Minister of Investment, Trade and Investment Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong said the government is reevaluating the feasibility of achieving the target of 10,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations operating in the country by 2025, considering the current low adoption rate of EVs among consumers.
During a parliamentary session, Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain raised concerns about the practicality of reaching the 10,000 EV charging station target by 2025, given the relatively low number of EV users.
In response, Liew Chin Tong, highlighted the government’s Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2030 (LCMB), which sets the ambitious target of 10,000 EV charging stations by 2025, with 9,000 units being alternating current (AC) chargers and 1,000 units being direct current (DC) fast chargers.
Despite the challenges, recent data shows promising growth in the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the country. Annual sales of new BEVs surged by over 400% in 2023, reaching 13,257 units compared to 3,127 units in 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, a total of 2,020 charging units have been installed at 750 locations nationwide, comprising 1,591 AC chargers and 429 DC fast chargers. Recognising the need to address “range anxiety” for EV users, especially during long-distance travel, the government aims to prioritise the installation of more DC fast chargers.
In light of the ongoing discussions, MITI, along with relevant agencies such as MARii and MGTC, is conducting a thorough review of the 10,000 EV charging station target. Proposals to enhance the deployment of DC fast chargers will be presented during the upcoming National Electric Vehicle Steering Committee (NEVSC) meeting in the second quarter of 2024.
The reassessment of the EV charging station target underscores the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable mobility and addressing the evolving needs of the growing EV market in Malaysia. Stay tuned for further developments on Malaysia’s electric vehicle infrastructure initiatives.
