As the population increases, the need for vehicles also escalates. Unfortunately, according to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the transportation sector contributes to 44% of air pollution in Indonesia. 

That’s why many vehicle alternatives have emerged, such as cycling and riding electric cars. Talking about electric cars, this alternative has many benefits for the drivers and the environment. Then, what are the benefits of electric vehicles? Below is the complete explanation!

Benefits of Electric Cars for the Drivers

Electric cars provide drivers with many advantages, such as instant torque and cost-effective maintenance costs. Some benefits of electric cars for the drivers are as follows:

1. Instant Torque

The first benefit is that electric cars have instant torque. Different from conventional cars that can reach the peak torque on certain engine rotations, electric cars can reach the peak when you activate the accelerator. 

As a result, it feels like your car is more agile and faster during stop-and-go conditions. This responsive acceleration also makes your riding smoother and more convenient. 

2. More Cost-Effective Operational and Maintenance Costs

Electric cars have fewer components compared to conventional cars, making them more cost-saving, as you only need fewer parts to replace.

Moreover, electric cars use cheaper electrical power than fuel oil which is taken from nonrenewable energy. 

In calculation, 1 liter of gasoline is similar to 1.2 kWh of electricity. With an electricity price of IDR 1,500/kWh, the consumption of 1.2 kWh of electricity costs around IDR 1,700.

On the other hand, the cheaper gasoline price is IDR 10,000/liter, and the most expensive one is IDR 13,900/liter (reference price for DKI Jakarta). This means that the price of electricity per kWh can be approximately 83% cheaper than the price of gasoline per liter.

Aside from low prices, electric car drivers may obtain incentives to reduce operational costs, such as relief on Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB) and Duty on the Transfer of Motor Vehicle Title (BBNKB) as well as free import duty for cars with conditions that must be assembled upon arrival in Indonesia.

3. Inexpensive Tax

The next benefit of electric cars is inexpensive tax. The Minister of Finance Regulation Number 8 of 2024 regulates tax advantages for electric buses and four-wheeled motor vehicles that run on batteries.

In the regulation, it is mentioned that Value Added Tax (VAT) on electric cars is handled by the government at 10% of the selling price. In addition, the lowest Domestic Component Level (TKDN) for electric cars is 40%.

Otherwise, in 2025, purchases of conventional cars and motorbikes will be subject to 12% VAT. Compared to electric cars, you only need to pay 2% of the selling price because the government will handle the 10%. More cost-saving, right?

Furthermore, Regulation of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 8 of 2020 regulating Motor Vehicle Tax stated that battery-based electric vehicles (EV) will get a maximum of 30% of the Motor Vehicle Tax base. 

For the Duty on the Transfer of Motor Vehicle Title, electric cars will get a maximum of 30% of the Duty on the Transfer of Motor Vehicle Title base. 

4. Free of Odd-Even Traffic Rule

If you live in Jakarta, you must be familiar with the odd-even traffic rule. Interestingly, electric cars are not regulated with the odd-even traffic rule because it does not contribute to air pollution. Thus, you can ride your car more conveniently in Jakarta. 

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Benefits of Electric Cars for the Environment

After learning about the benefits of electric cars for drivers, you must also know the benefits for the environment. Electric cars have become popular as a zero-emission mode of transportation, making them free from air pollution. Moreover, below are the benefits of electric cars for the environment. 

1. More Environmentally Friendly

The first advantage for the environment is that it is more environmentally friendly. Different from conventional cars, producing pollution and emissions from combustion results, electric cars do not emit carbon emissions. 

Research published in Jurnal Paradigma: Jurnal Multidisipliner Mahasiswa Pascasarjana Indonesia also reported that electric vehicles can reduce carbon emissions and air pollution better than ICE-based vehicles. 

2. Does Not Rely on Oil Fuels

Since electric cars use electricity, they can reduce reliance on oil fuels, which are derived from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. 

Consequently, the amount of petroleum can decrease as the human population on this Earth increases. Therefore, by using an electric car, you are contributing to reducing dependence on this resource.

3. Efficient Energy Consumption

The next advantage is that electric cars consume energy more efficiently rather than conventional cars. Electric cars use electricity and immediately convert it into mechanical movement, resulting in less wasted heat energy. 

In contrast, conventional cars convert most of the energy to unused heat energy. Thus, electric cars can cover longer distances with less energy. This makes electric cars more energy-efficient and results in less wasted energy compared to conventional cars.

4. No Noise Pollution

Electric cars have quieter engines since they are powered by electricity. On the other hand, conventional cars typically produce noise from engines doing the combustion process. 

Additionally, electric cars’ cabins are not noisy or shaky, making it more convenient for car riding. Overall, electric cars are suitable for those who are uncomfortable with the sound of a car engine and driving in densely populated areas because it does not disturb the surrounding environment.

Read also: 3 Simple Steps to Combat Climate Change

The Disadvantages of Electric Cars

Now that you already know the benefits of electric cars, you must also learn the disadvantages before deciding to purchase one. Below are the disadvantages of electric cars you should know:

1. Unlimited Mileage

Typically, electric cars have a mileage of 200–300 km in a fully charged condition. However, due to the limited number of charging facilities for electric vehicles in Indonesia, you may worry about your car running out of power during a trip.

This also makes some drivers worry about taking their cars on long trips, especially to remote areas or far from charging stations.

2. Relatively Expensive Price

Despite having a low long-term maintenance cost, electric cars have a high buying cost compared to conventional cars. In addition, due to this high price, electric cars are also limited to certain groups of people. 

Not only that, but batteries for electric cars are also pricey. Moreover, the batteries have a limited lifespan of around 160.000–240.000 km. Thus, you must prepare more budget for future battery needs. 

3. Long Charging

Compared to conventional cars, needing minutes to fill the gas at the gas station, electric cars need a longer charging time to hours until fully charged.

Charging duration also depends on the car battery capacity, the electrical power at home, and the charging technology. 

4. Limited Charging Station

The growing trend of electric cars has led to limited supporting infrastructure, such as charging stations, especially outside Java island. This situation causes concern among drivers when they need to take long trips or travel to areas without charging stations. 

Those are the information about the disadvantages and benefits of electric cars you should know. By choosing electric cars over conventional cars, you have contributed to reducing carbon emissions on the road. 

Aside from that, there are actions you can do to make the environment greener, like joining Indonesia Asri!

Operasi Semut is one of the many environmental conservation initiatives offered by Indonesia Asri that you can participate in to expand your knowledge and preserve the environment.

The main objective of Operasi Semut is to increase awareness of the importance of sorting waste before throwing it away. Other than joining the programs, you can get points and merchandise! 

What are you waiting for? Register yourself to be Warga Asri now and make Indonesia greener!

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