Universitas Gadjah Mada has received a government mandate to carry out research and development of an electric train specifically for the airport area. This vehicle is named GATe (Gadjah Mada Airport Transporter Electric). The GATe vehicle has the capacity to carry as many as 5 passengers and one driver with a maximum speed of 25 km/hour. This vehicle is based on electricity with energy stored in batteries, with a drive motor of 4000 watts. The cruising ability of GATe is about 50 km and can be extended with higher battery specifications.

This research began with a market survey of electric vehicle needs at the airport, followed by the development of several vehicle designs, and finally the production of the one currently in use. The initial prototype of two units was revealed on National Technology Day on August 10, 2019. In the following year, the prototype was developed into a product that is used by end consumers, namely airport managers. In 2020, three units were successfully made and used at Soekarno Hatta Airport and one unit at Yogyakarta International Airport. This product order was sponsored by the Minister of Transportation with the hope of encouraging the development of domestic electric vehicles.

In 2022 and 2023, the research was devoted to preparing for initial production. During this period, production documents, plant design, supply chain supporting production components, and production facilities were prepared. The product distribution network to end consumers was also prepared. Facilities for initial production were completed, with a production target of 10 units ready for market. At this time, there are already seven units of the vehicle completed.

On this occasion, the GATe product was inaugurated to be included in the e-catalog by the Director of LPDP Research Facilitation, the Rector of UGM, the Director of Research and the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation of the Faculty of Engineering. The E-catalog is an electronic information system that contains lists, types, technical specifications and prices of certain Goods/Services from various Government Goods/Services Providers. With the inclusion of GATe products in the e-catalog, consumers such as government institutions will be able to order and buy this product easily. Hopefully the UGM team’s electric vehicles will be more successful in the future and provide benefits to many parties.