Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape is rapidly evolving, fuelled by growing consumer interest and the government’s push for sustainable mobility. The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) outlines Malaysia’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with low-carbon mobility playing a critical role in reducing emissions.

This vision is supported by initiatives to accelerate EV adoption, with supportive policies such as tax incentives for EV buyers and investments in clean energy. Yet, for widespread EV adoption to take root, barriers like range anxiety and charging accessibility need to be addressed by assuring EV users with an accessible, reliable and expansive charging network.

This is where Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) steps in, leading the charge by building a future-ready EV ecosystem that aligns with national sustainability goals and empowers more Malaysians to make the switch to electric.

TNB is not only expanding the charging network but also reinforcing grid resilience to support rising electricity demands. Through strategic partnerships, forward-thinking investments and a steadfast commitment to cutting-edge charging solutions, the national utility company is laying the foundation for a cleaner, more connected future — positioning itself as a key enabler of Malaysia’s transition to low-carbon mobility.

As the nation’s leading electricity provider, TNB is actively developing a comprehensive EV charging ecosystem. It is committed to supporting the government’s efforts to expand charging infrastructure by facilitating Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and deploying its own EV chargers under TNB Electron.

TNB Electron is a dedicated brand focused on delivering fast and convenient EV charging services, enabling long-distance travel and everyday convenience.

As at present, TNB has built 78 charging points across Peninsular Malaysia, with aggressive expansion plans underway.

To ensure the success of this vision, TNB is simultaneously building a future-ready workforce to sustain the energy transition. Through its reskilling and upskilling programmes, TNB is preparing Malaysians for EV-related jobs across the energy, automotive and transportation sectors — ensuring the country has the talent to support its low-carbon mobility ambitions.

By deploying high-performance charging stations along major highways, urban centres and petrol stations, TNB is addressing range anxiety and making EV ownership more practical for Malaysians.

The utility is also exploring the ownership and operation of public AC EV chargers, streamlining the process for EVSE development and identifying optimal locations for infrastructure rollout.

With seed funding and government support, TNB is even looking to establish a matching grant fund to deploy chargers in stratified properties, further boosting access to EV charging.

Infrastructure plays a crucial role in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). TNB is committed to ensuring that charging is as seamless as refuelling a petrol vehicle by providing fast, reliable and widely accessible charging solutions for Malaysians.

Meanwhile, TNB is leading by example, gradually electrifying its own 4,217-strong fleet of vehicles — from pickup trucks to lorries and passenger vehicles — to demonstrate the viability of large-scale fleet electrification.

TNB is also one of the founding member of the Malaysia Zero Emission Vehicle Association (MyZEVA), working alongside industry players and vehicle importers to advocate for EV-friendly policies.

By driving policy discussions and fostering collaboration across the ecosystem, TNB is not just building infrastructure — it’s building an entire ecosystem to accelerate Malaysia’s transition to sustainable mobility.

Collaboration is key to accelerating Malaysia’s EV readiness. TNB’s strategic alliances with industry leaders are expanding charging accessibility and fast-tracking infrastructure development.

The recent partnership with Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) saw the launch of a 200kW DC fast-charging station at BHPetrol Jalan Genting Klang 1, with plans for additional stations at KL - Karak Highway and PLUS R&R Ladang Bikam (Northbound). These hubs are crucial for interstate travellers, offering fast and reliable charging along busy routes.

In another strategic move, TNB signed a memorandum of understanding with Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) to integrate EV charging facilities at service centres nationwide. The first such facility will be launched this December.

The initiative will enhance convenience for Perodua customers, allowing them to charge their vehicles during routine service visits — a step that could make EV ownership more attractive to a broader consumer base.

TNB’s partnership ecosystem extends even further. Working with AEON and Petron, TNB is expanding charging points at retail and fuel locations to improve urban and suburban coverage.

A reliable charging network is only one part of the equation. To support growing EV demand, TNB is making significant investments in grid upgrades and smart energy solutions.

TNB plans to invest an RM35 billion between 2025 to 2030 in upgrading Malaysia’s power grid, to ensure the infrastructure does not become an obstacle in the nation’s energy transition (ET) endeavours. This is on top of its RM54 billion non-ET investment allocation for the grid over the same five-year period.

With an investment total of RM90 billion into Malaysia’s grid in the coming five-year period, this is nearly double the RM46 billion the group allocated for 2018-2024, which comprised RM40 billion for non-ET and RM6 billion for ET.

These efforts ensure that as more Malaysians transition to electric vehicles, the national power infrastructure remains resilient, efficient and ready to handle increased energy loads.

TNB’s grid modernisation initiatives are aligned with Malaysia’s NETR. Beyond installing chargers, the company is strengthening the entire energy ecosystem to support sustainable mobility.

By enhancing power reliability and integrating smart energy management, TNB is paving the way for an EV-ready Malaysia, where clean transportation is not only possible but practical.

TNB’s unwavering commitment to expanding Malaysia’s EV charging infrastructure is propelling the country closer to its sustainability goals. Each new charging station, each strategic partnership and each grid enhancement brings Malaysia one step closer to a cleaner, more efficient transport sector.

For Malaysians contemplating the switch to electric, the road ahead is not just promising — it’s already being built.

Ready to plug into Malaysia’s electric future? Discover the latest EV charging locations, learn more about TNB Electron, and take your first step towards a sustainable journey at www.tnb.com.my/sustainability/tnb-electron.