PLUS is teaming up with LLM to add more EV chargers on highways, lay-bys included!

KUALA LUMPUR: It looks like the government are ready to reward EV enthusiasts! because this is some electrifying news. Last year, electric vehicle (EV) sales skyrocketed by a whopping 200%, and it looks like Malaysia is plugging into the trend big time.

PLUS Malaysia bhd is teaming up with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) to supercharge the PLUS highways with more EV charging stations, as reported Bernama.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) says PLUS and LLM are on a mission to find the perfect spots at Rest and Service Areas (R&Rs) and those handy lay-bys along the PLUS highways to set up new charging stations.

And because we all know the frustration of finding a charger only to realize there's not enough juice, the government is stepping in to make sure these new spots have a reliable power supply.

They're even talking about speeding up the construction of new substations to keep the power flowing.

Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is also diving into this green pool initiative, exploring ways to use renewable energy for these charging stations. MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz is all about innovation, encouraging fresh business models to make EV charging even more accessible, especially during those off-peak grid times.

Safety first, though. Northport (Malaysia) Bhd brought up some valid concerns about the risks of charging EVs during logistic operations.

However, the big brains at the first National EV Steering Committee (NEVSC) meeting of 2024 has decided to whip up some best practice guidelines for handling EV charging safely and efficiently in the logistic world, aiming to roll these out in six months.

And in the captain's chair of this electrifying journey, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof tackled the tricky topic of making the whole process of setting up and running EV charging stations smoother.

He wants to cut through the red tape to make sure these charging stations pop up all over the country without a hitch, ensuring the EV ecosystem grows strong and safe.

To all the EV enthusiasts out there, the horizon is gleaming with promise (and teeming with energy)! While buying an EV is an exciting step forward, the real journey begins with accessible charging solutions.

Without robust charging infrastructure and government backing, the EV market could face significant roadblocks, as prospective owners grapple with the logistics of powering their vehicles, much like traditional cars depend on gas stations.

However, the pioneering spirit of early EV adopters has already begun to pave the way. Many have navigated the existing charging networks with strategic planning, embracing the adventure of long-distance travel with EVs.

Their experiences highlight not just the feasibility but also the joy and convenience of electric mobility, setting the stage for a future where electric vehicles move from novelty to norm.

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