UM Central Bus Stop Now Has Free Phone Chargers—And They Run On Old BMW Batteries

In a groundbreaking collaboration, BMW Group Malaysia has partnered with researchers from the UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC) to launch a solar-powered fast-charging station right at the UM Central bus stop.

The coolest part? It doesn't draw a single watt of electricity from the national grid, and it’s powered entirely by retired, 10-year-old electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Turning "Car Trash" Into Campus Treasure

When an electric vehicle reaches the end of its road life, its battery isn't actually dead. Even after a decade of driving, EV batteries typically retain 30% to 40% of their energy capacity, too low for high-performance driving, but more than enough to store renewable solar energy.

Led by Dr. Tan Chia Kwang and his PhD research team at UMPEDAC, the two-year RE:GENERATE project set out to solve two problems at once: managing future EV battery waste and creating sustainable off-grid public infrastructure.

Instead of letting these high-grade lithium-ion modules end up in landfills, the team re-engineered them into modular energy storage systems connected to overhead solar panels.

Fast Charging For 3,000 Daily Commuters

Operates completely independent of the national grid using stored solar energy, resulting in zero electricity costs for the university.

Located at UM Central, a major transit hub serving over 3,000 daily students, staff, and public commuters, the new station is designed for maximum real-world utility.

Here is what you can expect when you drop by to juice up:

• 200W Total Output: Capable of powering multiple devices simultaneously at full speed.
• 3x USB-C and 1x Lightning port (Up to 100W/port): High-speed ports powerful enough to fast-charge smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
• 100% Off-Grid & Solar Powered: Operates completely independent of the national grid using stored solar energy, resulting in zero electricity costs for the university.

The 3 Lives Of A BMW Battery

The RE:GENERATE framework repurposed 10-year-old BMW EV batteries to create a sustainable circular economy.

This campus bus stop is just the first step in a broader vision for battery circular economy in Malaysia. The RE:GENERATE framework introduces a "Three-Life Cycle" model for EV batteries:

• Life 1 (0–10 Years): Powers high-performance BMW electric vehicles.
• Life 2 (Medium Capacity ~80%): Deployed in rural off-grid communities, such as the Semai Orang Asli village in Pos Sinderut, Pahang, providing lights and basic power to remote homes.
• Life 3 (Lower Capacity 30–40%): Repurposed into localized micro-chargers like the UM Central bus stop setup, operating smoothly for another 5+ years before ultimate recycling.