S’gor to come up with more incentives to push EV adoption

HAVING fallen short of its target of installing 1,000 charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) by 2023, Selangor government has now extended the timeframe by two years.

Public health, environment, climate change and green technology committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said that according to records, only 681 EV charging bays (EVCB) had been built in the state so far.

This is below the target announced in July 21, 2023.

The state government had aimed to build 1,000 EV charging stations by the end of 2023 via collaboration with private companies.

Jamaliah said the state government in early 2021 had initially targeted to develop EV infrastructure with a goal of installing 10,000 EV chargers by 2025.

However, this figure was reviewed in response to increasing battery capacities.

Jamaliah said Selangor government was looking at providing more incentives to encourage EV use in the state, including a free parking scheme for users.

She was responding to a question by Dr Afif Bahardin (PN-Taman Medan), during the State Assembly sitting in Shah Alam, on incentives provided by the state government to encourage the use of EVs and encourage service providers to instal charging stations throughout the country.

Jamaliah said the state government was in the final stages of discussions on a proposal to implement a free parking scheme for EV users by local authorities to be implemented this year.

“The state government also fully supports the incentives given by the Federal Government, which comprise exemptions from import duty, excise duty and sales tax, and EV motorcycle charger cash rebate subsidy,” said Jamaliah.

Dr Afif, noting the increasing number of EVs on the road, asked if the state would compel all new developments including low-cost housing like SelangorKu and high-end condominiums to include EVCBs and EV parking.

Jamaliah said, “In September 2023, the Federal Government issued guidelines on setting up EVCBs.

“Now, the state government has a few plans on how to improve and encourage EV usage.

“Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) is doing a pilot project to streamline comprehensive guidelines for installation of such charging stations, and after carrying out focus group discussions, MBSA is preparing to implement these guidelines.”

She said this would also depend on the situation under the local council areas or areas under the state government’s jurisdiction.

“After we receive feedback and understand the complications and issues on EVCBs, then we will discuss incentives,” she added.