KBRN, Medan: North Sumatra’s rapidly expanding network of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (SPKLU) is being hailed as a decisive factor encouraging the public to embrace electric mobility.

Manpower Deputy Minister Afriansyah Noor said the robust charging infrastructure is effectively eliminating concerns about range anxiety.

Speaking in Medan on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Afriansyah highlighted the shift in public confidence.

“The existence of SPKLUs in various regions of North Sumatra is an important factor that can encourage the public to switch from fossil-fueled vehicles to electric vehicles,” he said, as reported by Antara.

He acknowledged that many residents were initially hesitant to switch to electric cars due to concerns about finding charging locations. However, the situation is now “much more ready,” with SPKLUs available across Medan, other cities, and crucially along the main Trans-Sumatra routes, with numbers continuing to increase.

“Electric cars are operationally economical, require simple maintenance, and help reduce air pollution,” Afriansyah added. “I invite the public to try electric vehicles, which are safe, economical, and now supported by adequate infrastructure.”

He also encouraged residents to use the “PLN Mobile” application to simplify access to digital electricity services.

Meanwhile, Mundhakir, General Manager of State-owned Electricity Company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) North Sumatra Distribution Main Unit (UID), expressed appreciation for the ministry’s support.

He affirmed PLN’s commitment to strengthening the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, especially ahead of the anticipated surge in public mobility during the Christmas and New Year 2026 holidays.

“We have provided as many as 76 SPKLU units spread across 57 strategic locations, ranging from city centers and tourist areas to toll roads and the main Sumatra routes. We prepare all these facilities to ensure EV users enjoy comfort and security during their journey,” Mundhakir said.

He stressed that PLN’s commitment extends beyond infrastructure development to public education on the benefits of EVs, including energy efficiency, emission reduction, and their contribution to Indonesia’s national Net Zero Emission 2060 target.

“The electric vehicle ecosystem is not just a trend, but part of the clean energy transformation we are building. PLN is present not only as an electricity provider but also as a catalyst for change toward a greener future,” he concluded. ***