PLN, Hyundai Kefico Collaborate to Develop Battery Swapping Station for Electric Motorcycle

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State power company PT PLN (Persero) is collaborating with Hyundai Kefico and Consortiums to develop Battery Swapping Station for Motorcycles (SPBKLU). The pilot project took place in Bali, with Hyundai Kefico providing 50 motorcycles for PLN’s operation during the G20 Summit. This collaboration also includes the installation of SPBKLU in accordance with the agreement. 

Head of the Bali Transportation Agency I Gde Wayan Samsi Gunarta, explained that Bali is actively encouraging the use of electric vehicles. He added that PLN, the private sector, and the government must work together to build an EV ecosystem. 

"Right now people are still hesitant in buying electric vehicles, including where to repair damaged vehicles. So it is necessary to develop a labeling concept to provide certainty and security to consumers in purchasing electric vehicles," Gunarta said. 

Hyundai Kefico ASEAN Region Control Office General Manager Jay Un Chun said that collaboration between governments and companies in Indonesia is needed to create a business model that is able to boost the EV ecosystem. 

"Within 3 months the proof of concept trial is expected to provide results as expected. We want to provide better performance in terms of quality and safety through our products," Jay said. 

Chun revealed that Bali was chosen as the best place to create an EV ecosystem, not only for its population growth but also for various forms of business models that support tourism. 

PLN Retail Regional Java, Madura, and Bali Vice President Abdul Farid said this proof of concept is the beginning of electric motorcycles gaining popularity in public. 

"This event is very strategic, this is a trial activity that is intended to support the ecosystem of electric vehicles, especially two-wheeled vehicles so that it can be accepted in public because this electric motorcycle segment certainly requires a more competitive price," said Farid during the opening ceremony. 

Farid added that currently, the problem with electric motors is the battery capacity and range. On average, electric motorcycles can travel 100-500 kilometers, even up to 1.000 kilometers on one charge. But pricing is still an obstacle. 

"Making a motorcycle that can reach 100-200 kilometers on one charge is possible, but not necessarily feasible in terms of price. This trial activity is hoped to be able to answer this challenge, of course with the support of technology, particularly battery swaps, so that it becomes a solution," Farid explained. 

Farid also hopes that the development of electric motors will later be able to answer public doubts, and from the proof of concept trial, will provide the best formula. 

The SPBKLUs are located in several PLN’s offices such as PLN UID Bali office; PLN ULP Denpasar on Jl. PB Sudirman, Denpasar; BUMN House on Jl. Raya Sesetan; PLN Pusharlis on Jl. Gn Mandalawangi; PLN Yantek Sanur Office on Jl. Danau Poso; PLN ULP Kuta on Jl. Sunset Road; PLN Tangkuban Perahu Official Residence; PLN Canggu Guard Office on Jl. Kayu Tulang; PLN Yantek Kuta on Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai; and PLN Nusa Dua on Jl. Taman Giri. *)

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