IPOH: There is soothing news for electric vehicle (EV) owners in the country who have to put up with “range anxiety” – more high-voltage direct current (DC) charging stations will be installed.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, who disclosed this, said a survey conducted by the ministry showed that more DC charging stations for fast charging were at the top of the wanted list by EV owners.
He said DC charging stations were costlier compared to alternating current (AC) charging stations but said the government was aware of the demand for them.
“With the government’s target of constructing 10,000 EV charging stations by the end of next year, we will relook into adding more DC stations,” he told reporters after opening the Ipoh Barat Umno division delegates’ annual general meeting here yesterday.
(“Range anxiety” is worry on the part of an EV driver that their battery will fully drain before the destination or a suitable charging point is reached. It is often cited as the main reason why many are reluctant to buy EVs.)
Tengku Zafrul was asked whether the target of reaching 10,000 EV charging stations would be met. So far, 2,585 EV charging stations have been installed.
He said over the last two to three months, more such charging stations have been installed.
“Initially, we faced several challenges in terms of approvals, but after Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof set up a one-stop centre, bureaucracy was reduced. With the centre in place, approvals were given faster.
“I am confident that we can achieve the goal of 10,000 charging stations by focusing on increasing the number of DC stations,” he said.
In his speech earlier, Tengku Zafrul, an Umno supreme council member, said the party was still relevant and had not lost its shine.
“We, as Umno members, must ensure that the struggles of the party remain relevant not only within but for the people in general. We have to work hard and smart to ensure we head for the right outcome,” he said.
