Electric Vehicles Deemed Safer on Mountain Roads, Here's Why

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The popularity of electric vehicles in Indonesia has been steadily rising over the past few years. No longer viewed merely as vehicles of the future, battery-based cars are now a preferred choice for many consumers due to their modern technology, lower operating costs, and minimal emissions. Gaikindo data even shows that sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the first quarter of 2026 reached 33,150 units, up 95.9 percent from the same period last year, which recorded 16,926 units. Founder of EVSafe and lecturer at the National Battery Research Institute (NBRI), Mahaendra Gofar, stated that this technology allows electric vehicles to have better control when traversing long descents or ascents. “Regenerative braking provides better control on inclines and long descents, while simultaneously recharging the battery,” Gofar told Kompas.com on Friday (8/5/2026). Unlike conventional vehicles that rely entirely on mechanical brakes, the regenerative braking system in EVs enables the electric motor to assist in slowing the vehicle when the accelerator pedal is released. The deceleration energy is then converted into electricity to recharge the battery. According to Gofar, this condition makes electric vehicles more stable when passing long downhill roads, as drivers do not need to press the brake pedal too frequently. The risk of the brakes overheating or experiencing brake fading can also be reduced. In addition, the characteristic of electric vehicles with a low centre of gravity further supports the vehicle’s stability. The battery’s position under the floor creates a more even weight distribution compared to conventional engine vehicles. “The low centre of gravity thanks to the battery under the floor makes the stability and handling of electric vehicles better,” said Gofar. This advantage is considered important, especially when vehicles traverse winding routes in mountainous areas. The vehicle becomes less prone to swaying and feels more stable when manoeuvring. On the other hand, the development of charging infrastructure also makes the use of EVs for inter-city travel increasingly realistic. “Long trips like Jakarta to Surabaya should already be sufficient and very feasible with electric vehicles at this time,” he said.