Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles have been a major contributor of CO2 emissions, emphasising the need to shift away from such transport to more low-carbon designs. GreenTech Malaysia has taken an active role in leading this transition through its Low Carbon Mobility Division. While automotive brands have long started putting out more eco-friendly vehicular options, there is also a need to provide the public with the facilities it needs for such vehicles. Recognising this, MESTECC together with GreenTech Malaysia has been promoting the use of electric vehicles with the ChargEV initiative, which installs and gives the public easier access to EV charging stations. This move will incentivise the use of EVs, which will effectively reduce carbon emissions and local air pollution.
By the end of 2018, there are 250 public EV chargers installed at shopping malls, hotels, Petronas petrol stations and other selected public places. ChargEV has also made mobile apps available to its users, making it easier to locate nearby charging stations. To track the performance of all these ChargEV stations and most importantly the distance driven by users, the ChargEV network collectively tracks charging activity in public locations. In 2018, the ChargEV network recorded 254,802 kWh of electricity consumption, which translates to 1,698,682 km driven, an increase of 50% from last year. This is a promising figure for the growth of the EV industry, as it shows the public is acclimatising to the transition.
Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2018
KLIMS 2018 presented the ideal platform to bring awareness to EVs, which is why GreenTech Malaysia set up a dedicated booth for low-carbon mobility (LCM) at the event. GreenTech Malaysia took the opportunity to educate visitors about EV infrastructure and the perks of the charging network memberships by showcasing a variety of EVs such as Tesla Model S 85, Renault Twizy, Renault Zoe, Mitsubishi iMiev, Electric Bicycles, EclimoElectric Scooter ES-11, Treelektrike-bikes and even an Electric Mini Lorry.