Don’t just buy an electric car! Know the battery range and charging system first

Electric Car: Pay attention to these two important things before buying

Electric cars are now one of the biggest trends in the automotive world. Modern design, lower operational costs, and government support make it more in demand. However, there are two important things that potential buyers often overlook: battery range and charging systems. Here’s the explanation.

Battery Range: Don’t Get Stuck in the Brochure

Each electric car has a different mileage, depending on the battery capacity and the efficiency of the electric motor. For example, a car with a 50 kWh battery can cover about 300 km, while a 80 kWh battery can reach a distance of between 450 to 500 km.

However, this figure can change drastically depending on the driving style, road conditions, and the use of features such as air conditioning or lights. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the car’s reach is in line with your daily needs.

If you only drive in the city with a round-trip distance of about 30 to 50 km, then an electric car with a small battery is enough. However, if you often travel between cities, it is advisable to choose a car with a longer range so you don’t worry about running out of power in the middle of the road.

Charging System: Get to know the infrastructure in your area

Before buying an electric car, first make sure the availability of the SPKLU (Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station) in your area. Although the charging infrastructure in Indonesia continues to grow, it has not been evenly distributed in all regions.

For big cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, or Surabaya, SPKLU is available in various places such as rest areas, malls, to gas stations. However, in small towns or remote areas, its availability is still limited.

The solution, you can consider charging at home. But make sure your home’s electric power is sufficient at least 2,200 VA for slow charging, and 7,700 VA or more if you want fast charging.

Charging Time: Understand the type of charger

There are several types of chargers that are commonly used:

• Slow Charging (AC): The charging process takes about 6 to 10 hours, suitable for filling the night at home.
• Fast Charging (DC): It only takes 30 to 60 minutes to reach 80% power, but it is usually only available in large SPKlu.

Understand your needs: Do you have enough time to charge at home, or do you need fast charging more often when traveling far?

Cost and efficiency considerations

The charging cost of electric cars is clearly cheaper than fuel oil (BBM). On average, it only costs around Rp. 30,000 to Rp. 60,000 for a distance of 300 km.

However, the cost of installing a personal charger and upgrading electrical power can add to the initial expenses. Therefore, it is necessary to consider carefully.

Buying an electric car is not just a trend, but a smart decision that needs careful calculations. Understand the battery range, check the availability of charging infrastructure, and adjust it to your daily mobility pattern. That way, you can enjoy the experience of driving electricity without worrying about running out of power on the road.