Indonesia Innovates by Converting Electricity Poles into EV Charging Stations

Indonesia is ramping up its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in a bid to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly transportation. The state electricity company, PLN, has initiated an innovative project to convert electricity poles into public EV charging stations, following the successful operation of three stations in Jakarta. This year, the company plans to expand the initiative by converting an additional 2,000 poles into charging stations to boost public confidence in EV usage.

PLN's Chairman, Darmawan Prasodjo, has expressed the company's intention to repurpose millions of electricity poles across Indonesia for public EV charging stations, leveraging existing structures to expedite installation and reduce costs. The initial focus has been on the Jakarta and Bekasi areas, with future expansion planned for regions beyond Java Island.

    The Indonesian market is also witnessing the entry of diverse EV brands. GAC Aion, a subsidiary of China's GAC Group, is set to launch the family-friendly Aion Y Plus model in July, with plans to establish an assembly plant and introduce multiple new models annually, aiming for a total of 7 models in Indonesia within three years.

    To support the growing EV market, Indonesia's charging infrastructure is also expanding. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the country had over 2,700 units of EV charging infrastructure last year, including public battery exchange and charging stations.

    This strategic move by PLN to transform electricity poles into charging stations is a significant step towards enhancing the EV ecosystem in Indonesia, aligning with the government's goals to promote sustainable transportation and meet its 2060 Net Zero Emission target. The initiative is expected to alleviate range anxiety among potential EV users and encourage a greater shift towards electric mobility.