GREENTECH MALAYSIA TO ROLL OUT 25,000 ChargEV STATIONS BY 2020

As part of the nation’s electric mobility revolution, Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia) today launched ChargEV, a publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging station network aimed to encourage more Malaysians to switch to EVs and facilitate the country’s transition towards sustainable mobility, consequentially improving overall air quality.

In line with this transition, a total of 25,000 ChargEV stations will be installed nationwide by 2020 to support Malaysia’s target of deploying 100,000 EVs in the next five years, along with 2,000 electric buses and 100,000 electric scooters and motorcycles. It is expected that the wide adoption of EVs, which emit zero tailpipe emissions will contribute to reducing Malaysia’s carbon emissions by 6.4 million tonnes of carbon emission equivalent (MtCO₂eq) by 2030.

Speaking about the initiative, GreenTech Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Ir. Ahmad Hadri Haris said, “Air pollution is a rising concern with road transport reportedly the second largest contributor to carbon emissions in our country, adding 61.6 MtCO₂eq in 2013 alone.”

“Our over-reliance on conventional internal combustion engine vehicles will continue to aggravate this problem and there must be a paradigm shift from our current transport model. In this regard, ChargEV will play a pivotal role in encouraging the adoption of EVs and consequently reducing Malaysia’s carbon footprint,” he added.

An initial target of 300 ChargEV stations is set to be rolled out by 2016 across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, Penang, Langkawi, Johor and Melaka targeting high traffic areas such as shopping malls, hotels, office buildings and residential areas as well as along the PLUS highway. The first ChargEV stations are already operational at Mandarin Oriental hotel and The Curve. During the initial phase, the cost of ChargEV system and installation will be borne fully by GreenTech Malaysia.

At present, there are 90 EVs on Malaysian roads, which have effectively avoided up to 288 tonnes of carbon emission equivalent per year. In addition to the environmental benefits, switching from a conventional car to an EV is estimated to save users up to 70% in fuel cost and 64% in maintenance cost.

Ir. Ahmad Hadri further commented, “ChargEV will prove to be a significant driver in Malaysia’s transition to sustainable mobility, in line with the country’s EV market penetration and carbon emission targets. The setting up of a comprehensive nationwide ChargEV network will greatly address range anxiety, one of the major determining factor for consumers to purchase an EV.”

“The emerging EV market is a unique opportunity which we should seize to firstly improve Malaysia’s air quality and to reap the economic benefits that are bound to arise from a thriving EV market,” he added.

The launch was held in conjunction with a five-day EV roadshow for public awareness. Surveys carried out during the roadshow indicated strong public interest in switching to more efficient and environmentally friendly modes of transport, such as EVs.

Of those surveyed, 47% noted the substantial fuel savings that EVs could provide would be their key reason to make the switch. Additionally, 33% cited the significant environmental benefits EVs provide, given their zero tailpipe emissions, as a driving factor behind their interest.

Also present at the launch, Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia said, “As industry leaders, it is our responsibility to introduce the latest products and technologies in the country, such as the Sports Car of the Future, BMW i8, BMW Group’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle.”

“It is also important for automakers to work with responsible parties to ensure that the most current and relevant infrastructures be introduced to also support the new products and innovation. The ChargEV initiative is a prime example of such an initiative which will ensure the future of Electric Vehicles and Plug-In Vehicles in the country,” he added.

Following its success, the ChargEV roadshow will make the rounds at the 6^th International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM), scheduled from 9^th to 12^th September 2015 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. IGEM, the region’s largest green technology business and innovation platform, will also be featuring the 3^rd E-Mobilia World Conference focused on areas relating to sustainable mobility development, incentivisation, implementation and adoption.

IGEM is organised by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA), co-organised by GreenTech Malaysia and backed by strategic partners, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Malaysian Exhibition Services. The first three days of IGEM (9^th – 11^th September) are open to trade visitors, with the final day (12^th September) open to general public.

For more information on ChargEV and IGEM, logon to https://www.facebook.com/chargev and www.igem.my.