PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas (VKTR), a subsidiary of PT Bakrie & Brothers Tbk (BNBR) which is engaged in manufacturing electrification of transportation and telematics ecosystems, plans to provide medium size BYD electric buses of type “C6” to be used as public transportation vehicles in the bus transportation system. rapid transit (BRT) in the Greater Bandung area. This type was chosen mainly to match the bus size with the average road width conditions in the area.

“Alhamdulillah, VKTR is also at the forefront to support and be part of the West Java Provincial Government’s big step in the BRT development project, especially for the electrification of public transportation in Greater Bandung,” said PT VKTR Mobility Technology President Director, Gilarsi W. Setijono, at the event. kick-off of cooperation between VKTR and PT Jasa Sarana, in Bandung, Tuesday (23/8/2022).

According to Gilarsi, the BYD type C6 bus is suitable for road conditions in most areas of Greater Bandung because it has dimensions of 7,403 mm in length, 2,100 mm in width and 2,926 mm in height. With these dimensions, this bus has a configuration of 26 fixed seats consisting of 25 passenger seats and 1 driver seat.

In terms of performance, this medium electric bus is equipped with an AC Synchronous type electric motor that is capable of producing 180 kW of power and a maximum torque of 1,500 Nm. This machine is powered by an iron-phosphate type battery with a capacity of 135 kWh. “To fully charge the battery, it takes approximately 4 hours, provided the battery is filled with charging power which has an output of 40 kW,” said Gilarsi.

Furthermore, Gilarsi said that the bus weighing approximately 9.5 tons is capable of carrying a load of 6.8 tons. With a maximum speed of 100 km / h, this bus is suitable for the terrain of the road in Bandung Raya which is full of winding and hilly.

Strengthening Cooperation

Gilarsi added that the kick-off event in Bandung was a follow-up to the signing of the cooperation between VKTR and PT Jasa Sarana in implementing the electrification program for buses and other vehicles as a means of public transportation. This electric bus is planned to operate in the Greater Bandung area, which includes Bandung City, Bandung Regency, West Bandung Regency, Cimahi City, and parts of Sumedang Regency.

“This collaboration will include conducting a feasibility study, data collection, procurement of electric bus facilities, and electrical infrastructure related to bus electrification, and other potentials that can be synergized and collaborated,” said Gilarsi.

According to Gilarsi, the traffic population in Greater Bandung has increased significantly, causing problems, including congestion and high carbon emissions. To that end, the West Java Provincial Government through PT Jasa Sarana, took the initiative to develop BRT in Greater Bandung. According to Gilarsi, the plan is for this BRT to be operated through 12 routes with a bus fleet of more than 260 units. Most of them are electric buses of medium size (medium).

Gilarsi also mentioned about the potential for electrification of transportation that can be worked on in Greater Bandung. Based on data, currently the most common mode of transportation in Greater Bandung is angkot (city transportation), which accounts for 95 percent of all public transportation modes. “This is a great opportunity for both parties to work together to ‘repower’ or convert these petrol-engined angkots into electric angkots. That way, the old fleet is not wasted and the goal of reducing carbon emissions is also achieved,” he explained.

President Director of PT Jasa Sarana, Indrawan Sumantri, said last year since being appointed by the Governor of West Java to carry out this BRT project, his party has continuously conducted studies and opportunities for collaboration with many parties. Comparative studies and exploration of cooperation have been carried out, both domestically and abroad, to realize this Greater Bandung BRT. “Electrification of BRT transportation in the Greater Bandung area is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions, and create a special attraction for the community, to then switch from private vehicle transportation to public transportation modes. And of course, this collaboration is a collaboration opportunity full of positive potential, in order to support the achievement of the goals of the Central Government, Regional Government and Regency/City, so that the ideals of environmental conservation can be optimally maintained,” said Indrawan.