TNB To Install charging Facilities For EVs Along PLUS Highways

As part of its partnership with PLUS Malaysia Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) will build electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure along the North-South Expressway, according to TNB President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Baharin Din on Tuesday (Aug 2).

The energy company would invest RM90 million over three years to support the EV ecosystem.

“TNB aims to accelerate the battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption to capture the RM1.3 billion market value by 2030, and welcomes collaboration with strategic partners to stimulate the growth of the BEV ecosystem,” he explained.

TNB and PLUS declared their collaboration to minimise carbon emissions on PLUS roadways through sustainability efforts in March of this year.

Both parties stated in a joint statement at the time that the measures included building a network of EV charging stations, installing energy efficiency monitoring systems, and installing solar PV systems at specific rest and relaxation (R&R) areas along the PLUS highway network.

Along with PLUS, according to Baharin, TNB also is in discussions with highway operators and federal road authority run by the Public Works Department.

By 2025, the EV industry might support 33,350 BEVs with 3,300 charging stations, generating RM80 million in yearly power revenue. By 2030, that number is expected to rise to 524,409 BEVs with 18,000 charging stations and RM1.25 billion in electricity revenue.

“By 2030, we forecast half a million EVs to be on the road with 2.3 TWh of electricity charging requirements, valued at RM1.26 billion. This also means 4.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions reduction by taking internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles off the road,” he added.

The growth of the EV ecosystem is a clear priority for TNB because of the potential benefits it may have on the environment and the business's bottom line, he said.

Along with developing the infrastructure for charging, TNB will also electrify 4,200 of its own vehicles, support EV-related studies, and encourage alliances among EV sector players like ZEVA in addition to establishing the charging infrastructure (Zero Emission Vehicle Association).