Traffic jams worry owners of electric vehicles in Indonesia's major cities. Unlike conventional cars, electric vehicles don't guzzle energy when fully stopped, but auxiliary systems still draw power. Battery drain in congestion typically ranges from 1 to 5 percent per hour.
Traffic congestion often haunts drivers in Indonesia, especially in big cities like Jakarta. For the growing number of electric vehicle owners, a common question is how much battery power drains during prolonged jams.
Unlike gasoline or diesel cars that keep burning fuel with the engine idling, electric vehicles consume energy only as needed. When fully stopped, the main draw comes from systems like air conditioning, entertainment, lights, and onboard computers. In stop-and-go traffic, battery depletion usually ranges from 1 to 5 percent per hour, according to Slashgear.
The biggest factor is AC use; setting it to low temperatures with high fan speed can push consumption toward 5 percent per hour, particularly in vehicles with smaller batteries. Other contributors include infotainment systems, device charging, and exterior lights, though these are relatively minor. Overall, this is far more efficient than conventional cars.
Regenerative braking technology recaptures energy when releasing the accelerator or braking, though its impact is limited at low speeds. With proper charging planning, traffic jams pose no serious threat to daily electric vehicle range.