How Much to Charge an EV at Public Station?

More and more people in Indonesia are switching to electric vehicles. But one of the most common questions from potential users is: how much does it cost to charge an electric car at a public charging station? Many also don't fully understand what a public charging station is, how it works, and how long the charging process takes. This article will explain everything clearly and in a simple, friendly way.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at a Public Charging Station?

The cost of charging an electric car at a public station is actually quite affordable, especially when compared to buying gasoline or diesel for a conventional car. In general, the rates at charging stations managed by PLN use a per kWh (kilowatt per hour) system.

Cost Calculation Based on Battery Capacity

Most modern electric cars have a battery capacity between 40 kWh and 75 kWh. Let's take an example of a car with a 50 kWh battery. The cost to charge it from empty to full (0 to 100 percent) would be:

• Rate at a PLN public charging station: around IDR 2,466 per kWh (excluding parking and service fees)
• Total cost: 50 kWh times IDR 2,466 = IDR 123,300

With that amount of money, an electric car can travel about 350 to 400 kilometers, depending on the car's efficiency. Compare that to a gasoline car, which would need around IDR 300,000 to IDR 400,000 for the same distance.

Different Rates at Different Locations

It is important to know that charging costs can be slightly higher at stations located in commercial areas such as malls, airports, or toll road rest areas. Some private operators also add extra fees, so rates can reach IDR 3,000 to IDR 4,500 per kWh. But overall, the cost of charging an electric car remains much more economical than buying fuel.

What Is a Public Charging Station and How Does It Work?

A public charging station is a facility that provides charging services for electric vehicles, both four wheeled and two wheeled. Its function is similar to a gas station, but instead of fuel, it supplies electricity to recharge the car's battery.

Simple Definition of a Public Charging Station

In Indonesia, most public charging stations are operated by PLN through its subsidiary called PLN Icon Plus. Some private companies like Starvo and Charge+ also run their own stations. These stations are open to anyone who owns an electric vehicle.

How a Public Charging Station Works in Simple Steps

The charging process at a station is actually quite easy to understand. Here are the basic steps:

1. Power conversion. The station takes electricity from the main power grid. For fast charging, the alternating current (AC) is converted into direct current (DC) using a device called a rectifier inside the charger unit.
2. Communication between the charger and the car. Once the charging cable is connected, the station communicates with the car's battery management system. They negotiate about the voltage and maximum power that is safe for the battery.
3. Charging begins. After all the settings match, electricity starts flowing into the car's battery. Users can monitor this process through a screen on the station or through a mobile app.
4. Payment. Currently, payment at public charging stations can be made in several ways: QRIS, the PLN Mobile app, electronic money cards (e-money), or special RFID cards.

One interesting thing is that most modern charging stations come with an active cooling system. This is important because fast charging generates a lot of heat, and the cooling system keeps all components safe.

How long does a public charging station take to fully charge an electric car?

The charging time depends a lot on the type of charger you use. Generally, public charging stations divide their services into three main categories.

1. Medium Charging (AC)

This type uses alternating current (AC) with power between 7 kW and 22 kW. The time needed to charge the battery from 0 to 80 percent is around 4 to 8 hours. Medium charging is best used in places where you park for a long time, such as office buildings, shopping centers, or hotels. You can leave your car to charge while you work or go shopping.

2. Fast Charging (DC)

Fast charging uses direct current (DC) with power from 50 kW to 100 kW. The charging time from 0 to 80 percent is only 30 to 60 minutes. This type is the most common at toll road rest areas and public stations in big cities. It is ideal for long trips because you only need to take a short break while waiting for the car to charge.

3. Ultra Fast Charging (DC)

This is the most advanced charging technology available today, with power reaching 150 kW to 350 kW. The time required to reach 80 percent battery is only 15 to 25 minutes. Some cars, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Kia EV6, can even get 100 kilometers of range with just 5 minutes of charging. However, keep in mind that not all electric cars support ultra fast charging because the battery and electrical system must be compatible.

Summary Table of Charging Times

As a note, the times above are estimates for a car with a 50 to 60 kWh battery. A car with a larger battery will naturally take longer, while a car with a smaller battery will fill up faster.

Owning an electric car offers many benefits, especially when it comes to low operating costs. However, the convenience of charging at home is still unmatched. You don't always have to depend on public stations if you already have your own charging device at home.

For that reason, make sure you buy quality and safe EV charging equipment from Listrik Kita. Listrik Kita provides various choices of home charging stations with international standards. By having a charger at home, you can charge your electric car anytime, especially at night when household electricity rates are lower. Visit the official Listrik Kita website today and enjoy the convenience of charging your electric car right from your own garage.