In a move to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility, PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) recently entered into two tripartite Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with key industry players namely, Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd, EP Blueshark Sdn Bhd, Blueshark Holding Limited and Handal Indah Sdn Bhd.
These strategic partnerships will further cement PDB’s critical role in the overall integrated electric mobility value chain by rolling out battery swap stations for electric two-wheelers; and charging infrastructure for electric buses, both at PETRONAS stations. Through this investment, PDB aims to support its customers’ decarbonisation efforts and meet their electric mobility needs, leveraging its capabilities and wide network of stations.
At the signing ceremony, PDB Managing Director and CEO, Azrul Osman Rani said, “Whilst we continue to diversify our non-fuel business, we are also intensifying our efforts into supporting electric mobility as it will allow us to realise the potential growth of the EV market. This is further solidified through the collaboration between PDB and Gentari, along with EP Blueshark, Blueshark Holding Limited and Handal Indah to create a more conducive ecosystem for EV users.”
The first MoU on the collaboration in the electric two-wheeler battery swapping business was signed by PDB Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Azrul Osman Rani, EP Blueshark Executive Chairman, Hamidon Abdullah and Blueshark Holding Limited Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Chong Chen Wai. This MoU will see all parties collaborate in the development of the business, starting with the installation of Battery Swap Stations at nine PETRONAS stations in two-stage pilot runs. The parties will then explore further collaborations along the electric two- wheeler value chain.
EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB) Executive Chairman, Hamidon Abdullah said, “We are happy that PDB recognises our EV efforts and capabilities. Ours is a system-based approach to be rolled out with our key partners. This collaboration is about exploring the high-potential value chain ahead, and how we can position ourselves and our partners to benefit from the evolving EV technology. We are very happy and honoured to be with PDB in this journey.”
The second MoU on the collaboration in commercial electric bus charging infrastructure was signed by PDB Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Azrul Osman Rani, Gentari Chief Green Mobility Officer, Shah Yang Razalli and Handal Indah Executive Director, Lim Chern Chuen. Through this MoU, three PETRONAS stations in Johor will be installed with DC fast EV chargers to provide opportunity charging for Handal Indah’s electric buses serving the route, as well as to the public. These pilot runs will provide PDB with better insights, before scaling the solution into a viable business for PDB.
Gentari Green Mobility’s Chief Operating Officer, M Haikal Zubir said, “Tackling emissions from the transportation sector is an important step for Malaysia to become a low-carbon nation by 2040. Better and more connected public transportation will help to reduce cars on the roads. But equally important is for public transportation to be decarbonised. Gentari is pleased to collaborate with PDB and Handal Indah to explore the electrification of public transportation as well as the EV ecosystem developments required to support it. We believe this is a necessary course of action to make a meaningful impact in carbon emissions reduction for the country.”
