Yinson GreenTech, PLUS Ink JV for Integrated EV Charging Hubs

Yinson GreenTech and PLUS Malaysia Berhad have signed a joint venture (JV) agreement to develop and operate Integrated Retail & EV Charging Hubs at key locations along the North-South Expressway (NSE).

This collaboration brings together their respective subsidiaries, Green EV Charge Sdn Bhd (GEV) and Terra PLUS Sdn Bhd to introduce the first of such hubs at the Seremban Southbound Rest and Service Area (RSA), targeting completion by 2027.

Under the agreement, PLUS will lead the development of commercial retail and F&B offerings, while Yinson GreenTech will be in charge of installing and operating the EV charging infrastructure.

Previously, both parties had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2023 to jointly develop Malaysia’s first Hyperpower DC fast charging hub along the PLUS highway, initially targeted for completion by 2025 - a timeline that now appears to have shifted to 2027.

The goal under the latest JV is to deliver more than just EV charging but create a full-service lifestyle pit stops equipped with high-speed DC chargers, dining, and retail options for EV users.

These hubs are part of Malaysia’s broader push to transition to a low-carbon economy, supporting the national target of net-zero emissions by 2050. As part of this effort, PLUS has already energised 112 DC fast charging points along its highways, exceeding its 2025 target.

The Seremban RSA Hub, touted as the first of its kind, aims to redefine the concept of rest and service areas in Malaysia. However, the timeline for its launch raises important questions.

It’s worth noting that the Pedas RSA hub, which has also faced delays, is now targeting completion in 2026 - potentially beating Seremban to the punch as the actual first integrated EV hub. This casts doubt on the “first-of-its-kind” claim made for Seremban.

So yes, delays have raised valid concerns and drawn public scrutiny. With both Pedas and Seremban experiencing similar setbacks, the race is now on to see which party overcomes challenges and delivers first.

More critically though, these developments highlight a systemic issue in the rollout of EV infrastructure in Malaysia: are long-term, scalable strategies truly in place, or are these hubs being bogged down by policy, planning, and execution bottlenecks?

Until key frameworks such as EV CKD development, infrastructure incentives and national grid readiness are fully aligned and implemented, timelines like 2027 may remain aspirational rather than assured.