Pertamina Prepares to Adopt Electric Trucks for Operations

KatadataOTO – The adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles such as electric and hybrid cars in Indonesia is starting to show a positive trend. In the commercial segment, new models are slowly arriving.

Electric trucks for business operational needs are considered to have several advantages, one of which is more powerful performance.

However, infrastructure remains a concern. Considering that electric trucks for business must handle long-distance routes and are often in areas outside the Capital City.

Nevertheless, Pertamina, which uses large vehicles like tanker trucks for its operations, claims to have taken steps to adopt an electrification lineup in the future.

Photo : Antara

“Actually, Pertamina is currently working on a project to develop hydrogen-fueled tanker trucks,” said Taufan Enggar, Manager of Distribution Operation Supply and Distribution at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga in Tangerang some time ago.

It should be noted that the hydrogen fuel used in Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) is indeed considered suitable as a power source for large vehicles.

This can drastically reduce emissions from conventional trucks, thus becoming an alternative to electric trucks.

Additionally, refueling a hydrogen car or FCEV is different from charging an electric car, and is more like refueling with gasoline at a public gas station.

So it doesn't take long, only about four to five minutes. Then, because it doesn't use a large battery, the vehicle's cargo capacity is not reduced.

However, there are no definite plans yet regarding the implementation of electric trucks or hydrogen trucks for their future operations because it is not yet considered economical enough.

“If someday it becomes mandatory in Indonesia, the ecosystem is established, and it becomes economical to use these vehicles for transporting fuel and LPG, it is very possible for us (Pertamina) to follow suit,” he said.

Taufan revealed that the decision to consider an electrification lineup for operational vehicles is a form of preparation amidst the transition and emission regulations from the government.

Opportunities for Hydrogen Trucks in the Country

On another occasion, Toyota, which recently inaugurated a hydrogen refueling station in Karawang, expressed its intention to use FCEV trucks as operational vehicles.

Photo : KatadataOTO

Currently, only the Mirai car and hydrogen forklifts have been implemented by Toyota to operate in the factory facility area.

“We are considering converting trucks, because they are most suitable for FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). We can collaborate with Pertamina and others,” said Nandi Juliyanto, President Director of PT TMMIN (Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia) some time ago.

According to him, it will take a lot of time and education for all related parties so that the adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles like hydrogen can be accepted.