Petronas Dagangan Berhad (PDB) has announced that it will be installing DC fast chargers at a number of its fuel stations, thanks to a new partnership with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) and EV Connection (EVC) – the latter operates the JomCharge charging station network.
According to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed yesterday, the national fuel retailer will be installing the chargers at five of its stations along the North-South Expressway and East-Coast Expressway during the pilot phase. The chargers will be operational by the first half of 2022.
PDB says that the partnership aims to address the issue of insufficient fast chargers in Malaysia, specifically for long-distance journeys. “Through this partnership, fast chargers will be available at strategic locations leveraging our wide network of Petronas stations,” said Petronas vice president of marketing, Ahmad Adly Alias.
He added that the company has been offering EV charging facilities at Petronas stations since 2017.
“We view this investment in EV charging facilities a necessary step towards promoting the adoption of EVs in Malaysia. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, and this strategic collaboration signifies another major stride in our efforts to provide cleaner energy in enriching lives for a sustainable future,” he added.
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As part of the announcement, MBM vice president of sales and marketing, Michael Jopp, also confirmed that the company will be unveiling new fully-electric EQ-branded models in Malaysia in 2022.
“2022 marks the beginning of our Mercedes-EQ model offensive strategy. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will be introducing a range of our premium all-electric models to define the future of mobility.
“This is in line with Mercedes-Benz’s global strategy to go all-electric by the end of the decade where market conditions allow. Therefore, we are fully committed to invest in our local infrastructure together with PDB and EVC to encourage the EV adoption amongst the Malaysian drivers,” said Jopp.
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EVC Managing director, Ir Lee Yuen How added, “In support of the Malaysian government’s Budget 2022, EVC is delighted to foster this strategic partnership with PDB and MBM in expanding JomCharge DC fast charger network in the country.
“Given the clear policy from the Government, we believe that next year will be a tipping point for EV adoption in Malaysia. This tri-party partnership is a big step forward to support Malaysia in the transition to EVs as part of our Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB).”
