ITB Research Exhibitor Innovation Week 2024: Unveiling High-Reliability Battery Packs for Electric Two-and Three-Wheelers Development by NCSTT ITB

Bandung, (SR),- ITB Research Exhibitor Innovation Week, InnoSphere: “Empowering a Sphere of Innovation” Vol. 1, take place on December 6–7, 2024, at Summarecon Mall Bandung. This groundbreaking exhibition is part of the PRIME STeP 2024 funding program, an initiative funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to modernize Indonesia’s research and innovative ecosystem through enhanced infrastructure and strong academic-industry collaborations.

At the forefront of this exhibition, the National Center for Sustainable Transportation Technology (NCSTT) ITB showcases its cutting-edge research on high-reliability battery packs for electric two- and three-wheelers. Led by Dr. Eng. Bentang Arief Budiman and supported by Prof. Dr. Ignatius Pulung Nurprasetio and Dr. Agung Wibowo, this project represents a critical step toward transforming Indonesia’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape. In collaboration with PT Gotion Indonesia Materials, the project aims to deliver battery packs that are not only cost-effective and universally applicable but also compliant with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) while incorporating at least 40% local content (TKDN).

Indonesia’s transportation market, home to over 120 million motorcycles and three-wheelers, stands as one of the largest in the world. However, transitioning to EVs remains challenging due to battery costs dominating 40% of EV production expenses, import reliance inflating prices, and inconsistent standards compromise safety. NCSTT ITB’s groundbreaking battery pack designs aim to tackle these barriers, ensuring a sustainable and economically viable transition to EVs. The research introduces two innovative battery pack designs utilizing graphite–LFP (lithium ferro phosphate) cells of 3.2 V and 21Ah, each tailored to meet specific market needs.

The first design is a premium solution featuring a 23-cell series configuration with a nominal voltage of 72 V. This design integrates a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for seamless interconnection and Battery Management System (BMS) integration. Comprising 221 components, this design weighs approximately 13 kg and measures 182 x 173 x 356.8 mm, and it fully complies with SNI 8872:2019 and SNI 8928:2023 standards. Furthermore, the second design offers a cost-effective alternative with an 18-cell series configuration and a nominal voltage of 60 V. It employs universal holders and cable connections, resulting in a simpler, more affordable assembly. This design reduces the number of components to 140, lowering the weight to 10 kg with dimensions of 160 x 118 x 419.5 mm, making it accessible for broader market adoption.

Both designs are equipped with advanced BMS technology, which includes overcharge and over-discharge protection, thermal monitoring for temperature stability, and certification for IP67 ingress protection, ensuring water and dust resistance. Rigorous finite element analysis simulations and testing under static loading, vibrations, and mechanical shocks have validated the prototypes’ robustness in real-world conditions.

This research exemplifies ITB's commitment to bridging academic innovation with industrial applications. By leveraging intellectual property rights and fostering industry partnerships, this research not only addresses local manufacturing needs but also paves the way for standardized battery pack testing protocols in Indonesia. The anticipated commercialization by PT Gotion Indonesia Materials underscores the project’s potential to generate significant economic benefits, including royalty revenues and enhanced local production capabilities. For the Indonesian market, these battery pack designs promise to make electric two- and three-wheelers safer, more reliable, and affordable, driving mass adoption and reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.