DRB-HICOM group managing director and HESB chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar. —LOW BOON TAT/The Star.
KUALA LUMPUR: New Energy Asia Sdn Bhd, a newly established joint venture (JV) between HICOM Engineering Sdn Bhd (HESB) and Hangzhou Flash Charging New Energy Co Ltd. (HFC) from China, will exclusively distribute Lotus electric vehicle (EV) chargers across ASEAN.
HESB is a subsidiary of DRB-Hicom Bhd
, while HFC is a subsidiary of Lotus Technology Inc., which is a company mainly engaged in the design, development, manufacturing and sales of luxury EVs.
DRB-HICOM group managing director and HESB chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar said that starting today, New Energy Asia will begin the nationwide rollout of a full range of Lotus charging stations in Malaysia.
"We are also keen to work with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and property developers, too, because modern condominiums deserve turbocharged EV units.
"Big things are coming ahead. Our JV with HFC marks a significant milestone. Thank you for believing in us. We are excited to co-create something truly impactful in the future.
"To the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, as well as the Energy Commission, your guidance and support have made this possible. We are deeply grateful,” he said in his speech at the JV collaboration here today.
Syed Faisal said that DRB-HICOM is committed to answering the government’s call, especially in the EV sector, contributing to net-zero emissions by 2050.
"Our HICOM Engineering manufacturing facilities also assemble Mercedes-Benz EQS EV, and Pos Malaysia has already converted 2,000 vehicles into electric motorcycles and vans.
"We are just not talking about change, but we are living it. Therefore, this new JV becomes a natural extension in our effort to slash the carbon footprint,” he added.
Meanwhile, HESB chief operating officer Hazrin Fazail Haroon said that New Energy Asia aims to set up a manufacturing facility within the next two years, depending on market demand. The targeted location for the facility is Tanjung Malim, Perak.
However, for now, New Energy Asia will focus on after-sales service and support for its charge point operators (CPOs), as well as strengthening the capabilities and expertise of its workforce in this area.
"We have sent our team to Hangzhou Flash Charge in China for the first step training, they have been there and they have gained all the knowledge about the charging equipment, the direct current, and also alternating current.
"For the second phase, we are doing online training focused on the calibration of charging equipment and compatibility with new cars available in the market. We will work with OEMs and our partners to do these calibrations and address any issues we face in Malaysia,” he said. - Bernama
