Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and PLUS Malaysia have a joint venture that sees the duo setting up direct charging DC fast charging stations along the PLUS highway with the GWM Ora Good Cat getting bragging rights as the first EV to be charged up at the TNB Electron charging station.
The venture is part of TNB’s RM 90 million investment over a two-year period to build more DC charging stations in the country.
There’re currently three TNB Electron charging stations currently in operation located at the Ayer Keroh (northbound), Tapah (northbound) and Paka (northbound) R&Rs. Each station is equipped with a dual-gun 180 kW DC charger that can supply 90 kW output for two EVs charging simultaneously.
Also Read: TNB: RM 90 million investment planned for DC fast chargers, more than 70 by 2024
Numerous automotive brands with new energy models were invited to participate in the inauguration ceremony, among which was the Ora Good Cat. Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Malaysia’s Minister of Public Works, officiated the ceremony by charging the Ora Good Cat as a demonstration.
The Ora Good Cat is the first product from GWM to launch in Malaysia on 28 November 2022, demonstrating to Malaysian consumers a new electric driving experience. The higher priced 500 Ultra variant can last up to 500 km on one single charge. However, both the 400 Pro and 500 Ultra are also equipped with an intelligent driving assistance configuration.
TNB and PLUS Highway are targeting seven more DC stations along PLUS highway by the year end, bringing the total to 10 DC EV chargers. Eventually, the energy provider will also be looking into building DC stations along trunk roads to alleviate range anxiety for EV owners.
TNB estimates that by 2040, EV charging will encompass 16 percent of the country’s total electricity consumption.
Also Read: Will TNB be the next Petronas? First EV charging hub in Malaysia expected by 2023
GWM is keen to exploring collaboration opportunities with companies like TNB to promote Malaysia’s new energy market development.
Future goals include TNB setting up charging hubs in the nature of petrol stations. The first one in Bangsar is expected to power up this year.
Malaysia’s EV charging network now comprises approximately 900 stations, according to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).
Also Read: Confused by EV terms? Here’s everything you need to know
Source: The Ora Good Cat is the first EV to charge up at TNB’s Electron charging station