Find Out the Cost of Charging Your Electric Car: What’s the Budget?
31 October, 2023
The surge in popularity of electric cars in Indonesia in recent years is undeniable. Each electric vehicle not only offers enticing features but also promises operational cost savings.
The operational cost is a significant allure, often compared to conventional vehicles in terms of fuel expenses. The rising cost of conventional fuel has prompted many to transition to electric cars. But is the cost of charging an electric car genuinely cheaper compared to traditional fuel?
To comprehend the cost of charging electric cars, it’s crucial to delve into the details. Let’s explore the breakdown of electric car charging costs below:
Charging Costs for Electric Cars
Charging an electric car can be done at home or at a Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU). In addition, the purchase of electric cars such as the Wuling Air ev already comes with two easy charging systems, namely socket boxes and charging pillars that can be installed at home.
Charging Cost at Home
Charging an electric car at home is relatively cost-effective. The price per kWh applied by the national electricity provider (PLN) ranges from Rp1,445 to Rp1,700. However, charging costs at SPKLU may vary depending on the provider and service used, averaging between Rp1,650 and Rp2,475 per kWh.
For instance, if you own the Wuling Air ev with a 26.7 kWh battery capacity, the cost to charge at home ranges from approximately Rp38,500 to Rp45,000 for a full 0 to 100% charge.
However, preparing the electrical network at home is essential for electric car charging. To charge an electric car at home, a minimum power capacity of 2,200 VA dedicated to charging is required.
Charging an electric car at home, from empty to full, takes around 8.5 hours with a 2200 VA power supply for Lite and Standard Range models. For the Long Range model, it takes approximately 4.5 hours with a 6600 VA power supply, or around 11 hours with a 2200 VA power supply.
Charging Cost at SPKLU
Charging costs at SPKLU are comparable to home charging costs. For a 26.7 kWh battery in the Air ev Long Range model, the cost of charging from 0% to 100% is approximately Rp44,050 to Rp66,000. This is based on the price range per kWh at SPKLU, which is between Rp1,650 and Rp2,475.
With this battery capacity, the Wuling Air ev Long Range can cover a distance of 300 kilometres, equivalent to consuming around 30 litres of gasoline. If converted to currency, the cost of 30 litres of average petrol can reach around Rp350,000. Charging at SPKLU is typically done during long-distance travel, such as intercity journeys.
Charging Duration for Wuling Electric Cars
Wuling electric cars boast several advantages, including the Easy Charging feature, which makes battery charging easy and fast. Owners can charge their electric cars quickly at home without relying on SPKLUF, thanks to the Easy Charging system provided with every Wuling electric car purchase, either with a socket box or a charging pillar.
For example, the Wuling Air ev comes with a socket box containing electrical sockets and safety tools, using the AC GB/T charging type with a power capacity of 2200 W.
Charging with the easy charging pillar, equipped with a charging gun, enables a direct connection to the electric car. The pillar can transmit power up to 7700 W, and the charging pillar kit is sold separately.
The minimum power required to charge the Wuling Air ev battery varies and affects the charging duration. Depending on the model, the long-range model requires a power range of 2200–6600 VA, while the standard-range model requires 2200 VA.
Charging using the Power Socket Box with a 2.2 kW power supply for the Long Range model takes a maximum of 11 hours for a 20%–100% battery charge. For the Standard Range model, it takes approximately 8.5 hours.
Charging with the charging pillar for the Air ev Long Range model can significantly reduce charging time. The pillar, with a larger output of 6.6 kW, can fully charge the battery in approximately 4 hours.
Wuling Air ev: A Cost-Effective Choice
Owning a Wuling Air ev proves to be more cost-effective compared to conventional vehicles. The long-term expenses, including charging costs, annual vehicle registration renewal fees (STNK), and routine servicing, are lighter on the wallet.
From the explanations above, the Wuling Air ev Long Range requires less than Rp50,000 for a 300-km range. In contrast, conventional cars would incur higher expenses for fuel, approximately around Rp350,000, to cover the same distance. Moreover, the annual STNK renewal cost for the Air ev is only about Rp813,000 for the first year, significantly lower than the Rp2,300,000 for regular low-cost green cars (LCGC).
For a clearer overview of ownership costs when using the Air ev, you can explore the ev Calculator to compare prices more comprehensively.
