Implementation of IoT in Electric Vehicles: Making Future Mobility Smarter and More Practical!
In 2026, discussions about electric vehicles (EVs) in Indonesia are no longer unfamiliar, right? More and more people are starting to take an interest in these environmentally friendly vehicles. Well, did you know that Internet of Things (IoT) technology is the key to making EVs more advanced and easy to use in daily life? It’s not just about batteries and engines – IoT enables our cars to "communicate" with various other devices, ranging from EV charging stations to the smartphone apps we use. What are the benefits? Let’s discuss them together!
What is IoT in Electric Vehicles?
Simply put, IoT in EVs means our vehicles can connect to the internet and exchange information with other devices. So instead of just being a means of transportation, our EVs become part of a larger ecosystem, such as smart cities or smart homes. All components inside – from the EV battery, drive system, to safety features – can send and receive data in real-time.
Many EV manufacturers in Indonesia like Wuling, Hyundai, and Toyota are now adding IoT features to their products, such as the Wuling Air EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Toyota bZ4X. This is because the technology addresses many people’s concerns about the practicality of using EVs in Indonesia, especially regarding infrastructure that is still under development. Additionally, with the arrival of the 2.0 EV era focusing on local production with 40% Domestic Component Level (TKDN), IoT also plays an important role in ensuring the quality and performance of domestically manufactured vehicles.
Here Are the IoT Benefits That Make EVs Even Cooler!
1. Smarter Battery Management with IoT
The battery is the heart of an EV, and IoT makes its management more optimal. Through sensors installed in the EV battery, you can check important information like State of Charge (SOC), State of Health (SOH), and battery temperature at any time via an app on your phone.
For example, if the battery temperature starts to rise because you’re driving long distances or the weather is extremely hot, the IoT system will immediately send an alert or even automatically activate the cooling system. Additionally, the app can recommend the best times to charge – such as when electricity tariffs are cheaper or when nearby charging stations are not crowded. There is also a growing trend in solid-state battery technology, which will be safer and faster to charge, and IoT is key to managing its performance effectively.
2. Easy to Find and Use Charging Stations
One of the main concerns people have about EVs is the difficulty of finding charging stations. With IoT, you no longer have to worry! Through your phone app, you can directly find the nearest Public Electric Vehicle Charging Station (SPKLU), check for available units, see the types of connectors provided, and even book a slot online.
Moreover, your EV can communicate with the charging station during the charging process. For instance, the vehicle will send information about the required battery capacity, so the charging station can adjust the charging rate to avoid damaging the battery and prevent overloading the local power grid. In major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung, some charging stations have been integrated with smart city systems to manage energy distribution more efficiently.
3. Enhanced Driving Safety
IoT also makes driving safer! Systems like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) connected to IoT can monitor road conditions, surrounding traffic, and your driving style in real-time. Sensors in various parts of the car can detect potential hazards, such as vehicles drifting out of their lanes, unsafe following distances, or pedestrians suddenly crossing the road. If a danger is detected, the system will immediately issue an alert or even take action to protect you.
Additionally, in the event of an accident, your EV will automatically send an emergency signal with an accurate location to emergency services and your emergency contacts. In Indonesia, some manufacturers have already connected this feature to local emergency services, enabling faster and more effective responses.
4. Easier and More Efficient Maintenance
In the past, we only took our cars to the workshop when there was a problem or for scheduled servicing. But with IoT, your EV can continuously monitor the condition of its components on its own. If something starts to malfunction – such as an unstable drive system or worn parts – the system will immediately send an alert and recommend when to visit the workshop.
Furthermore, manufacturers can send over-the-air (OTA) software updates remotely. So you don’t need to go to the workshop just to get new features or performance improvements. This has become a highly sought-after trend as it makes maintenance more practical and time-saving.
5. Can Serve as a Backup Power Source for Homes or Cities
There is now a growing trend in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology that uses IoT to turn EVs into backup power sources. This means the energy stored in your car’s battery can be fed back into your home or even the public power grid when needed – such as during peak evening electricity usage or in case of a power outage.
On the other hand, when electricity tariffs are low or there is excess energy from renewable sources like solar or wind, your EV can charge automatically. Several V2G pilot projects have already started in Indonesia, particularly in areas using smart home concepts. Additionally, there is a trend of EVs with integrated solar panels that can extend driving range using solar energy.
Challenges and Future Prospects of IoT in Indonesian EVs
Despite its many benefits, implementing IoT in Indonesian EVs also faces its own challenges. One of these is the need to improve internet network infrastructure in some regions, as IoT requires stable and fast connectivity to function properly. Additionally, data security is a major concern – the more data that is sent and received, the more protection is needed to prevent cyberattacks.
However, with clear government policies on EVs and smart cities, as well as the increasing adoption of 5G technology, the prospects for IoT implementation are becoming brighter. Many local and international EV manufacturers are also continuing to innovate to create IoT solutions that are better suited to Indonesia’s conditions.
So, the implementation of IoT in EVs is not just a technological trend – it is also an important step toward achieving greener, more efficient, and smarter mobility. As more people understand its benefits, the faster EV adoption will be in Indonesia, helping our country reach its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets!