Pahang state government officially kicked off its new EV charging infrastructure project, in collaboration with Volt Industries. With an investment of RM250 million, this project will involve the deployment of 50 charging stations across the state.
Tentative locations of Volt EV Charging Stations in Pahang
While in-depth details regarding the deployment have not yet been announced, the state government and Volt have earmarked several key locations across the Pahang. The rollout is expected to be completed within the next 2 to 3 years:
- Cameron Highland
- Kuala Lipis
- Fraser’s Hill
- Raub
- Bentong
- Mentakab
- Maran
- Temerloh
- Jerantut
- Gambang
- Kuantan
- Pekan
- Rompin
Volt currently has three types of EV charging setups including the Volt Mega Station which offers up to 50 charging points. There is also the Volt Station that provides up to 12 charging points while the smallest setup is the Volt Express which has 2 charging ports.
Volt EV Charging Hub Bentong is the first deployment
Meanwhile, Bentong is the first location of the Volt EV charging station. While it is not the first EV charging spot in the town, Volt’s deployment is slightly more significant as it will involve the construction of Bentong’s first EV charging hub.
As the town is part of the popular KL – Gua Musang route, the Volt EV Charging Hub in Bentong will play an important role in supporting EV drivers who travel to or from Kelantan. Furthermore, the new hub is also strategically located at Medan Selera Kampung Baru which provides ample food and beverage options to all patrons.
Based on the development plan that was on display during today’s groundbreaking ceremony, Bentong’s EV Charging Hub will have 12 charging bays. However, the exact setup including power output was not announced at today’s event.
Based on the development plan that was on display during today’s groundbreaking ceremony, Bentong’s EV Charging Hub will have 12 charging bays. However, the exact design and setup are still being finalized although Volt aims to hub deliver a maximum output of up to 180kW depending on the capabilities of the power grid.
Volt is also planning to install solar panels with a battery energy storage system (BESS) at its Bentong EV charging hub. Aside from providing an essential electricity supply to the hub, two of the charging points within the hub will be linked to the BESS.
The construction of the Volt EV Charging Hub in Bentong is expected to start as early as this coming January and will be completed within 5 to 6 months.
Pahang may look into “pre-approval” method for EV chargers
According to Pahang’s Investment, Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation Exco, Mohamad Nizar Mohamad Najib, the state government is aiming to fast-track the deployment of EV stations by reducing red tape and welcoming innovations. The government is open to any suggestions, as long as they don’t break any of the existing laws and jeopardize the interests of the local population.
In fact, the exco noted that they may look into the “pre-approval” approach whereby developers or investors will be given early approval if they can meet certain terms and conditions. Naturally, they would be penalized if they breach the said pre-approval terms.
Nizar further called upon the local authorities including Land and District Offices as well as municipal councils to play their roles effectively in this effort. Ultimately, Pahang is competing against other states and it may lose out to other states if the procedures are not investor-friendly, says the state exco.
