Malaysia: Affordable EVs need complete ecosystem, not just sales, says minister

Malaysia's push for affordable electric vehicles (EVs) needs more than just sales, according to Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. He stressed that the country's infrastructure must be fully prepared to support the influx of these new technologies.

Johari explained that the situation differs significantly from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which have benefited from a robust ecosystem built over many years. This includes established service centers, readily available spare parts, and a widespread network of fuel stations.

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If we want to bring affordable EVs into this country, two things must be ensured. First, the party bringing in the vehicles must ensure the ecosystem is also created.

"If we want to bring affordable EVs into this country, two things must be ensured. First, the party bringing in the vehicles must ensure the ecosystem is also created," Johari stated at the opening of the Autodeutsch Petronas AutoExpert Flagship Service Center. "If there is no ecosystem and they only want to sell cars, it will become a problem for the people who buy them."

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If there is no ecosystem and they only want to sell cars, it will become a problem for the people who buy them.

The minister also pointed out the critical need for extensive public charging facilities. He noted that not all EV owners have access to home charging, particularly those living in apartments, flats, or public housing projects (PPR). These residents may face difficulties due to building management restrictions and electricity supply limitations.

"If flat dwellers buy affordable EVs but there are no public chargers, they will eventually complain to the government because the facilities are not provided," he said. "That is why this matter needs to be communicated from the beginning so that people are not stressed when using new technology."

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If flat dwellers buy affordable EVs but there are no public chargers, they will eventually complain to the government because the facilities are not provided.

Johari added that the government is responsible for ensuring the automotive industry's development keeps pace with technological changes without disrupting the existing ecosystem. The national automotive industry is valued at approximately RM80 billion and supports a wide network of spare parts, service centers, and related products, contributing significantly to the economy. "Technology is always changing. If in the past people talked about cars, now they talk about technology in cars. If there is no technology, people will not buy cars," he concluded.

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That is why this matter needs to be communicated from the beginning so that people are not stressed when using new technology.