[ UPDATE 22/11/2023 ] Gentari’s DC chargers at Behrang NB Layby are now available.
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Gentari has launched its first EV charging station that comes with its own battery energy storage system (BESS). Located at Behrang (Northbound) Layby along the North-South Expressway, the charging station has two Kempower DC chargers that can fast charge four electric vehicles (EV) simultaneously.
Described as a Modular EV Fast Charging Station, this EV charging location with four charging bays is supported by batteries and solar panels. Gentari said this EV charging deployment is the first of its kind not only in Malaysia but also in Southeast Asia.
As shared with us earlier, the hybrid EV charging solution enables Gentari to overcome issues related to insufficient grid capacity in certain areas. While charge point operators want to install large DC charging hubs with multiple bays, power remains a key issue for deployments on interstate highways.
The BESS at Behrang has a capacity of 300kWh to power the DC chargers. EV owners will be able to top up their batteries quickly as long as the battery pack have sufficient charge. During non-peak hours, these battery packs can be recharged via solar or from the grid. Gentari shared that the BESS takes 7-8 hours for a full charge and it can be charged even while the chargers are in use.
For this location, Gentari and EV Connection have installed two standalone Kempower DC chargers (200kW and 100kW) that are equipped with two CCS2 nozzles. Gentari shared that if there’s only one vehicle at the location, the charger can deliver up to 200kW. The modular EV charging station is also designed to be mobile and it can be relocated to other high-demand inter-state highway locations during peak season.
At the moment, the Gentari DC chargers at Behrang Layby are still not live for public use as it is still undergoing testing.
Besides Behrang (Northbound), there are proposals to deploy similar EV charging stations at Behrang (Southbound) as well as Senawang Layby (Northbound and Southbound). Three more locations are also proposed for Ajil (Northbound and Southbound), and Perasing Rest and Service Area (R&R) sites, all on Lebuhraya Pantai Timur 2 (LPT2) in Terengganu.
Gentari currently has deployed over 180 charging points in Malaysia and over 160 charging points in India, through its affiliated entities. PLUS aims to have 100 DC fast chargers on its highway by 2025.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Gentari, and Chief Executive Officer, Gentari Green Mobility, Shah Yang Razalli, said, “This partnership with PLUS and the Malaysian Highway Authority represents a significant step forward in our efforts to boost the growth of the EV ecosystem in Malaysia while prioritising the needs of our customers. PLUS, as a prominent highway operator in Malaysia, plays a crucial role in enhancing the infrastructure and facilities that Malaysian drivers rely on. This, in turn, will increase range confidence and the desire to adopt EVs. Gentari and our partner, EV Connection Sdn Bhd (EVC), are excited about this collaboration to introduce the EV Fast Charging Modular and Portable Station. The pioneering initiative combines the innovative use of BESS and solar-powered energy, and we look forward to making greater strides together towards a more sustainable future.”
Meanwhile, PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Nik Airina Nik Jaffar highlighted, “As Malaysia’s largest highway operator and a national strategic partner, PLUS committed to support and contribute to the national sustainability agenda. We collaborated with the Ministry of Works, Malaysian Highway Authority and key industry players to establish an infrastructural development of EV charging station roadmap whereby we aim to facilitate the installation of 100 DCFC EV charging stations across our highways by 2025. This creates an ecosystem that is conducive for the rakyat to transition into EV. Our partnership with Gentari is one of our strategic plans to accelerate the provision of reliable EV charging facilities, catalysing the successful implementation of national blueprints and plans in supporting Malaysia to transition into a carbon neutral country by 2050.”
Editor’s Note: EV Connection has updated that one of the Kempower DC chargers at Behrang Lay-by (Northbound) is capable of pushing 200kW. The available output was reduced to 50kW + 50kW during the launch event.
Related reading
- Gentari to deploy EV charging stations with integrated solar and energy storage system
- 180kW Gentari DC Charger deployed at Petronas Juru Lay-by Northbound
- Gentari and Sarawak Energy launch first EV charging station in Kuching, the fastest public DC charger in Borneo
- Gentari and JomCharge deploy DC and AC chargers at The Gardens Mall
