With electric cars like the e.MAS 5 priced from under RM60,000, more Malaysians are now considering an EV due to the cost of ownership is now close to a compact petrol car like the Perodua Myvi . But before you place that booking, it’s worth understanding one simple thing which is, “How your car will actually charge?”
Unlike petrol pumps where every nozzle works the same way, EV chargers come in different types, each with its own speed and purpose.
AC vs DC: The Two Types of EV Chargers
In Malaysia, you’ll come across two main types of chargers, it’s either AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current). Both do the same job: recharge your EV’s battery. But they work differently.
An AC charger supplies alternating current to your car.
Source: Unsplash
Since EV batteries only store direct current, the conversion happens inside the car through an onboard charger. To keep things safe and affordable, this built-in charger usually handles between 3.3kW and 22kW.
That’s why most AC chargers are compact and suitable for home use. They’re slower, but practical if you park overnight or for long hours.
DC chargers work differently.
Source: ChargeSini
They convert AC to DC inside the charger itself before sending it straight to the car’s battery. This allows much higher power output, some may reach up to 350kW, depending on both the charger and your EV’s capability.
Because of that, DC chargers are usually found along highways or at public charging stations. They can top up most EVs from 20% to 80% in under 40 minutes, ideal for long trips or quick stops.
Malaysia Targets 10,000 EV Chargers by 2025
According to Bernama, Malaysia aims to have 10,000 active EV chargers by the end of 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof shared this target in May 2025.
As of now, the Energy Commission’s database lists 4,164 licensed chargers nationwide. That translated to about 42% of the goal. With around 51 days left in the year as the time of writing, Malaysia needs to activate an average of 115 chargers per day to hit the target.
Source: MyZEVA
While new stations are being installed, the Malaysia Zero Emission Vehicle Association compiled a list of the country’s top 10 EV charging operators as of December 2024.
Top 10 EV Charging Point Operator (CPO) in Malaysia
1. ChargeSini
Source: ChargeSini
Launched in September 2022, ChargeSini started as a B2B EV equipment supplier before expanding into Malaysia’s largest charging network. Their flagship station at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, supports up to 8 EVs at once with a 47kW output.
Visit chargesini.com for details.
2. JomCharge
Source: EVC
One of Malaysia’s earliest EV charging providers, JomCharge started in 2016 with five DC chargers along the North-South Expressway. Its X Park Sunway Serene hub hosts Southeast Asia’s first 350kW charger and was the first to introduce kWh-based pricing.
Visit jomcharge.com.
3. Gentari
Source: Gentari
A Petronas subsidiary launched in 2022, Gentari focuses on renewable energy and green mobility. Its Bangi Golf Resort hub features Dynamic Power Sharing, allowing multiple EVs to share power efficiently.
Visit gentari.com.
4. Shell Recharge
Source: Shell
Shell’s EV division began in 2019 with a station at Sunway Pyramid. By 2021, it rolled out a high-performance network along six North-South Expressway stations, offering up to 180kW.
Visit shell.com.my.
5. ChargEV
Source: ChargEV
One of Malaysia’s first EV networks, ChargEV launched its first charger at Petronas Serdang. It now supports three EVs simultaneously with up to 200kW output. The company is also developing Terra ChargeEV, an integrated R&R charging hub with PLUS.
Visit yinson-greentech.com/chargev.
6. Tesla
Source: Fuzz.my
Tesla operates its own Supercharger network and is required by Malaysia’s MITI to open 30% of it to non-Tesla EVs. As of now, that condition hasn’t been fully met, with a deadline set before the end of 2025.
Visit tesla.com/supercharger.
7. Mercedes-Benz
Source: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia installs chargers mainly at showrooms, but is expanding to public sites through partnerships with resorts like Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Penang and Saujana Golf Club Shah Alam.
Visit mercedes-benz.com.my.
8. Charge n Go
Source: Time Charge N Go
A subsidiary of TIME dotCom, Charge n Go focuses on AC chargers for high-rise residences like condominiums and apartments, mirroring the brand’s internet service approach.
Visit timechargengo.com.
9. DC Handal
Source: DC Handal
DC Handal began operations in September 2023, with its first EV charging station located at Bamboo Hills. What sets this operator apart is its clear focus on DC chargers. If you look at their network, the number of DC chargers far exceeds their AC units. It shows their commitment to faster, high-power charging solutions.
Visit dchandal.com.
10. Kineta
Source: Kineta
Owned by Sime Darby, Kineta launched in February 2023. The company operates around 90 chargers nationwide and also provides installation services for third parties.
Visit kinetacharge.com.
Don’t Forget: EVs Still Use a 12V Battery
Every EV actually has two battery systems. The main one powers the electric motor that uses either 400V or 800V architecture. The other is a smaller 12V battery, just like the one in petrol cars.
This 12V system powers basic functions such as cooling fans, infotainment, sensors, and safety systems. So even if you drive an EV, your 12V battery will still need replacement when it wears out.
When that time comes, head to Bateriku.com. Their database can identify your vehicle model and recommend the right 12V battery quickly and accurately.
