Unified EV Charging App: Will CPOs Raise EV Charging Prices?

The Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) is leading the development of a unified EV charging app to streamline access across multiple charge point operators (CPOs) such as ChargeSini, Gentari, JomCharge, ChargEV, Go2U, and more.

This initiative aims to enhance convenience for EV users by integrating a single payment platform that allows them to locate, activate, and pay for charging sessions seamlessly.

The app is being developed with input from the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) and the Malaysia Digital Department. It is expected to significantly boost Malaysia's EV market by eliminating the need for multiple CPO apps.

However, PLANMalaysia acknowledges the challenges of integrating different app interfaces while ensuring seamless communication between platforms. Real-time and accurate data on charging bay availability is also critical to preventing user frustration.

Presently, Malaysia has 3,611 Electric Vehicle Charging Bays (EVCBs) nationwide, according to MEVNet, which was last updated on Dec 31, 2024. This number remains far from the government’s target of 10,000 EVCBs by the end of the year to support the growing EV market.

The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) oversees EVCB planning guidelines, while the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry (MITI) manages incentives such as the Green Investment Tax Allowance.

Between 2018 and Feb 2024, 42,452 EVs were registered in Malaysia. EV registrations surged by 58.5% in the first two months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting strong market growth. Charging costs vary by CPO, ranging from RM0.60 to RM1.80 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has assured that the government will work to keep EV charging rates reasonable, even if electricity tariffs increase later this year.

A quick check with a prominent CPO revealed that discussions with PLANMalaysia took place a few weeks ago, but no agreement has been reached. The unified app is expected to operate on a roaming system using the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI), a feature many CPOs already support.

However, concerns remain about potential cost increases and whether the government will contribute to these additional roaming costs? Or will it be passed down to consumers.

While the unified EV charging app is a significant step forward for Malaysia’s EV infrastructure, questions remain about why open payment gateway systems, such as the one adopted by DC Handal, were not considered as an alternative solution.