Perak Charges Ahead with EV Tourism and Official Fleet Plans

Perak is advancing its green mobility and sustainable tourism goals through a strategic partnership between Casuarina Meru Sdn Bhd (CMSB) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

The agreement, formalised at a ceremony officiated by Menteri Besar YAB Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, will see the installation of EV charging facilities at Hotel Casuarina, Meru - a flagship state-owned hotel under Perak Corporation Berhad and Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNPk).

As part of the collaboration, TNB will install one 120 kW DC fast charger with dual CCS2 connectors and two 22 kW AC chargers, all supported by 24-hour access, mobile payment options and dedicated EV parking bays. 

Once operational in Q3 2025, the hotel will offer the fastest EV charging service among all hotels in Ipoh, enhancing convenience for guests and public users while contributing to Perak’s broader environmental agenda.

Speaking at the event, Datuk Seri Saarani said the initiative aligns with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 development plan, particularly in promoting renewable energy and low-carbon infrastructure.

He also acknowledged that the state is open to adopting electric vehicles as official government transport in the future. “There is no official decision yet, but it’s not impossible. This is the global direction, and Perak should not be left behind,” he told reporters.

To date, Perak has achieved nearly 29% of its 500 EV charging bay target by 2025, with 149 bays installed - 74 AC and 75 DC - at 56 locations - 34 indoor and 115 outdoor. This latest project also contributes to the national goal of deploying 10,000 chargers by 2025 under TNB’s Elektron brand.

However, with 351 more charging bays needed to meet the state’s 2025 target, and in light of the recent slowdown in charger rollouts among charge point operators (CPOs), we at Carz.com.my are questioning whether the goal is realistically achievable within the timeframe.

That said, we’ll be closely tracking these developments and will revisit every state’s progress and fulfilment level as the deadline approaches.

During the ceremony, a live demonstration of the charging system using Proton’s first EV offering, the e.MAS 7 was also held, giving attendees a first-hand look at its charging process.

Additionally, PKNPk has installed solar panels on the rooftops of the Casuarina Convention Centre and hotel parking area, along with solar-powered streetlights at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah - further strengthening Perak’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.

This initiative represents a meaningful step in Perak’s low-carbon transition, showcasing how public-private collaboration can drive real progress in clean energy, tourism, and innovation.