PRO-NET, Proton’s subsidiary for New Energy Vehicles, and EV Connection (EVC), which operates the JomCharge EV charging network, have jointly launched the PRO-NET-EVC Condominium EV Charging Infrastructure Programme.
Through this programme, EVC will allocate funds for the installation of EV chargers at 100 condominiums that currently do not have any EV charging facilities. In addition, both parties will also work together to ensure competitive charging rates at around 70 condominiums already on the JomCharge network.
This marks an expansion of the existing collaboration between PRO-NET and EVC, which currently manages the supply, installation, operation, and maintenance of home wall chargers for owners of the smart EV distributed by PRO-NET. To date, EVC has installed more than 400 charging points.
Live Charging Map
EVC’s JomCharge is also integrated in PRO-NET’s charging network so its charging stations appear on the exclusive Live Charging Map which owners of smart EVs and the upcoming Proton e.MAS 7 can access. Since being introduced with the smart #1, the map has shows around 600 charging points which include other charging point operators’ networks as well.
The Live Charging Map has added functionality as it also lets the driver know the status of the charging station, not just its location. This will help avoid wasting time going to a charging station which may be occupied or not operational. The map can also be accessed on the smart and Proton mobile apps. Being integrated with the navigation system makes it easy to get route guidance to the selected charging station.
Both parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 2 main aims – first to ensure the availability of EV chargers at high-rise buildings, and second to ensure the affordability of EV charging at these high-rise buildings.
Supporting government’s initiative
The former is in line with supporting the government’s initiative to enhance the EV charging infrastructure in Malaysia and to achieve 10,000 charging points by the end of 2025. The latter, bearing in mind that around 70% of Klang Valley citizens live in high-rise buildings, is to ensure that this group of people have access to EV charging facilities at an affordable rate, which would in turn further encourage EV adoption.
With regards to condominiums which currently do not have any EV charging facility, the managements or owners can now inform EVC of their interest to install these free EV chargers. Their application will jointly assessed by both companies and successful applicants will be eligible for a free package that includes infrastructure work required to set the chargers up, compliance costs, charger management system and porting onto the JomCharge network.
Additionally, the condominium will also be eligible for a profit/revenue sharing mechanism via this programme. Charging rates are set at a very competitive 70 sen/kWh under the programme. On average, charging costs are RM1 per kWh at many charging stations.
10% discount on rates
Proton e.MAS 7 and smart EV owners will also enjoy a 10% discount on the rate at these charging points. This special rate is said to be nearly as affordable as the TNB residential tariff for landed property owners.