More EV Chargers Require More Substations; Gov’t Working With TNB, CPOs to Advance Ecosystem Sim

Malaysia is stepping up its efforts to build a robust and reliable electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, as the government acknowledges that expanding the charging network depends heavily on upgrading the country’s underlying electrical capacity. Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Sim Tze Tzin confirmed this during a session in the Dewan Rakyat, stating that policymakers are refining regulations, incentives, and coordination mechanisms to remove bottlenecks and accelerate the development of a comprehensive nationwide EV ecosystem.

Speaking to members of Parliament, Sim emphasized that the rollout of charging facilities cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader power supply grid. “The construction and operation of EV charging stations require more than just installing equipment; they need adequate electrical infrastructure, particularly power substations, to ensure a stable, sufficient, and safe supply of electricity,” he explained. “Without sufficient substations in place, no operator can build or expand charging facilities, as the existing network simply does not have the capacity to handle the increased load, especially when it comes to high‑power fast‑charging systems.”

To address this fundamental constraint, the government is actively collaborating with key stakeholders. This includes working closely with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s national utility provider, to identify priority locations, upgrade existing distribution networks, and construct new substations across residential, commercial, and transport corridors. At the same time, discussions are ongoing to introduce enhanced financial incentives and regulatory support for Charging Point Operators (CPOs), encouraging both local and international investors to commit capital to building more charging points in areas that are currently underserved.

“This is a long‑term effort that requires the right policies, targeted incentives, and coordinated planning across the entire value chain from power generation and transmission to distribution and end‑user services,” Sim added. “We recognize that this transformation will not happen overnight; it takes time to conduct feasibility studies, secure approvals, and build new infrastructure. But the government has carefully noted all feedback and suggestions from industry players, operators, and the public, and we are committed to improving implementation to meet the growing demand for EVs.”

Falling Short of Earlier Infrastructure Targets

The urgency of these measures comes into clearer focus when compared against the country’s earlier infrastructure goals. Under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and previous EV development plans, Malaysia set an ambitious target of having 10,000 public EV chargers operational nationwide by the end of 2025. However, figures released by MITI Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani earlier this year revealed that the final count fell significantly short of this goal.

As of December 31, 2025, the total number of public chargers stood at just 5,624 units, or about 56% of the target. Of these, 1,923 were DC fast chargers, representing roughly 34% of the total. The remaining 66% were slower AC chargers, which are more affordable to install but require several hours to fully charge a vehicle, making them less suitable for long‑distance travel and high‑turnover usage. This imbalance highlights not only a gap in quantity but also in quality, as fast‑charging capacity remains concentrated mostly in major cities and highways, leaving rural and suburban areas with limited options.

Transition in Data Monitoring and Governance

For years, the Malaysian EV Charging Network (MEVnet) dashboard managed under the oversight of PLAN Malaysia served as the central source of real‑time data, allowing consumers, businesses, and policymakers to track the number, location, and type of charging points across the country. However, the platform is currently unavailable to the public.

A notice posted on the MEVnet website explains the pause: “Data updates and dashboard management are temporarily suspended for the process of handing over the custodianship mandate from the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) to the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii).”

This transfer of responsibility is part of a broader effort to centralize and streamline governance of the EV sector. MARii, as the national agency focused on automotive technology and innovation, is expected to bring deeper industry expertise, better integration with manufacturing and technology policies, and more consistent reporting standards. While the transition has temporarily disrupted access to up‑to‑date statistics, officials say it will ultimately result in a more reliable and detailed system for monitoring infrastructure progress moving forward.

Addressing the Core Challenges

Industry analysts and EV users have long identified infrastructure limitations as one of the biggest barriers to faster adoption. While vehicle models have become more varied and affordable in recent years, many potential buyers remain hesitant due to concerns about “range anxiety,” the fear of running out of power without access to a charging point. This uncertainty slows the shift away from internal combustion engines and risks delaying Malaysia’s broader environmental and energy security goals.

Sim’s statement confirms that the government is shifting its focus beyond just setting numerical targets to solving the underlying capacity constraints. By working with TNB to map future power demand and build substations ahead of need, and by offering clearer incentives to CPOs to offset the cost of grid connection and equipment, the aim is to create an ecosystem that can support not only today’s EV population but also the projected surge in demand in the coming years.

According to official projections, Malaysia aims to reach 20% EV penetration in new vehicle sales by 2030, rising to 80% by 2050. Achieving these milestones will require not only more chargers but also a smarter, more resilient power grid that can manage higher electricity demand without compromising reliability or cost.

Looking Ahead

The approach being taken recognizes that EV infrastructure development is a shared responsibility. While the government sets the policy framework and provides support, its success will depend on strong collaboration between utilities, private operators, automakers, property developers, and local authorities. As the grid is expanded and more incentives are rolled out, the hope is that charging points will become as accessible and convenient as petrol stations are today, removing the final barrier to making electric mobility a practical choice for all Malaysians.