Not Just Batteries: Tyres Also Determine Electric Vehicle Efficiency During Long-Distance Travel
Jakarta — Long-distance Lebaran holiday travel with electric vehicles presents unique challenges, particularly in maintaining energy efficiency over extended journeys. Heavy traffic on major routes such as the Trans Java Toll Road can significantly increase vehicle energy consumption.
PT Jasa Marga projects approximately 3.6 million vehicles will depart the Greater Jakarta area during the 2026 Lebaran holiday period, with peak exodus anticipated on 18 March 2026.
Under these conditions, electric vehicle users must not only monitor the availability of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (SPKLU), but also ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition to maintain battery efficiency.
PT Hankook Tire Sales Indonesia identifies one frequently overlooked factor: tyre condition. This component directly influences electric vehicle energy efficiency.
Apriyanto Yuwono, National Sales Manager for Passenger Car Radial at PT Hankook Tire Sales Indonesia, explains that electric vehicles have different characteristics compared to conventional petrol-powered vehicles, primarily due to the large battery weight and instant torque.
“Incorrect tyres and those not specifically designed for electric vehicles will drain battery energy. If battery efficiency begins to decline or tyre noise becomes louder, this signals that rolling resistance is no longer optimal,” Yuwono stated.
According to him, this condition forces the vehicle to work harder to turn the wheels, resulting in higher battery energy consumption, particularly when encountering heavy traffic or stop-and-go conditions on motorways.
Besides selecting appropriate tyres, electric vehicle drivers are advised to inspect tyre condition before undertaking long journeys. Inspections should be conducted several weeks prior to departure, examining tread condition, tyre pressure, and wear levels.
Correct tyre pressure in accordance with manufacturer recommendations is important to maintain balanced vehicle load distribution. This becomes especially critical when the vehicle carries more passengers and luggage during holiday travel.
Beyond energy efficiency, cabin comfort is also an important factor for long-distance travel. On electric vehicles without engine noise, road surface noise transmitted through tyres can be more noticeable inside the cabin.
Yuwono noted that using tyres specifically designed for electric vehicles can help reduce noise whilst maintaining vehicle energy efficiency.
“With tyres designed specifically for electric vehicles, drivers can achieve better energy efficiency whilst enjoying comfort during long-distance travel,” he said.
He added that thorough vehicle preparation will help ensure holiday journeys are safer and more comfortable, particularly when facing lengthy distances and heavy traffic conditions.