KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Motors (SDM) Malaysia and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) have formalised a memorandum of understanding to explore various initiatives to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) in Malaysia.

       In a joint statement today, both parties said the initiatives, among others, include ensuring a network of highly efficient EV charging infrastructure is in place to support this growth.

       The parties also aim to look into other energy-efficient and renewable energy initiatives to optimise the cost of EV charging infrastructure and to reduce carbon emissions.

       Sime Darby Bhd Group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson said the group has clear EV ambitions and TNB plays a crucial role in ensuring that its goal is within reach in Malaysia.

       "Partners such as TNB play important roles as enablers in helping us achieve our target of a more energy-efficient product portfolio by 2025 and becoming a leader for EV in the Asia Pacific,” he said.

       Meanwhile, TNB president and CEO Datuk Baharin Din said the group’s interest to accelerate e-mobility stems from the group’s ambition to create a conducive EV environment that encourages a higher EV adoption rate amongst the public, therefore supporting the low carbon mobility footprint agenda for Malaysia.

       "As a primary driver of the nation’s energy transition, this initiative also builds on our effort to lead the development of a conducive ecosystem for a wider EV adoption in Malaysia,” he said.

       Baharin added that under the collaboration, TNB would provide reliable and stable electricity supply to the EV charging ecosystem based on selected geographical areas that are mutually agreed upon by TNB and SDM Malaysia.

       "TNB would also offer SDM Malaysia a solution that can optimise its electricity costs and support green and sustainable sources of energy in reducing carbon emissions,” he said. - Bernama