Proton's Pro-Net and Petronas' Gentari join hands to build EV network - Plans for 20 DC chargers by 2023
Arvind · Oct 13, 2022 03:43 PM
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Proton’s new energy vehicle subsidiary, Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net) has inked an MOU with Gentari, the clean energy subsidiary of Petronas, at the ongoing International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM).
Following the signing of a distributorship agreement with Smart, and the establishment of Pro-Net September, the exchange of documents with Gentari is the latest step take Proton to establish its presence with the local EV ecosystem and lay the groundwork for an EV infrastructure that would serve its future customers.
Initial plans are for the building of 20 DC chargers in 2023 where Pro-Net will be responsible to provide the charging location and power facilities while Gentari will be responsible for providing the charging infrastructure and operatorship solutions.
Aside from the development of charging infrastructure, Proton is working closely with Smart, via its subsidiary, to ensure their EV offerings match the usage profile of Malaysian EV buyers.
The MOU stands for a period of 2 years and will also see Pro-Net and Gentari collaborating on marketing activities, fleet business, the education and engagement of consumers and establishing a localised supply chain for selected EV components.
At the same time, the company is also investing in growing its knowledge base in the field of NEVs by sending engineers to China to be trained in all aspects of the field.
Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of Proton added, “Today’s exchange of documents with Gentari addresses one piece of Proton’s move into the NEV market and opens opportunities to collaborate with the clean energy subsidiary of Petronas to contribute to the build-up of Malaysia’s charging infrastructure. However, Proton must pay equal attention to other areas of the business if we want to have a comprehensive business solution.”
“For instance, as a national automotive brand Proton should spearhead the development of Malaysia’s EV ecosystem by investing in knowledge and expertise to address potential blind spots in areas where we have little experience. So, we are sending 16 engineers to China for six months to be trained in R&D, vehicle performance, homologation, and testing with the aim of eventually developing and selling a homegrown NEV. This is an important step in supporting the government’s efforts to move Malaysia towards a knowledge-based economy and to be a regional epicentre for NEVs,”
Petronas' Gentari will provide the necessary charging technology to Pro-Net, which in turn will utilise its dealer locations/network to create a comprehensive EV charging network
According to Proton, research into EV ownership shows a trend where users prioritise other areas compared to traditional car buyers.
Connectivity, autonomous driving, and over-the-air updates are particularly important and as the servicing needs of such vehicles are also different, customers expect a new sale and after-sales brand experience.
To cater to their needs, Pro-Net will also be looking to recruit new dealers and create an innovative brand and transactional experience for their customers.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
