Malaysia Aims to Double EV Charging Stations to 4,000 by 2025, Eyes 10,000 by End-2025

Government Initiatives:

The Malaysian government has set an ambitious target to double the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to 4,000 by 2025, in preparation for the country's chairmanship of ASEAN next year. This move is part of a broader plan to promote the use of EVs and reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.

Current Status and Growth:

As of now, Malaysia boasts over 2,000 charging stations, primarily located in city centers, which are deemed sufficient to supply electricity to official vehicles for ASEAN meetings. The deputy prime minister, Fadillah Yusof, has stated that the current infrastructure is a stepping stone towards the more ambitious goal of 10,000 charging stations nationwide by 2030.

Private Sector Involvement:

        The acceleration of charging station installation will require not only the involvement of Tenaga Nasional (TNB) but also the active participation of the private sector. This collaboration is crucial to achieve the environmental benefits of reduced carbon emissions and to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure.

Targets and Blueprints:

The more aggressive target of 10,000 chargers, consisting of 1,500 DC and 8,500 AC chargers, by the end of 2025 was outlined in the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2030. This goal is five years ahead of the target mentioned earlier by Fadillah and is a testament to Malaysia's commitment to sustainability.

Balancing Act:

    Fadillah emphasized that the transition to EVs must balance electricity supply, safety, and affordability. The government is focusing on increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the national fuel mix to 40% by 2030, up from the current 20%, which will助力 the transportation and manufacturing sectors in achieving this target.

Conclusion:

    With the upcoming ASEAN chairmanship and the clear vision set forth in the LCMB, Malaysia is on track to significantly expand its EV charging infrastructure, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable transportation within the region.