Electric Vehicles on Ferries: Battery Levels Should Not Be Full
The increasing population of electric vehicles in Indonesia has brought transport safety aspects on ferry crossings into focus. It may not be widely known that electric vehicles crossing via ferry are advised to maintain a specific battery state of charge (SoC) as part of risk mitigation measures during the voyage.
The Corporate Secretary of PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero), Windy Andale, explained that the company refers to safety guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Sea Transportation. “In these guidelines, electric vehicle users are informed that the battery charge condition should be within the 30–50 per cent range when the vehicle boards the ship as part of risk mitigation steps,” said Windy.
PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persio) is a State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) operating in ferry services and port management. The guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Sea Transportation contain several safety provisions for electric vehicles using ferry transport. This measure is intended to minimise the risk of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries during the journey.
However, as of now, ASDP has not yet implemented specific rules that strictly limit the battery capacity of electric vehicles during crossings. Users are encouraged to follow safety guidelines by maintaining battery levels between 30-50 per cent and complying with crew instructions while on board.
In addition to the battery charging guidance, ASDP has implemented several operational procedures to enhance the safety of electric vehicles during voyages. Electric vehicles are placed in a designated area to facilitate easier monitoring and provide quicker access for crew members should emergency handling be required. “This area is also equipped with special markings to support safety and ease of monitoring during the voyage,” Windy added.
This initiative is part of ongoing risk mitigation efforts as the number of electric cars and motorcycles using ferry services continues to grow. Several countries and international maritime organisations are currently conducting studies regarding the best procedures for handling electric vehicles on ships. “In the future, ASDP will continue to follow developments in global regulations, electric vehicle technology, and operational evaluation results to support the refinement of service and safety standards,” concluded Windy.