Malakoff, New Energy to develop EV charging infrastructure
New Energy Asia, a joint venture between Hicom Engineering and Hangzhou Flash Charge, is currently exploring a partnership with Malakoff Radiance to support Malaysia's transition to clean mobility.
Malakoff said in a statement that the partnership aims to develop integrated solar and EV charging solutions to support carbon-free mobility, share technical expertise and resources for effective implementation and explore business opportunities across Asean.
The collaboration focused on integrating advanced EV charging solutions with Malakoff's solar infrastructure, where both parties aim to leverage their respective expertise to accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable, low-carbon energy solutions across the country.
Malakoff managing director and group chief executive officer Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib saiinitiative d the reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen renewable energy (RE) portfolio through partnerships that drive real-world outcomes.
Anwar Syahrin said the company recently secured its largest single-site deployment to date involving a 4.22 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power purchase agreement with Hicom Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
He said the new agremment built on the success of a 2.0 MWp installation at the same facility in Pekan, which has already reduced grid electricity usage by around 7.0 gigawatt-hours (GWh) and avoided nearly 5,489 tCO₂e in emissions.
"We see this collaboration with New Energy Asia as a natural extension of that momentum, enabling us to integrate clean mobility solutions alongside our solar infrastructure and deliver greater value across the clean energy ecosystem," he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Sinar Daily
Malaysia's EV ecosystem not ready for rapid adoption, lacks skilled technicians
SHAH ALAM – Malaysia's automotive ecosystem is not yet fully prepared to handle the unique maintenance demands of electric vehicles (EVs), with a significant challenge being a shortage of skilled EV technicians. This gap in technical expertise, coupled with underdeveloped service infrastructure and safety concerns, threatens to slow the country's EV adoption despite growing market enthusiasm. Malaysia's automotive ecosystem still lacks readiness for EV maintenance, mainly due to a shortage of skilled technicians. - Photo edited via Canva Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Engineering Faculty Road Safety Research Centre head Law Teik Hua said that while some large dealerships have trained personnel and adequate diagnostic tools, many smaller workshops, especially in rural areas, remain ill-equipped. 'The shortage of qualified EV technicians, limited diagnostic equipment and scarce spare parts cause significant delays and inconvenience. 'To address this, government support is crucial. Funding technician training at TVET institutions and polytechnics, along with tax incentives for workshops that upgrade their facilities, would help build capacity," he said. He said vehicle manufacturers partnering with vocational colleges to create accredited training programmes would also strengthen the ecosystem. From a safety standpoint, Law cautioned that unexpected EV breakdowns on highways pose significant dangers. He stressed the need for built-in diagnostics and fail-safe mechanisms to prevent sudden shutdowns, suggesting that EV models prone to repeated shutdowns should be thoroughly investigated and potentially recalled. 'Manufacturers operating in Malaysia must provide reliable 24/7 roadside assistance, particularly on highways, to support drivers in emergencies. 'Insurance and towing services also need to adapt to the unique challenges posed by EVs," he said. Concurring with Law, Automotive expert Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Civil Engineering Associate Professor Dr Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor acknowledged that the country is still in the early stages of adapting to the demands of EV maintenance. She identified the lack of skilled EV technicians as a significant challenge. To overcome this, she called for collaboration between the government and industry players to expand training programmes, incorporate EV-focused courses into current automotive education and provide incentives to motivate technicians to develop expertise in EV technologies. Meanwhile, Managing Editor Keshvinder Singh Dhillon said there is a need to develop a sustainable EV workforce starting with early education. Malaysia's automotive ecosystem still lacks readiness for EV maintenance, mainly due to a shortage of skilled technicians. - Photo edited via Canva He stated that while automotive brands already provide thorough training for their technicians, a longer-term solution involves incorporating EV safety and maintenance education into school and college curricula. 'Just as students are taught the dangers of flammable petrol, they should also be educated early on about EV-specific risks and technologies. 'This early exposure allows them to make informed career choices and ensures the next generation of technicians is better prepared," he said. Keshvinder also said public education must extend to EV safety features. He cited a tragic case in Canada where four people died because the electronic door handles on an EV malfunctioned after a severe accident. However, he noted that most EVs are designed with concealed mechanical latches that can be accessed in emergencies. 'It is crucial for governments to ensure that automakers train their sales personnel to clearly explain these features to buyers,' he added. Real-life safety concerns In early May, two Malaysian EV owners publicly raised serious concerns about the safety and reliability of their vehicles following sudden breakdowns. On May 1, Facebook user Nur Afifah Abdul Rahim shared a harrowing experience involving her husband's BYD Atto 3, which suddenly braked on the Cheras-Kajang highway and locked all four tyres without warning. The family was told the issue was a faulty 12V battery, which was not covered under warranty due to the vehicle's mileage, despite it being only 10 months old. Separately, on May 6, Facebook user HL Tan, owner of an Audi e-tron GT, reported three breakdowns in just over 13,000km. The most recent shutdown occurred on April 25 on the North-South Expressway while he was driving with his family. While he praised the after-sales service from Audi Malaysia, no definitive fix had been found. These incidents raised alarms over the reliability of EVs in Malaysia, highlighting the urgent need for improved support, warranty clarity and proactive safety measures from manufacturers and regulators alike.
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Sinar Daily
Are EVs safe enough? Experts warn of risks as Malaysia's infrastructure lags
SHAH ALAM – The rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia has outpaced the country's capacity to enforce safety regulations, uphold quality standards and protect consumers. Although Malaysia's push towards electric mobility reflects significant progress, automotive experts are warning that supporting infrastructure, consumer protections and technical assistance frameworks have not kept pace. The rapid growth of EVs in Malaysia has outpaced the country's ability to enforce safety rules, maintain quality standards and protect consumers. - Photo edited via Canva They cautioned that early adopters may be exposed to greater risks as a result. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Civil Engineering Associate Professor Dr Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor believes the EV rollout is moving faster than the country's preparedness in key areas such as consumer protection, servicing infrastructure and quality assurance. She referred to recent incidents involving EVs suddenly stalling in traffic, including models like the BYD Atto 3 and Audi e-tron GT and raised concerns about gaps in after-sales support and the lack of clear responsibility when technical issues arise. 'These incidents, coupled with inconsistent after-sales support and unclear lines of accountability, point to an underdeveloped infrastructure that is struggling to meet the demands of a growing EV market. 'Technical issues occurring even in EVs from well-established brands highlight the limitations of current quality control systems, which may not yet be fully tailored to the unique demands of EV technology. "Manufacturers must improve their quality assurance processes, especially by focusing on EV-specific components and systems," she told Sinar Daily recently. She also called on regulatory bodies to implement and strictly enforce safety and performance standards specific to EVs to ensure greater consumer trust and road safety. Sharing a similar perspective, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Engineering Faculty Road Safety Research Centre head Law Teik Hua said the pace of the country's rollout had clearly exceeded its overall preparedness to fully support the new technology. While the growth of public charging stations and infrastructure in urban and semi-urban areas is moving at an encouraging rate, he stated that crucial backend systems such as maintenance, regulatory enforcement and consumer protection are still struggling to keep up. 'Recent waves of complaints about EVs stopping suddenly during drives, poor customer service and slow technical responses point to fundamental structural flaws. 'The push for adoption through tax incentives, rebates and heavy promotion has surpassed the development of a robust support system needed to sustain it. "This gap forces early adopters to take unnecessary risks and, in turn, weakens public confidence in EVs," he said. Law said that the issue does not lie with EV technology itself, but with how manufacturers, importers and local dealers handle testing, after-sales support and customer service within Malaysia's specific environment. He observed a clear lack of accountability and quality assurance after purchase and called for agencies like the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) to implement stricter safety and performance standards before these vehicles reach consumers. 'Furthermore, EV retailers must establish formal consumer complaint resolution processes similar to those in industries like aviation or insurance. "Regular audits of dealerships and service centres are essential to ensure consistent after-sales care. 'Ultimately, brand reputation cannot replace real consumer protection, and regulations must evolve alongside advancements in EV technology," he added. Meanwhile, Managing Editor Keshvinder Singh Dhillon said that although EVs, like traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, can experience breakdowns, they tend to draw more attention. This is primarily because EVs are still relatively new and people are eager to see how they perform in real-world conditions. Contrary to common belief, he said there has been no significant increase in EV breakdowns in Malaysia. 'Much of the reported breakdowns come from countries like the United Kingdom (UK), Canada and the United States (US), where EV adoption is significantly higher. "Naturally, the more EVs on the road, the more likely issues will be reported. 'As Malaysia prepares to welcome more EVs, especially with Proton and Perodua set to release affordable models in the coming months, the urgency to accelerate the rollout of a comprehensive charging infrastructure cannot be overstated," he said. He also believes that quality control is gradually advancing, though the EV industry remains in a developmental phase, much like the early stages of ICE vehicles. He drew a parallel to the early years of conventional cars, when safety features such as seat belts, ABS brakes and airbags were only introduced after years of refinement and user feedback. 'However, with today's advancements in technology and regulatory systems, governments now have better tools to monitor the EV sector closely and learn from international incidents. 'For instance, placing EV chargers underground in shopping malls could pose a fire safety risk due to limited access for firefighters. "At the same time, chargers should also be installed in convenient locations where users are not exposed to weather hazards. These matters require clear regulations and continuous oversight," he said. While the growth of public charging stations and infrastructure in urban and semi-urban areas is moving at an encouraging rate, crucial backend systems such as maintenance, regulatory enforcement and consumer protection; are still struggling to keep up. - Photo edited via Canva Real-life safety concerns In early May, two Malaysian EV owners came forward with troubling experiences that triggered debate over EV safety standards in the country. On May 1, Facebook user Nur Afifah Abdul Rahim shared an alarming incident involving her husband's BYD Atto 3. While on the Cheras-Kajang highway, the vehicle suddenly halted and displayed a 'Power System Failure' warning. All four tyres locked without any prior alert, posing a serious danger to surrounding traffic. The couple faced poor service and delayed replies from the dealer, who told them the cause was a faulty 12V battery not covered under warranty due to the vehicle's mileage, despite it being only 10 months old. On May 6, Facebook user HL Tan, owner of an Audi e-tron GT imported from Japan, revealed his car had broken down three times in just over 13,000 km. The most recent incident occurred on April 25, when the car shut down mid-drive on the North-South Expressway with his wife and two young children onboard. While he praised Audi Malaysia's after-sales team, he said that Audi AG must intervene, as the car's repeated failures posed a serious safety risk. Both owners said they shared their experiences to warn the public and urge EV manufacturers to take these issues seriously, as the promise of clean mobility must not come at the cost of consumer safety.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Indian automaker Tata Motors' quarterly profit plunges as tariffs, slow sales bite
INDIAN automaker Tata Motors posted a 63% slump in quarterly profit on Friday, its fourth straight quarter of decline, as U.S. tariffs hurt businesses that were already reeling from weak sales. U.S. duties wiped 254 million pounds ($341.33 million) off its quarterly earnings, the company said, adding that the tariffs and its planned model phase-out for its luxury Jaguar Land Rover cars, made predominantly in the United Kingdom, dealt a direct blow to profit and cash flow. However, kept its JLR forecast unchanged, saying a U.S.-UK trade deal signed in May would sharply cut the tariff hit. It had earlier reported a 11% fall in overseas sales at its luxury car unit due to the U.S. export halt and the phase-out of older Jaguar models. Speaking to reporters in a post-earnings call, Chief Financial Officer P.B. Balaji also said that China's ban on rare earth magnets export had not affected the company, and added that it had de-risking plans in place to avoid any impact in the medium term. Last week, rivals Hyundai Motor India and Mahindra & Mahindra had downplayed concerns over the export ban. The magnets are key to EV motors and components in conventional cars such as power windows and speakers. The company reported a profit of 39.24 billion rupees ($447.8 million) in the April-June quarter, down from a restated 105.14 billion rupees a year earlier that includes a 49.75-billion-rupee one-time gain. Excluding the gain, profit was down 30.5%. Quarterly revenue fell 2.5% from a year earlier as sales slowed, mirroring trends at Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai. Tata Motors expects demand to remain challenging but aims to boost performance as clarity on tariffs emerges and festive demand picks up, Balaji said. The results follow two major developments - Tata Motors' $4.36 billion acquisition of Italian truckmaker Iveco and JLR chief Adrian Mardell's exit. Mardell, who had been with the company for more than three decades, revamped the Jaguar brand, delivered its highest profit in a decade and cut $6.6 billion in debt. Earlier this month, Tata Motors named CFO Balaji as JLR's new CEO - REUTERS
