Electric vehicles (EVs) are getting more common on our roads. Every other day, you spot a new EV or a smart charging station at your favorite mall. But for many Malaysians, owning an EV still feels a bit stressful compared to driving a petrol car. The big question for most of us is, “Can I get to my destination without running out of battery?” That’s where range anxiety comes in. If you’ve ever worried about whether your EV can ‘tahan’ your long drive back to kampung, you’re not alone.

What is Range Anxiety?

Range anxiety is just the stress you feel when you’re not sure if your EV has enough battery to reach your next stop or if you’ll find an EV charging service nearby. Many Malaysians love road trips and long-haul balik kampung journeys. If you can’t guarantee a charging point in smaller towns or highways, you’d think twice before making the switch to electric. Petrol stations, at least, are everywhere, EV chargers not so much yet. Some drivers get nervous, and that’s natural. You don’t want to end up stranded tepi jalan, right?

Price Point and Availability of Charging

Let’s talk money. Price plays a big part. EV charging isn’t free, but it can sometimes be cheaper than filling a tank of petrol, if you charge at home overnight. Public charging points, like fast chargers in shopping centres or along highways, often come at a higher rate. Charging costs depend on the type of charger, slower AC chargers are cheaper, but take longer, while DC fast chargers can cost more but get you going quicker.

It’s not just about the price. You need to be able to find a charger near you. City areas like KL, Penang, and Johor Bahru have more charging stations popping up, but smaller towns still lack coverage. Sometimes, even if you find a charging station, all the ports might be taken or the hardware can be rosak. That can be pretty frustrating, especially when rushing for appointments or family events.

Infrastructure Expansion

Now for some good news. Malaysia is speeding up infrastructure expansion to ease range anxiety. More players are coming in to install EV charging service points in malls, petrol stations, condos, and office buildings. You’ll find new chargers along major highways, plus increased support for home charging setups. The government also provides some incentives for new EV owners and supports partnerships with local and international companies for charger installations.

Still, there’s some way to go. To really reduce range anxiety for everyone, the network must cover rural areas and ensure chargers are well maintained. Apps and online maps now show you where to find nearby EV charging stations and check if they’re available before you make a move.

Service Availability

Service quality is a concern. You don’t want to show up and find a charger out of order, this happens more than you might think. Most operators offer customer hotlines and mobile apps to help with booking and payments. But some charging stations run on different networks, and you might need different apps or cards for each one. If operators can join up and make the system easier, your charging experience will feel much smoother.

Malaysia’s Goal To Install 10,000 Charging Stations By 2025

Malaysia is setting ambitious goals to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, aiming to reach 10,000 charging stations nationwide by the end of 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, also serving as the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, shared this target while underlining the country’s drive to become a regional hub for EV production and innovation. The initiative is part of Malaysia’s broader National Investment Aspirations, which are designed to attract high-value investments and bolster local industry capabilities in the EV sector.

According to Fadillah, Malaysia’s efforts to improve infrastructure coincide with robust potential in the EV market, as increased EV sales are likely to draw further investment and enhance the country’s position in the regional and global EV supply chain.

Although this sounds promising, there are some hurdles we as a nation still need to overcome. It’s the end of the year and we are still quite far from the goal of having 10,000 stations in the country.

Addressing The Main Issues

To sum up, building confidence in Malaysia’s EV scene is all about tackling range anxiety, keeping price fair, and building more EV charging service points all over the country. The growth is real, but coverage outside major cities can be better. With more chargers and better service, owning an EV will soon be as “senang” as driving any normal car. Can or not? Sure can, just need a bit more effort from everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What exactly is range anxiety and why does it matter?

Range anxiety is the worry that your EV battery will die before you find a place to charge. It stops some people from switching to EVs, especially if they drive far or outside of cities.

2. Is charging an EV in Malaysia expensive?

Home charging is usually cheaper than petrol, but public chargers cost more. Fast charging is also pricier, but gets you back on the road quicker.

3. Where can I find EV charging stations near me?

Most city malls, shopping centres, hotels, and some petrol stations already have dedicated EV charging points. You can use mobile apps or online maps to check for available chargers before heading out.

4. What happens if all chargers are in use or broken?

Sometimes chargers in popular spots get crowded or breakdown. If that happens, you’ve just got to wait or find another station nearby, so always have a backup plan.

5. Are there plans to add more chargers across Malaysia?

Yes, lah. The government and private companies are working to put more charging stations on highways, malls, and even housing areas, not just in big cities but in smaller towns too.

6. Will charging get easier in the future?

Yes. As technology improves and more stations open up, it’ll be easier to find a working charger. One day, you might even have a charger outside your favorite kopitiam.

Switching to an EV in Malaysia is getting better with more EV charging services and less range anxiety day by day. You can make the leap soon, just keep your eyes open for new stations popping up in your area.