NTB Launches First Electric Boat in Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) launched a locally-made electronic boat, or e-boat in Senggigi, Lombok, Tuesday, December 28. The launching was led by the NTB secretary Lalu Gita Ariadi in tandem with state-owned electricity PLN regional office general manager Lasiran.

The small and medium industry (IKM) team led by Muhammad Kamil successfully developed a fiberglass e-boat measuring 7.5 meters long, two meters wide, and 2.25 meters high. The battery-powered boat uses an AC motor engine and is capable of producing 20 kilowatts of power.

“The electric power is supported by an assembled lithium battery that generates 96 volts 500 Ampere,” said Kamil.

Equipped with three features, namely a smart wireless key, auto-balancing system, and a black box, the boat’s charging process could use a three-phase battery charger with a minimum power of 7,700 VA.

“That charging takes two hours. But if using home power or one-phase [battery charger], it will take eight hours,” Kamil explained.

The full battery power could be used for approximately two hours at sea or eight trips from Senggigi to Gili Trawangan.

According to Lasiran, developing an electric vehicle ecosystem is highly challenging as it requires huge investment and in-depth studies. He underlined that the e-boat is a form of PLN’s commitment to the development of electric vehicles, which includes the electrifying marine program. 

Read: Jokowi Eyeing to Develop Electric Vehicle Ecosystem in Indonesia

SUPRIYANTHO KHAFID