Domestic production of electric vehicles has become the government focus to reduce carbon emissions by 29%, and it is expected that in the next 2 to 3 years, battery components as fuel for electric vehicles in the country can be fulfilled. “Answering the question of whether electric vehicles are dangerous, the real concern is the fuel system. Electric cars use electric fuel, which is actually promising for several years to come,” said Prof. Nizam.

Components-wise, the charging process for electric fuels does not affect the vehicle weight, thus, the vehicle weight is relatively constant. However, safety factors are important and should not be ignored, namely safety factors. Similar to ICE vehicles, safety in electric vehicles is not only about preventing crashes but also related to battery safety. “The first concern is the placement of batteries as fuel for electric vehicles, and the compartments should be safe. Temperature-sensitive batteries are dangerous if placed in an unsafe environment. Therefore, proper battery placement with the right coolant will reduce hazards, such as explosion, burn, etc. In electric vehicles, especially two-wheelers, the placement of the battery must be able to withstand flooding or splashing water effect,” said Prof. Nizam.

The safety of this battery is also measured from the shape of the pack. A pack is a collection of very large battery cells. Limited space and compartments for the battery pack in electric vehicles will be a challenge in the future. “Actually, the battery is only a container; what is needed as fuel is the electrical energy. However, inside the battery, there is an electrochemical chemical process. We need to pay attention to how the casing or cover can be well protected against bump or collision,” added Prof. Nizam.

After knowing security in terms of components, the next aspect that needs to be observed is safety testing. Batteries used for electric vehicles must pass a safety test and have passed the applicable standard. This test, other than measuring the battery’s capacity, also guarantees how the battery will stay in a safe state. “There is an ISO standard, but usually for two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles, the standard used is the R136 or UN38.3. In total, there are about 17 tests. But in Indonesia, to meet the UN38.3 standard, eight tests are considered sufficient. Or, if we want to be a little extensive, for example, using the R136 standard, there could be ten to a dozen tests to pass. This testing can guarantee that the battery is safe,” said Prof. Nizam. Humas UNS

Reporter: Erliska Yuniar Purbayani
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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Reported from Solopos TV YouTube on Tuesday (1/3/2022), the Chairman of UNS Lithium Battery PUI, Prof. Dr. Eng Agus Purwanto, S.T., M.T., presented research related to the construction of an electric vehicle ecosystem in battery research.

As is known today, electric vehicles have become one of the vehicles that may be difficult to return to conventional, given a large number of automotive manufacturers interested in such electric vehicles. As a builder of the electric vehicle ecosystem, full Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are expected to minimize the combustion engines in electric vehicles, thus, reducing transportation emissions.

Batteries, as one of the key components in an electric vehicle, have an important role in the process of electric vehicle adoption because nowadays, they are relatively expensive compared to other electric vehicle components. Therefore, batteries become an optimization point in the production process to reduce the selling price of electric vehicles. “For a rapid electric vehicles adoption process, the electric vehicle price must be the same or even cheaper than ICE vehicles, which are currently widely circulated in the community,” explained Prof. Agus

It is a long process to reduce the battery price or battery development process, starting from raw materials such as nickel, lithium, cobalt, aluminum, iron, and many others will certainly affect the battery product price. “Surely, at a time when electric vehicles are growing more and more well-known, we must think about the recycling process,” stated Prof. Agus

The most expensive material in Lithium-ion batteries is the cathode. Actually, the focus on making low-cost cathode materials is also important in developing batteries for electric vehicles. In addition to developing low-cost battery components, it can also make high-performance batteries. One of the common goals from 2021 to 2025 is to make vehicles with a 1,000 km battery range using bipolar solid-state Li battery.

In terms of research, lithium batteries are not the only batteries type to be developed because the material price started to rise. Thus, other alternatives are sought according to the level of material availability. For example, sodium ion and aluminum ion batteries. Humas UNS

Reporter: Erliska Yuniar Purbayani
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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In the visit, the General TNI (Purn.) Moeldoko was accompanied by the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho; Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs UNS; Prof. Ahmad Yunus, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Affairs UNS, Prof. Kuncoro Diharjo; and the Chairman of PUI Lithium Battery UNS, Prof. Agus Purwanto.

In his opening remark, the Rector of UNS stated that UNS is one of the universities that develop the production of lithium batteries.

“Research on electrical technology development, especially lithium battery, has been conducted since 2012. This battery has been tested in electric bicycles, electric motorbikes, and electric cars. Considering this potential, we are optimistic that lithium batteries will continue to develop in Indonesia,” Prof. Jamal stated.

The Rector also provided an example of lithium battery usage in UNS on an electric bike and electric car during the free emission day, the first Friday of the month.

The General TNI (Purn.) Moeldoko extended his appreciation to UNS for its success in developing lithium batteries. He also stated that this success is in line with Indonesia’s commitment to COP26 last month to reduce emissions in reducing the adverse impact of climate change.

“The president is fully supporting the renewable industry. This is momentum and potential for Indonesia to jump further in the electric vehicle industry. Moreover, after the issuance of Perpres No 55 of 2019, all stakeholders started to move,” he stated.

Prof. Agus Purwanto explained the lithium battery produced and that the product testing requires facilities that meet the national standard.

“Battery certification needs to be adjusted to the national needs. Thus, do not apply a system that is different from the test so that when tested, (the product) is not far different from what is needed at the national level. So, it returns to our production capability,” Prof. Agus added. Humas UNS

Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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