PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) and clean energy solutions provider Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari), via its wholly-owned subsidiary, Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd (Gentari Green Mobility) have launched the Electric Vehicles (EV) Fast Charging Modular and Portable Station with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), at the Behrang Lay-by (Northbound).
The launching event was graced by Malaysia’s Minister of Works, YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, accompanied by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Works, YBhg. Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad.
Collaboration between PLUS and Gentari
The launching event was graced by Malaysia’s Minister of Works, YB Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi
Also present were the PLUS Chairman, Dato’ Mohamad Nasir Ab Latif, UEM Group Managing Director and PLUS Board Member, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, PLUS Managing Director Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Gentari and Chief Executive Officer, Gentari Green Mobility, Shah Yang Razalli and Managing Director EV Connection, Ir Lee Yuen How.
Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said, “The collaboration between PLUS and Gentari, is a significant joint effort that can harness the unique strengths of each organization to support an environmentally friendly transportation system, creating a more conducive environment for the use of eco-friendly vehicles."
Low-carbon transportation solutions
Linggi added: "At the Ministry, we are committed to achieving Malaysia’s sustainability goals, and I believe that this collaboration will play a crucial role in inspiring the people of Malaysia to support low-carbon transportation solutions, in line with the objectives outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), the Malaysia Green Technology Master Plan (GTMP), and the Low Carbon Mobility Development Plan (LCMB).”
PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar highlighted, “As Malaysia’s largest highway operator and a national strategic partner, PLUS committed to support and contribute to the national sustainability agenda. We collaborated with the Ministry of Works, Malaysian Highway Authority and key industry players to establish an infrastructural development of EV charging station roadmap whereby we aim to facilitate the installation of 100 DCFC EV charging stations across our highways by 2025."
Reliable EV charging facilities
The rollout will be conducted in phases in 2023 and 2024, starting with four lay-bys along PLUS highways
Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar added: "This creates an ecosystem that is conducive for the rakyat to transition into EV. Our partnership with Gentari is one of our strategic plans to accelerate the provision of reliable EV charging facilities, catalyzing the successful implementation of national blueprints and plans in supporting Malaysia to transition into a carbon neutral country by 2050.”
The integrated chargers for public use, which combine the use of solar panels and BESS, are the first of its kind to be set up in the country. The rollout will be conducted in phases in 2023 and 2024, starting with four lay-bys along PLUS highways. Each site will have a DC charging power up to 200 kW, and four charging points will be set up per location.
DCFC charging points
The proposed four sites are Behrang Lay-by (Northbound and Southbound) in Perak and Senawang Lay-by (Northbound and Southbound) in Negeri Sembilan. Three more locations will be proposed at Ajil (Northbound and Southbound), and Perasing Rest and Service Area (R&R) sites, all on Lebuhraya Pantai Timur 2 (LPT2) in Terengganu.
In addition, the Alternating Current (AC) charging points at existing PETRONAS petrol stations at PLUS’ R&Rs and lay-bys are being upgraded to Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) points. Gentari will also develop DCFC charging points at additional PETRONAS petrol stations along PLUS highways and nearby locations, targeted for full completion by 2024. This initiative is also part of the strategic highway planning to provide range confidence to EV users traveling interstate.
Growth of the EV ecosystem
Initiative is also part of the strategic highway planning to provide range confidence to EV users
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Gentari, and Chief Executive Officer, Gentari Green Mobility, Shah Yang Razalli, commented, “This partnership with PLUS and the Malaysian Highway Authority represents a significant step forward in our efforts to boost the growth of the EV ecosystem in Malaysia while prioritizing the needs of our customers."
"PLUS, as a prominent highway operator in Malaysia, plays a crucial role in enhancing the infrastructure and facilities that Malaysian drivers rely on. This, in turn, will increase range confidence and the desire to adopt EVs."
Clean energy solutions
Razalli added: "Gentari and our partner, EV Connection Sdn Bhd (EVC), are excited about this collaboration to introduce the EV Fast Charging Modular and Portable Station. The pioneering initiative combines the innovative use of BESS and solar-powered energy, and we look forward to making greater strides together towards a more sustainable future.”
To date, since its introduction in June 2022, Gentari has deployed over 180 charging points in Malaysia and over 160 charging points in India, through its affiliated entities. With a mission to be Asia Pacific’s most valued clean energy solutions partner by 2030, Gentari aims to capture over 10% market share of charge points and Vehicle-as-a-Service (VaaS) offerings, across key markets in Asia Pacific.
