KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has seen a total of 33,319 electric-powered vehicles (xEV), including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric, and fuel cell vehicles, sold as of Sept 30, this year, representing 5.11% of the country's annual vehicle sales.
Additionally, the government has installed 3,354 charging bays across the country as of Oct 31, 2024, as part of its efforts to promote the adoption of EVs.
Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said the government has raised its target for direct current (DC) chargers from 1,000 units to 1,500 units by 2025.
"Currently, there are 1,500 charging points, and we aim to reach 1,500 DC chargers since DC chargers are fast chargers," Liew said in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Nov 27).
He was responding to Khoo Poay Tiong's (PH-Kota Melaka) question to the ministry on the Government's measures to encourage local industry players to enhance their efforts in producing electric vehicles, thereby meeting local demand and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals target for 2050.
Liew also noted that the government is focusing on the future of EVs, which will include Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs).
"These vehicles are not purely electric but combine petrol and electricity, functioning in tandem. This hybrid solution can help bridge the gap, even if our charging point infrastructure does not reach the high targets seen in other countries," he said.
The government is also working with the state governments of Selangor and Johor to ensure that every district has at least a few DC charging points.
"This is an initiative we have already implemented, and we hope that after the pilot program with Selangor and Johor, we can expand it to all states to ensure that every district is equipped with charging points," Liew added.
