KUCHING, Sept 8: Borneo’s most extensive and high-speed public electric vehicle (EV) charging station is officially operational in Kuching.
This achievement stems from the partnership between Petronas subsidiary, Gentari Sdn Bhd, and local utility company Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), with the first charging points located at ICOM Square.
Gentari deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shah Yang Razali said the station offers three charging points, of which two are equipped with 180kW DC charging power.
“We are very excited. Sarawak has seen tremendous growth in EV adoption – enabled by very good policies as well as very good EV models being brought in by vehicle distributors and manufacturers.
“Our plan is to support the adoption growth,” he said to TVS after the launch on Thursday.
He further mentioned that the EV stations would be extended to various strategic cities across Sarawak, to address range anxiety the term used to describe the concern among EV owners regarding whether their vehicle’s battery charge will be sufficient to complete a journey or if there will be accessible charging stations en route.
“We have identified a few sites along the Pan Borneo Highway. I think our next one is along Sri Aman and Sibu.
“Together with our partner, Sarawak Energy, we will solve the range anxiety and range extension of travels throughout the Pan Borneo Highway,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy Group CEO Datu Sharbini Suhaili emphasized that this collaboration underscores the company’s dedication to establishing a comprehensive network of EV chargers throughout Sarawak.
“As Malaysia’s largest renewable energy provider, we are committed to greening the grid and electrifying the fleet.
“This aligns perfectly with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy in support of decarbonising the transportation sector,” he added.
In June 2023, Gentari signed a Strategic Collaboration Agreement with SEB, which includes partnering to grow EV adoption in Sarawak through the development of a comprehensive and wide-ranging Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in the state. – TVS
