A detailed study is underway to establish 500 additional electric vehicle (EV) charging sites across Selangor, Malaysia. This initiative is set to enhance the region’s green infrastructure and is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
Progress on EV Charging Site Development
The initiative, managed by the state government’s appointed coordinating agency for EV charging operators, has reached 5% of its overall progress. Vivekananthen Sreedaran, head of new energy at Worldwide Holdings Bhd (WHB), emphasized that the assessment of proposed sites is crucial for timely execution.
Collaborative Effort by Local Councils
Local authorities, including Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Hulu Selangor, and Ampang Jaya, have recommended the locations. Vivekananthen noted that the suitability of each suggested site will be carefully evaluated. “We are not concentrating all charging bays in one area. Outskirt regions like Hulu Selangor and Sabak Bernam are essential,” he explained.
Assessing Site Suitability
The evaluation process involves multiple factors, including proximity to existing EV Charging Bays (EVCBs) and infrastructure improvement needs. WHB will replace any unsuitable proposed sites with alternatives suggested by local authorities.
- Power source: The study prioritizes electric vehicle charging stations with access to direct current (DC) chargers.
- High-output options: DC chargers offer faster charging capabilities compared to alternating current (AC) chargers.
- Off-grid solutions: The team is exploring energy storage systems for battery-based charging to address power supply limitations.
Standardizing EV Charging Bay Procedures
Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) is working on guidelines to streamline the EVCB application process across Selangor. This includes a series of engagement sessions aimed at refining the operational procedures, application checklists, and enforcement measures.
The new guidelines, set to strengthen existing regulations from the Town and Country Planning Department implemented in December 2023, aim to enhance workflow efficiency. According to MBSA, discussions during these sessions have focused on critical aspects to ensure a smooth application process.
The establishment of 500 new EV charging locations is a significant step forward for Selangor, contributing to the state’s commitment to sustainable transportation and green energy solutions.
