GEORGE TOWN: While an electric vehicle (EV) makes sense for commuters who mostly zip around Penang island, there is one drawback: most islanders live in high-rises.
To make charging easier, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is expanding its network of public charging bays, with another 94 expected to be ready by December.
And there is a little sweetener for EV owners: they do not have to pay council parking fees while charging at MBPP EV roadside charging bays.
Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the additional bays would double the number under MBPP’s supervision from 94 to 188.
Another 261 charging bays are privately operated, bringing the present total on the island to 355.
Of MBPP’s existing 94 bays, 92 are equipped with DC fast chargers while two have AC chargers.
Rajendran said the DC chargers, with capacities ranging from 60kW to 120kW, could charge an EV from about 20% to 80% in 30 to 60 minutes.
The 22kW AC chargers could take between six and eight hours for a full charge, depending on the vehicle and battery capacity.
Charging rates vary and are decided by the operator and type of charger.
Rajendran said motorists could locate the charging facilities and check their availability through the MBPP PEARL App or the respective charging operators’ platforms.
While MBPP parking fees do not apply when an EV is being charged, motorists could face idle charges if they leave their vehicles at the bays after charging is completed.
The council has received RM81,992.37 to date under revenue-sharing arrangements with operators appointed to install and manage EV charging facilities.
For EV owner Brian Song, 48, having more public chargers would be welcome as charging at home was less convenient.
“I usually use DC fast chargers, but they can be quite expensive, costing about RM70 for a charge,” said Song.
His condominium has only one AC charging point.
“I do not want to be selfish by occupying it for a long time because other residents need to use it too,” he said.
Another EV driver, Melissa Subhi, 32, has no charging facilities at her apartment in Tanjung Bungah.
“Perhaps the management could look into installing charging stations as more residents are now switching to EVs,” she said.
