Gov addresses fears of EV owners

The Government plans to establish more high-voltage direct current (DC) public charging stations to alleviate electric vehicle (EV) owners’ fears of insufficient DC charging stations.

Tengku Zafrul said that while DC charging stations come at a higher cost than their alternate current (AC) counterparts, their popularity stems from their ability to provide faster charging times.

“When the ministry conducted a survey, many EV owners voiced out that it would be better if more DC charging stations were made available for fast charging purposes.

“Thus with the government’s target of constructing 10,000 EV charging stations by the end of next year, we will re-examine adding more DC stations,” he said, reported The Star. 

Tengku Zafrul said this after inaugurating the Ipoh Barat Umno division delegates’ annual general meeting at the state Umno building on Saturday, July 13.

When asked about the progress towards achieving the nationwide target of 10,000 EV charging stations by next year, he noted that 2,585 stations had been installed since June 25. 

He emphasized that more stations had been added in the last two to three months and credited the reduction in bureaucracy to the establishment of a one-stop centre by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

“With the centre in place, approvals were done faster. So I am sure we are able to reach the target of 10,000 charging stations with serious focus,” he said.

Meanwhile, The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) acting director Rozihan Anwar Mamat said new Installation of electric vehicle charging bays go through Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL)nfor safety reasons.