A file picture of an EV charging station at the state secretariat building in Shah Alam.
PETALING JAYA: The rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) sector should see equal progress in technology and infrastructure supporting the environmentally-friendly vehicles, says an industry player.
A Bermaz Auto Bhd spokesman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the growing adoption of EVs by Malaysians would also see further development of technological infrastructure to attract new owners as well as provide assurance to current EV users.
"Soon, there will be a need to replace high-range coverage on a single charge (for EVs) with better charging speeds.
"Upon achieving this, the masses would be more open towards adopting EVs," the spokesman said.
Previously, The Star reported on growing concerns over the lack of infrastructure to support EVs, with experts and stakeholders saying the number of charging stations should be increased to keep up with increasing EV ownership.
Experts and stakeholders had also called on the government to roll out more incentives to further develop the segment.
The spokesman said that charging times could also be reduced once new technologies are introduced, giving EV users better confidence when carrying out long journeys.
The spokesman also said that changes in battery technology would also influence the adoption of EVs.
"This in turn can take away the negativities surrounding its present battery settings."
The spokesperson added that the company also invested in a new training centre within the Klang Valley, proposed to train the new generation workforce in handling EVs.
"We also conduct a comprehensive handover process to owners to ensure they are well-versed with the functions and features of EVs."
Explaining further, the spokesperson said concerns such as range anxiety would be less of an issue once they realise such vehicles need not be charged daily.
"Training (on handling EVs) are also extended by the company towards first responders in case of emergency, as well as relevant stakeholders who would like to keep abreast with EV developments," the spokesperson said.
PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) chief operating officer Datuk Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi said there are 20 direct current (DC) chargers commissioned and energised by various charge point operators on its highways to date.
Another two were also under construction, he said.
"This is an important milestone to support the national agenda of increasing electrified mobility adoption under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2030.
"It is also one of the key initiatives under the PLUS Smart Highway, which is developing an eMobility infrastructure" he said.
He added that the increasing EV charging infrastructure on PLUS highways, as envisaged under its electric vehicle charging system (EVCS) roadmap 2025, would hopefully spur confidence of EV users to travel interstate.
"At the same time, it is hoped that the initiative could also tackle range anxiety from EV travel range limitations," he said.
