The government has an aspiration to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as detailed in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). Through the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (2021-2030), it is tackling issues in the transport sector, which contributes 20% of domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. With that in mind, electric vehicle (EV) adoption is critical to achieve low carbon mobility and this has spurred the government to set a target of 10,000 EV charging stations by the end of 2025.

The automobile industry has started bringing in more affordable and stylish EV models, drawing greater interest from consumers who are keen to reduce their carbon footprint. Currently, there are 35 EV brands delivering 73 EV models, giving the public a healthy selection to choose from.

Utility company Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) recognises the urgent need for more charging stations and has further streamlined its Green Lane Pathway for EV charging stations (EVCS) since it was first introduced in 2022 to expedite the application process even further.

“The improvements were based on past applicants’ feedback and revised regulatory policies, and it was well received by all parties concerned as it aimed to foster faster growth of EVCS in the market,” says TNB chief retail officer Kamal Arifin A Rahman.

To facilitate a faster supply connection process for charge point operators, a mutual understanding of the regulatory and safety requirements is critical. Through collaboration, both parties can help expedite the end-to-end supply connection process.

Kamal explains that under the Green Lane Pathway for EVCS, the contractor, consultant or property developer applicants would enjoy a shortened time frame to process EVCS applications based on energy required (kilowatt), with 21 days for 61kW to 240kW and 55 days for 241kW to 850kW. In the past, it used to take about three to 12 months, especially when an electrical substation was required to be installed. The expedited timeline excludes the time frame that involves other stakeholders, such as securing licence approval from the Energy Commission, wayleave approvals and local council permits.

Applicants would also benefit from the lower security deposits required for EVCS projects, by about one-third, compared to the normal deposits required for commercial premises. This is TNB’s way of supporting the charge point operators in optimising their cash flow based on proven supply usage patterns, says Kamal.

“The reception from EV industry players has been positive. During the special EV Day on Aug 12, multiple engagements with the charge point operators were held to provide greater clarity. Key stakeholders from government agencies such as PlanMalaysia (responsible for urban and rural development planning), Energy Commission, Malaysia Productivity Council, PLUS Highway and the local authorities were on hand to shed more light on the regulatory and safety requirements as well as provide future plans for various communities in the country,” he continues.

“The charge point operators walked away with a better comprehension of the role TNB plays in the overall EV ecosystem and the assistance TNB can render throughout the end-to-end process.”

Supplying electricity to EVCS does come with a set of challenges. Kamal says acquiring land for new substations and securing the permits or wayleave approvals from relevant stakeholders in a timely fashion for the project implementation stage, especially at high-density locations or developed commercial areas, are some examples.

There is also the challenge of assessing the overall power requirements for potential EVCS at a location identified by multiple charge point operators, who submit their supply applications at different times.

“This creates redundancy in efforts such as permit approvals and cabling works at the same location,” Kamal explains.

“Nevertheless, TNB is proactively studying supply availability at highway exits, encouraging charge point operators to consider these areas as potential locations for their EVCS.”

The public’s interest in EV is expected to grow exponentially when the EV models of local car manufacturers, Proton and Perodua, are ready for market. Kamal says, based on TNB’s studies, which were shared with the National EV Task Force in February 2024, it is projected that the current infrastructure can cater for one million EVs for at least another 10 years.

As the public becomes more open to replacing their old vehicles with EVs, it is critical that the key players in the EV ecosystem collaborate and ramp up the pace of EVCS development. Local councils and authorities can expedite approvals for EVCS development and help fast-track permit approvals for TNB site works, accelerating the supply connection process for EVCS.

“Charge point operators can also initiate the early application and submission of the Energy Commission licence for EVCS sites, ensuring that all the relevant documentation is submitted and, thus, expedite the electricity connection,” says Kamal.

“Resource planning can be further improved when there is visibility of the potential locations for EVCS throughout the country via joint collaborative efforts between the charge point operators and relevant government agencies.”

Another new development that EV users can expect from TNB is the “time of use” feature, which relies on smart meters to provide accurate energy consumption readings. This empowers EV users to manage their usage, especially if their premises have a rooftop solar installation that allows them to recharge their vehicles using solar energy during peak sunny weather.

“Understanding the exponential interest of customers in EV, TNB is committed to facilitating the EV ecosystem via the Green Lane Pathway for EVCS as more affordable models become available in the market,” says Kamal.