From Conventional to Electric: What New Users Need to Know
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The development of electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia is considered to not yet be fully matched by user readiness. A lack of understanding of the characteristics and features of electric vehicles is said to be one of the factors that often triggers misperceptions in society, especially when incidents occur on the road.
Founder and Training Director of Jakarta Defensive Driving Consulting (JDDC), Jusri Pulubuhu, believes that the Indonesian public’s adaptation pattern to new technology still tends to be instant. Many users do not study the features thoroughly, instead relying on old habits from using conventional vehicles.
“EVs are a new technology after we have known vehicles based on combustion engines,” Jusri told CNBC Indonesia recently.
In Indonesia, electric vehicles in circulation must also undergo a homologation process before being marketed. This process includes meeting electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) standards, which refer to international regulations such as UNECE R10 (European standard) and AIS-004, which is also applied in India.
Through these standards, all of the vehicle’s electrical and electronic systems—from the PCU/VCU/ECU, Battery Management System (BMS), inverter, motor, to the CAN communication system—are tested to ensure they have resistance to external electromagnetic interference, keep electromagnetic emissions within safe limits, and are able to operate normally in various real-world conditions.
Testing is even carried out by simulating environmental exposure to strong electromagnetic sources, such as electric railway lines, high-voltage transmission networks, substations, and industrial areas.
Thus, vehicles that have passed certification and obtained a distribution permit are in principle declared safe from electromagnetic interference under general conditions, and will not experience disturbances such as sudden shutdowns merely due to common electromagnetic exposure, including at railway crossings.
In the case of a vehicle stopping on a railway track that occurred some time ago, for example, the cause has been proven to be unrelated to the EV’s safety system.
Jusri emphasised that the notion regarding the influence of magnetic fields on railway tracks on electric vehicles is a myth unsupported by scientific research.
“There is an assumption that the magnetic field on railway tracks can disturb vehicles. Based on various studies, it is not strong enough to disrupt vehicle systems, whether conventional or electric cars,” he explained.
Jusri instead appreciated the driver’s action of choosing to save themselves rather than trying to save the vehicle.
“The decision to get out of the vehicle and save oneself was correct. Life safety must be the top priority,” he stressed.
He also reminded that every vehicle has its weaknesses, including EVs, but these risks can be minimised if the user has adequate understanding.
“Every vehicle has its weaknesses. But they can be minimised if the user has awareness and understands their vehicle’s characteristics,” Jusri concluded.