5 Reasons Why the New Penchala Link Charging Hub is a Win for Damansara EV Owners

If you’re an EV owner living in Damansara or commuting via the Kerinchi Link, your daily drive just got a major upgrade. Gentari, in collaboration with Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM), has officially supercharged the PETRONAS Penchala Link station (Damansara-bound).

Here are 5 reasons why this specific hub is a game-changer for the local EV community:

1. A Massive Speed Boost (24kW to 200kW)

Gentari has enhanced the site by adding a high-performance 200kW DC Fast Charger with three nozzles alongside the existing 24kW unit. This upgrade effectively turns the station into a multi-tiered charging hub, providing a total of four charging points to better serve the high-traffic Damansara-bound corridor.

For most modern EV owners, this 200kW addition is a game-changer, allowing you to regain over 60% of your battery in about 20 minutes. What used to be a long wait on the modest 24kW charger, which remains available for those who prefer a slower, steady top-up, is now just a quick "grab-a-coffee" stop.

It’s important to note that the 200kW is the total available power for the new unit, not the dedicated output for each nozzle. The charger uses dynamic power sharing, meaning it intelligently "splits" that 200kW pool between cars.

2. The Only High-Speed Hub in a 5km Radius

This hub is currently the only 200kW high-speed charger within a five-kilometre radius. In a densely populated area like Damansara and PJ, finding an available fast charger can be a gamble. This new high-speed corridor provides a reliable, high-output "safety net" right where you need it most.

3. Triple the Access, Triple the Convenience

One of the biggest pain points for EV owners is arriving at a station only to find a single nozzle occupied. The new setup features three nozzles, allowing for better turnover and reducing the likelihood of a queue. It’s designed for the high-volume, "Damansara-bound" traffic that flows through this artery daily.

4. Perfect Integration into the Daily Commute

Unlike "destination chargers" located deep inside shopping mall basements (which require navigating ramps and parking fees), this hub is located directly on a key intercity highway. It transforms the Penchala Link from a mere road into "critical infrastructure," allowing you to top up without deviating from your route.

5. The "Condo-Dweller’s" Best Friend

Many EV owners in the Damansara/PJ area live in high-rise condominiums where home charging is either slow or unavailable. By slashing charging times by 20 minutes per session, this high-speed hub makes EV ownership viable for those who rely entirely on public infrastructure for their weekly "refills."

The Cost of High-Speed Charging

Based on the latest Gentari Go rates, the 200kW DC fast charger at PETRONAS Penchala Link is priced at RM1.60 per kWh.

For those looking to maximize their value, here is how that breaks down for different users:

• Standard Users: RM1.60 per kWh. A typical 20-minute session (gaining ~30kWh to 40kWh) will cost you between RM48.00 and RM64.00.
• Gentari Go Plus Members (RM699/year): You get a 30% discount, bringing the rate down to approximately RM1.12 per kWh.
• Gentari Go Starter Members (RM350/year): You get a 15% discount, bringing the rate down to approximately RM1.36 per kWh.

Important Note: The Overstay Fee

To ensure that all Damansara commuters get a fair turn, Gentari has implemented an overstay fee at this location. If your vehicle remains connected for more than 60 minutes, you will be charged RM1.50 per minute (RM90 per hour).

Pro-Tip: With 200kW of power, you’ll likely hit your target charge in under 30 minutes anyway. Set a timer on your phone so you can move your car and avoid the penalty!