Penang is accelerating its transition towards electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by setting an ambitious target of installing 600 electric vehicle charging bays (EVCBs) by the end of 2025. The initiative, which aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of deploying 10,000 EVCBs nationwide by 2025, will see 300 EVCBs installed on Penang Island and another 300 in Seberang Perai.
State Local Government and Town & Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye made this announcement at the launch of an EVCB at Gat Lebuh China in George Town. He emphasized the importance of expanding the EV charging network to support the increasing number of EV users in the state.
Strategic Implementation of EVCBs
The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has been actively studying the feasibility of installing EVCBs within the limited space available on the island. To maximize accessibility, MBPP has converted existing parking spaces into EVCBs at various locations, including MBPP complexes and on-street parking areas.
In January, 52 EVCB ports were installed across 26 locations, with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) currently connecting the power supply. These chargers are expected to be operational by April. MBPP is also working on Phase 2 of its Request for Proposal (RFP), which will see EVCBs installed at an additional 27 locations, targeted for completion by December.
Of the 52 EVCBs installed so far, 50 are DC chargers (60kW), while two are AC chargers (22kW). The charging rates are RM1.09/kWh for AC chargers and RM1.39/kWh for DC chargers. A profit-sharing arrangement has been established with service providers to ensure sustainable operations.
Penang Surpasses Initial EVCB Target
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran announced that, with 52 new EVCBs installed by ChargeSini and 261 EVCBs already established by the private sector, Penang Island has surpassed its initial goal of 300 EVCBs. However, the state is not stopping there. To accommodate the growing number of EVs, an additional 100 EVCBs are planned by year-end through the Phase 2 RFP.
Rajendran also highlighted a new policy requiring all new developments to allocate 2% of their parking bays for EV charging, ensuring the state’s infrastructure keeps pace with the rising adoption of electric vehicles.
ChargeSini Development Lead Bruce Sui encouraged EV users to download the ChargeSini app, which provides real-time information on charging station locations, rates, and advance booking options. To prevent idling, each EVCB is equipped with a parking barrier, allowing users to reserve a charging bay before arriving.
With Penang’s strong commitment to EV infrastructure expansion, the state is well on its way to becoming a leader in sustainable mobility, supporting both residents and visitors in their transition to electric vehicles.
List of EVCB Locations
The 26 locations where ChargeSini has installed EVCBs include:
- Persiaran Karpal Singh
- Jalan Concordia
- Precinct 10
- Lebuh Union
- Gat Lebuh China
- Pasar Tanjong Bungah
- Gat Lebuh Gereja
- Lebuh Cintra
- Jalan Masjid Negeri (Berjaya Gallery)
- Pasar Kompleks Jalan Permai
- Tlk Jalan Lenggong (Jalan Lenggong/Jalan Jelutong)
- Lebuh Pasar (Lebuh Pantai-Lebuh Penang)
- Pasar Batu Lanchang
- Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim
- Tlk Jalan Pasar/Jalan Balik Pulau (Kek Lok Si)
- Lebuh Dickens
- Jalan Arratoon, George Town
- Pasar Rajawali
- Pasar Bayan Baru
- Jalan Servis off Jalan Balik Pulau (in front of 7E Simpang Empat)
- Pasar Lengkok Kelicap
- Jalan Sungai Air Putih (MTT Properties & Development Sdn Bhd)
- Kompleks Sukan Relau
- Medan Kampung Relau 1 (Maybank)
- Jalan Khidmat Jalan Paya Terubong (Golden Triangle)
- Pasar Teluk Kumbar Heights
