Antara, Jakarta – State-owned utility company PLN is repurposing its electric poles into public electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU). This move aims to facilitate electric vehicle (EV) users in charging their electric cars more conveniently, contributing to the acceleration of electric vehicle adoption in the country.

"We are serious about accelerating the electric vehicle ecosystem because it has proven to be more cost-effective for the public and significantly reduces carbon emissions, allowing us to achieve the target of net-zero emissions (NZE) by 2060 or even earlier," said Darmawan Prasodjo, the CEO of PLN, as quoted from news agency Antara, on Wednesday.

The PLN EYE, known as a pole-mounted charger, repurposes existing PLN electric poles to establish EV charging stations. These strategically placed chargers aim to cater to electric vehicle users looking to recharge their batteries.

"PLN is committed to supporting a robust EV ecosystem in the country. Through evolving innovations, we hope that the public will be more inclined to transition to EVs as charging stations become increasingly accessible," said Darmawan.

Chairani Rachmatullah, the CEO of PLN Enjiniring, said that three prototype PLN EYE charging stations have been installed and are already operational. Two are located at the PLN KS Tubun office in West Jakarta, and one is situated at the Yasporbi Bidakara Elementary School in South Jakarta.

Currently, there are two capacity types for the PLN EYE charging stations: 7 kilowatts (kW) and 22 kW. These are designed by PLN Enjiniring for both exterior-mounted (concrete electric poles) and interior-mounted (iron poles) models. Future plans include assessment, improvements, and standardization of all pole-mounted charging stations.

Chairani said that EV users can locate PLN EYE charging stations through the PLN Mobile App.

"EV users only need to open the PLN Mobile app, go to the electric vehicle menu, and the app will automatically locate the nearest PLN EYE charging station," she said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/tech/pln-transforms-electric-poles-into-ev-charging-station