If you think using an electric car can be free from all the road rules in Jakarta, get ready to be disappointed. Indeed, so far electric cars have been pampered by being free of odd-even. However, for the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) discourse, it's a different story. Come on, let's explore together why electric cars are still subject to ERP rates!

Recently, the discourse on ERP has been widely discussed again after the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, spoke up. He said that the income from ERP can be used to subsidize public transportation. Great, huh? However, before you get excited, remember: this policy has not been implemented because it is still waiting for the legal umbrella, aka the official regulatory basis.

If you want to know, the plan for this toll road system has appeared in the Draft Regional Regulation (Raperda) of DKI Jakarta Province concerning Electronic Traffic Control (PPLE). Well, in the Raperda, precisely in Article 11, it is stated very clearly: all motorized vehicles, including electric vehicles, will still be charged when passing through the ERP area. So, it's not just gasoline or diesel cars, right!

Then, are there any exceptions? There are, but they are limited. Heavy vehicles such as heavy equipment for construction are exempt. But for private electric cars? Still subject to it. This means that even if your vehicle is environmentally friendly, you still have to pay if you want to pass through the ERP-imposed route.

But, don't worry! Because this is only a Draft Regional Regulation, there is still room for change. It is possible that electric car owners will get relief, such as tariff cuts or other forms of incentives. So, even though they pay, it may not be as expensive as conventional cars. All of this will be further regulated through the Governor's Regulation after being approved by the DPRD.

A little flashback, why do people think electric cars are "immune" to the rules? Because now, electric cars are indeed exempt from the odd-even system. This refers to Regional Regulation Number 88 of 2019, which revises the traffic restriction rules with an odd-even system. The government provides compensation for people who switch to zero-emission vehicles.

Unfortunately, this freedom does not automatically apply to all traffic policies. In the ERP system later, the goal is more to reduce the volume of vehicles on certain roads, not just emissions. So, even though electric cars don't emit exhaust emissions, they still contribute to traffic jams, right? Moreover, ERP is planned to be dynamic, the rates can differ depending on the hour. For example, during rush hour, the rates can be more expensive to slow down the number of vehicles entering the road. So, electric cars can still be charged if they pass at certain times and locations.

So, for those of you who use electric cars, just be prepared. Even though your car is environmentally friendly and supports the energy transition, if you want to comfortably cruise on the streets of Jakarta without thinking about ERP, the option remains one: use public transportation or be prepared to pay according to the new rules.

Well, now you understand more, right, why do you still have to pay ERP if you use an electric car? It's not about hating electric cars, but for a more orderly Jakarta and more humane streets.