Low Cost Housing Dwellers, Where Do They Stand In The EV Movement Context!

We are just hours away from the retabling of the 2023 National Budget and the talk of the town in all things automotive is none other than EV and its pipe-dream of rapid charging network expansion.

However, from what we are able to witness thus far absolutely everything is pretty much centred around the upper echelon of the income group with the base EV available now priced at a bare minimum of RM140,000 and a still developing charging network. EV ownership in Malaysia pretty much centres around those who live at landed properties or condominiums that has AC chargers installed so charging can be done with ease at their convenience.

Yes the government has made some promises and commitment to grow the public charging network to 10,000 units by 2025 (barely two years away). Up to now, from data populated datahub, there are a total of 507 stations with a plug count of 1193 available for public consumption. Of this, only 183 are the highly sought after DC chargers. It is also good to remember that DC chargers, although deliver rapid fast charging, are only to be used sparingly in view of battery deterioration. 

Now back to the jist of this story, yes we hear the government pushing car manufacturers to expedite launches of pocket friendly EV especially from our local boys Proton and Perodua and call for foreign Chinese brands who have small inexpensive EVs perfect for city commute in their product line-up. By expediting this would the problem be solved? Especially when our charging network is still lacking compared to our neighbouring developing counterparts.

Case in point, our urban city dwellers who are living in low cost flats and PPR housing projects. Has anyone even looked at the situation there? An empty parking spot is an absolute rarity with residents opting to even double park with hand-brakes released to ease each other's daily commute.

How do our counterparts in PLAN Malaysia plan to work to achieve pleasing the needs of the low cost flats residents while still being able to push for mass EV growth in all socio-economic groups. Would this matter be addressed in the budget today? Or this has not been raised as the low income group would be the final puzzle to solve once the ones higher are satisfied?