Will TNB be the next Petronas? First EV charging hub in Malaysia expected by 2023

At NEXTGen Malaysia, an event on sustainability and electrified mobility, BMW Group Malaysia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its partners, MGTC, TNB, and Siemens Malaysia, to further develop the ecosystem and infrastructure for Electric Vehicles in the country.

This follows the announcement by BMW Malaysia that it will be installing DC fast chargers on all BMW dealerships across the country, which will be open to EVs of all makes.

Also read: BMW Malaysia: Our dealers’ DC fast chargers will be open to all makes

Tenaga Switchgear, a subsidiary of TNB, showcased their plans at the event with mock-ups of their in-house designed and manufactured AC as well as DC chargers.

Also read: BMW Malaysia: Exciting times for EV in the next 6 - 8 months but gov needs to speed up

They’ve also displayed a miniature model of a charging hub - think petrol station but dedicated to charging EVs, so instead of petrol pumps, it’s DC fast chargers. From the model, it appears that solar panels will be installed on the roof.

Tenaga Switchgear is planning to set up the first charging hub in Bangsar and is expected to be ready by 2023. Meanwhile, they will be installing a DC fast charging station (singular unit) at their headquarters in Kota Damansara, which is expected to be complete by next month.

Mind you, it will not be free, like the DC charger at ABB Sunway. EV users will be able to make payments via a credit card or debit card.

As for the DC charger itself, maximum output is rated at 120 kW with a CCS Combo 2 type connector tethered. EVs that use CHAdeMO (i.e., Nissan Leaf) will not be able to utilise the charger, unfortunately.

Also read: What is CHAdeMO and CCS? Everything you need to know about charging EVs

Chief Executive Officer of TNB, Datuk Ir. Baharin Din said, “As the largest electricity utility in Malaysia and a leading utility company in Asia, we are committed to empowering Malaysians through innovative and sustainable solutions towards a better and brighter future. Our aspiration is to be the leading provider of sustainable energy solutions in Malaysia and beyond, anchored on the aspiration towards Net Zero emissions by 2050. 

“Electrification of mobility is a natural next step for the automotive sector, and we are thrilled to be able to accelerate its uptake alongside BMW Group Malaysia through our long-standing partnership in making charging infrastructures more accessible across the country.”

Also read: First BMW-operated DC fast charger in Malaysia now open for public use