Standardizing Plugs and Sockets to Accelerate Adoption of Electric Two-Wheeled Vehicles

 The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) continues to strengthen its role in supporting the national electric vehicle ecosystem. The Head of BRIN's Electrical Technology Research Center, Eka Rahman Priandana, explained the importance of standardizing plugs and sockets as a key component in accelerating the adoption of battery-based electric two-wheeled vehicles in Indonesia.

Eka explained that one of the main obstacles to electric vehicle adoption, both globally and nationally, is limited charging infrastructure, high battery costs, and user concerns about range anxiety. In Indonesia, these challenges are exacerbated by limited investment in battery swapping and fast charging infrastructure.

"Currently, there are three challenges facing electric vehicles: the limited infrastructure for charging stations, the high cost of batteries, and the concern about long-distance driving due to the limited availability of charging stations," Eka explained during the BRIN Researcher Class Edition XIV program, broadcast on BRIN Indonesia's YouTube channel on Wednesday (April 1).

He highlighted the challenges faced by the growing battery swapping business model, which faces various obstacles, ranging from high investment requirements to profit-sharing schemes with electricity providers. On the other hand, technological trends indicate a shift toward two-wheeled electric vehicles with large-capacity embedded batteries (long-range), which require reliable fast charging infrastructure.

"Interoperability is key. Without uniform plug and socket standards, the charging ecosystem will not develop optimally," said Eka.

To address this challenge, BRIN initiated the development of a national standard (SNI) for two-wheeled electric vehicle (KBLBB) fast charging plugs and sockets. The proposed design refers to the international standard IEC 62196-6, but with local adaptations.

Interestingly, the physical design of the plug is inspired by the shield of the Pancasila symbol, representing national identity and emphasizing that this technology is the work of the nation's children.

This standardization is expected to provide various strategic benefits, including increasing compatibility between devices, encouraging investment in public electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU), and strengthening the domestic component content (TKDN). Furthermore, this approach also allows vehicle manufacturers to innovate without having to standardize battery designs.

BRIN has also developed a prototype two-wheeled fast charging station, the SONIK R2, with a charging capacity of up to 6.6 kW. This technology can significantly reduce charging time, even to 20 minutes for LiFePO4-based batteries. The system is equipped with various safety features and supports integration with international protocol-based management systems.

In its implementation, this charging system utilizes an electric vehicle charge controller (EVCC) to bridge various battery communication protocols from various manufacturers, thereby ensuring interoperability.

Currently, the proposed plug and socket standard is being discussed with the National Standardization Agency (BSN) through the relevant Technical Committee. BRIN is also actively coordinating with various stakeholders, including ministries, industry associations, and private partners.

Going forward, the main challenge lies in the mandatory implementation of this national standard by electric vehicle manufacturers in Indonesia, as well as efforts to encourage its adoption at the international level.

Through this initiative, BRIN affirms its commitment to promoting sustainable energy and transportation transformation based on research and innovation, in order to accelerate the realization of an integrated and competitive national electric vehicle ecosystem.