The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), through the Research Center for Advanced Vehicle (RCAVe), successfully organized the EV Safety Awareness Sharing Session + Iftar on March 12 at the i-CELL FTUI Building, Depok. This event served as an educational and discussion platform for academics, students, and professionals in the automotive and sustainable mobility industries to better understand electric vehicle (EV) safety aspects.
The event featured four expert speakers from the electric vehicle and sustainable mobility industries, including Aditya P. Siregar (M94 – Automotive Expert & Mediapreneur), Abdul Rahman Elly (Founder & CEO of Voltron), Mahaendra Gofar (M89 – Sustainable Mobility Expert), and Doni Putra Okten. Additionally, the event included an iftar (breaking of the fast) session, fostering togetherness during the holy month of Ramadan.
Dr. Muhamad Sahlan, S.Si., M.Eng., emphasized that a strong focus must accompany the development of electric vehicles in Indonesia on safety. FTUI and RCAVe reaffirmed their commitment to raising awareness about EV safety and promoting research and education in sustainable mobility through this event. Furthermore, the iftar session was expected to strengthen relationships and support the advancement of Indonesia’s electric vehicle industry.
As EV adoption continues to rise in Indonesia, understanding safety and operational efficiency has become crucial. Key aspects to consider include charging infrastructure, battery safety, and operational costs.
“With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles in Indonesia, understanding safety and operational efficiency is key. Charging infrastructure, battery security, and operational costs must be a top priority for users and stakeholders to ensure a smoother transition toward sustainable mobility,” explained Aditya P. Siregar.
On a separate occasion, FTUI Dean, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., stated, “Safety is a crucial aspect in the development and utilization of electric vehicles. FTUI is committed to enhancing the academic community’s understanding of EV safety standards through this awareness-sharing session, from design to usage. We hope this initiative will encourage safer and more sustainable innovations in electric transportation technology.”
Electric vehicle safety involves high voltage systems (400V and above), requiring careful maintenance. High-voltage components are marked with orange cables for safety. Secure charging is ensured through auto-cutoff features and grounding detection. Battery fire risks due to thermal runaway must be managed with rapid evacuation and specialized cooling systems. Additionally, since EVs operate more silently than conventional vehicles, regulations are being developed to introduce artificial sounds to enhance pedestrian safety. While EVs offer efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, further improvements in infrastructure and safety regulations are necessary for broader adoption.
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Public Communications Office
Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia