your electricity bill may increase.

Advantages of Charging at SPKLU

Unlike charging at home, there are more advantages to charging at SPKLU. Here are some of the advantages:

1. Faster. For regular charging mode, it takes about 3-4 hours. However, for fast charging mode, it can take around 1 hour.
2. Cheaper prices because it is currently subsidized. For 37 kWh, it only costs around 50 thousand.
3. Some SPKLU are close to malls and cafes. You can park your car to charge while shopping or relaxing at a cafe.

Disadvantages of Charging at SPKLU

Currently, there are some disadvantages when you charge your electric car at SPKLU.

1. The number of SPKLU is still relatively few, although there are already thousands of SPKLU across Indonesia. However, in the next 10 years, this will no longer be a disadvantage.
2. The cost of charging electric cars is currently still subsidized. Next year, it may increase.

For other SPKLU, the procedures are almost the same. However, the payment process may differ. How about that? Easy, right?

Author: Iskael