Benefits of Electric Commercial Vehicles

ECVs (Electric Commercial Vehicles) are electrically powered vehicles like trucks, vans, or buses used for commercial purposes such as transporting goods or passengers.

The primary focus on why the electric vehicle market, especially in the transportation industry worldwide, keeps growing is due to the advantages of electric commercial vehicles, which are cheaper, more efficient, and eco-friendly. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), sales of electric vehicles are projected to increase by 40-45% by 2030.

To delve deeper into the potential of these vehicles, let’s discuss the benefits of electric commercial vehicles, especially for the transportation industry.

Benefits of Electric Commercial Vehicles

There are several advantages of electric commercial vehicles that traditional vehicles lack. Here’s why: 

1. Positive Environmental Impact

Electric commercial vehicles use fuel from renewable energy sources, such as rechargeable batteries, making them more environmentally friendly than vehicles fueled by fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources can be replenished, while fossil fuels deplete with continuous use.

2. Operational Efficiency and Operating Costs

Another advantage of electric commercial vehicles is their lower operating and maintenance costs compared to fossil fuel vehicles. While maintenance is still necessary to ensure maximum performance, the components of electric commercial vehicles make maintenance more affordable and less frequent than conventional diesel vehicles.

3. Contribution to Emission Regulations

Electric vehicles don’t have exhaust pipes, so harmful gases like nitrogen oxides (NO) from combustion are not produced. This not only positively impacts air cleanliness but also human health.

Challenges and Barriers of Electric Commercial Vehicles

Despite the numerous benefits of electric vehicles, they also face challenges and barriers. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Limited Charging Infrastructure

The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in Indonesia is still very limited. Based on data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) in 2023, there are approximately 932 Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (PEVCS) scattered across Indonesia. This number doesn’t match the 20,414 electric vehicles operating in the country.

2. High Production Costs

Although electric vehicles have lower maintenance costs, their initial selling prices tend to be high due to production costs, primarily battery expenses accounting for 70-75% of the total. This poses a financial challenge for companies aiming to use electric-powered vehicles.

3. Public Acceptance and Awareness

In addition to the two challenges above, safety issues also loom large for the public. Many people are afraid of vehicles exploding or running out of battery in the middle of the road. These reasons contribute to the limited acceptance of this type of vehicle by the public.

Implementation of Electric Commercial Vehicles in Various Industries

With their environmental advantages, electric vehicles are increasingly being used in various industries such as logistics, construction, city maintenance, and public transportation.

One Indonesian company actively embracing electric vehicles’ benefits is Indika Energy through INVI Indonesia. Through collaborations with vehicle manufacturers and technology companies, INVI has successfully launched environmentally friendly electric-powered commercial vehicle products.

Through such collaborations, INVI aims to expedite the development and adoption of electric commercial vehicles while fostering an ecosystem supporting the growth of various industries in Indonesia.