Sime Darby Motors helps to expand EV charging network

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Sime Darby Motors helps to expand EV charging network

With a number of its units selling different brands of electric vehicles (EVs), it is in Sime Darby Motors Malaysia’s interest to support the development of an EV charging network This will benefit its growing customer base as well as help in promoting the adoption of EVs in Malaysia. Brands handled by Sime Darby Motors units which offer EVs are BMW and MINI, Porsche and Volvo.

The company has identified locations for EV charging stations at every 200 to 300 kilometres along highways across Peninsular Malaysia to ensure all high-density areas are in range of such facilities. The initiative includes ensuring the availability of support services for all existing and new customers who have purchased an EV from a Sime Darby Motors company.

Taking the lead in this project is Auto Bavaria, the longest-serving and largest BMW authorised dealership group in Malaysia, in operation since the late 1980s. Leveraging on its extensive network of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) fast chargers, a total of 33 charging facilities are already operational across the Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor.

Sime Darby Motors’ network of chargers will be available for booking via the GO TO-U digital experience platform for e-mobility application by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tenaga Nasional Berhad, TNBX Sdn Bhd. The GO TO-U application affords Sime Darby Motors EV owners the convenience of pre-booking EV charging stations, connecting with local businesses within walking distance, and enjoying added services such as battery health checks, scheduled maintenance and customer support.

Members of the public or non-Sime Darby Motors EV owners are also able to use the GO TO-U application to book EV charging stations in Sime Darby Motors’ network.

As part of the company’s drive to continuously enhance services for customers, Sime Darby Motors EV owners are eligible to receive a 10-year waiver on membership fees via the GO TO-U app worth RM2,400. In addition, special DC charging rates and free charging at AC chargers will be available until December 31, 2022.

For those who did not purchase an EV from a Sime Darby Motors unit, there will be a membership fee waiver, special DC charging rates and free charging at AC charging points, until December 31, 2022.

Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail & Distribution, Sime Darby Motors Malaysia (right) with Vi Thim Juan, Managing Director of Auto Bavaria at one of the DC charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) at Auto Bavaria in Ara Damansara, Selangor.

“Sime Darby Motors remains focused on our energy-efficient drive as a leading automotive player in Malaysia. We are on track with our plans to populate our roads and highways with EV charging stations to help accelerate the adoption of EVs. We are also pleased to offer a uniquely Sime Darby Motors’ customer experience for Sime Darby Motors EV owners, which promises an enriching EV experience across all Sime Darby Motors brands,” said Sime Darby Motors Malaysia Retail & Distribution Managing Director, Jeffrey Gan.

“This will be a game-changer for our EV customers and for us as well, with data analytics that will be made available. We are excited to bring innovative automotive experiences to our customers as we play our part in furthering the country’s aspirations for a low carbon mobility future,” added Mr. Gan.