Semarang, Politeknik Negeri Semarang (Polines) continues to support the development of the electric vehicle ecosystem in Indonesia. In collaboration with PT Braja Elektrik Motor, Polines now provides motor vehicle conversion services from fuel oil (BBM) to electricity for the general public.
The soft launching of the motor conversion service from fuel to electricity itself was carried out in conjunction with the Car Free Day (CFD) event at the Pancasila Simpang Lima Semarang Field Area, Central Java on Sunday (6-10-2024). In addition to introducing the fuel to electricity vehicle conversion service to the wider community, the event was also for education about electric vehicles by displaying two converted vehicles that could be tried by the general public.
The person in charge of converting fuel-powered motorbikes to electric, Polines, Ahmad Hamim Su'udy, said that the fuel-powered motorbike conversion service to electric is carried out at the Polines Mechanical Engineering workshop. This service has actually been started since several years ago, even this fuel-powered motorbike conversion service workshop has served vehicle conversion orders from PLN Pekanbaru, Riau.
"Usually we open conversion services for CSR programs, for example, and currently we are also opening services for people who want to convert their vehicles from fuel to electricity," said Ahmad Hamim.
The service of converting fuel-based vehicles to electric, continued Ahmad Hamim, involves an industrial partner, namely PT Braja Elektrik Motor, Surabaya, which is responsible for taking care of various administrative needs related to its electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Polines is working on the technical aspects of converting its vehicles.
"In our workshop, we also involve technicians and students with guidance or direction from lecturers of course so that this service can be a project-based learning for students," Ahmad Hamim added.
The cost of converting fuel-based vehicles to electric vehicles itself currently ranges between Rp9-10 million with subsidies from the government. However, without subsidies, the conversion cost can reach Rp19 million.
Enthusiastic Citizens
The public's enthusiasm for electric vehicles is apparently quite large. This is evidenced by the many people who asked and tried riding electric bikes in the soft launch held by Polines.
One of those who tried and was interested in converting his BBM motorbike was Bagus. He said that electric vehicles attracted him because they were quiet, environmentally friendly, and the vehicle tax was cheaper than BBM motorbikes.
"Earlier I tried to turn it and it was smooth and comfortable. I'm interested in converting a BBM motorbike to an electric vehicle," he said.
Bagus hopes that electric vehicles can be more widespread and affordable for the community. He said this could be tried first in government agencies as a pilot.
Ahmad Hamim admitted that the soft launch event for the fuel-powered motorbike conversion service to electric, which is part of the 2024 Matching Fund program, is aimed at educating residents about electric vehicles.
"Moreover, in this CFD activity, various ages participate, so we also want young people to be more familiar with converting vehicles from fuel to electricity," he said.
Ahmad Hamim said that the activities he carried out were a form of support for the Indonesian government which targeted 13 million BBM vehicles to be converted to electricity. Electric vehicles, according to him, reduce the problem of BBM motors, namely contributing emissions. According to him, this activity is also a series of downstream and commercialization processes for electric vehicles, especially conversion.
"We know that the (Indonesian) government also wants to achieve net zero emissions by 2060. It is only right that electric vehicles like this become a trend in society," he added.
In the event, in addition to displaying two converted vehicles, Polines also distributed stickers and flyers to the public about electric vehicle conversion. (Polines/Nan/Cecep)
Source: vocational.kemdikbud.go.id