Auto Bavaria and DC Handal to expand fast-charging accessibility for Malaysian EV owners

In a significant step towards strengthening the country’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, Auto Bavaria, the largest network of authorised dealerships for BMW Group Malaysia recently announced their strategic partnership with sustainable mobility solutions provider Handal Green Mobility Sdn Bhd (DC Handal) to expand fast-charging facilities across the Klang Valley and Penang and foster sustainable mobility solutions for the future.

Yang Berhormat Tuan Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry said, “As Malaysia strives to position itself as a regional leader in sustainable mobility, the progressive vision showcased by Auto Bavaria and DC Handal sets a commendable precedent. The strategic expansion of fast-charging facilities for electric vehicles aligns seamlessly with our national agenda to fortify the electric vehicle ecosystem and chart the course toward a greener, more resilient Malaysia. However, building a local electric vehicle ecosystem does not stop here. It is also crucial that the government develops an industrial policy, which is a strategic effort to encourage the growth of an electric vehicle supply chain locally to give our manufacturing industry a boost. It is encouraging to witness collaborations such as these and I hope that we will be able to see more catalysts for a robust and interconnected network of sustainable mobility solutions across the nation in the near future.”

Sashi Ambihaipahan, Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability for BMW Group Malaysia said, “We are pleased to be establishing a partnership with DC Handal through our leading dealer partner Auto Bavaria to further develop the infrastructure for charging of electric vehicles in the country. As the leading provider of premium electric vehicles in the country to date, this collaboration exemplifies our dedication to revolutionising the EV landscape in Malaysia, as well as setting a new standard for accessibility and convenience for EV owners. We believe this initiative will not only benefit our valued customers but also contribute to the collective effort to shape, lead, and future-proof the Malaysian automotive landscape, in line with the goals set out in Budget 2024.”

In leveraging the strengths of both entities to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of electric vehicle charging, Auto Bavaria, with its extensive network of dealerships and customer touchpoints, work closely with DC Handal’s expertise in cutting-edge, reliable electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) technology to provide fast-charging facilities to 10 charging sites in key areas across the Klang Valley and Penang, with plans for more sites in the pipeline. Together, they aim to create a robust charging ecosystem that supports the growing adoption of electric vehicles and increases charging accessibility for Malaysian EV owners.

BMW Group Malaysia has also made over 1,700 charging facilities available in its network thus far. Access to over 400 of these facilities provided are through partnerships with ChargEV and Yinson Greentech, while the partnership with JomCharge enables access to over 100 charging facilities, Gentari with over 150 facilities as well as approximately 160 facilities from new partners such as Shell Recharge with ParkEasy, ChargeN’Go, ChargeSini, Go To-U and FlexiParking. Over 100 BMW i and MINI charging facilities are also available at most authorised dealerships, as well as partnering venues across the country, with more to come as part of the strategic infrastructure expansion plan set for the year ahead.

With a specialty in developing fast-charging solutions, DC Handal is a key player in the development of EVSE technology that is made to provide a seamless customer experience. Their main shareholder, Handal Indah Sdn Bhd, is the largest private public bus operator in Malaysia, allowing DC Handal to play a crucial role in electrifying buses and meeting the evolving needs of public and private EV mobility.

Lim Chern Chuen, Director of DC Handal said of the partnership, "As the automotive landscape evolves towards electrification, this collaboration with Auto Bavaria reflects our commitment to provide our customers with not only the best EVSE technology, but a seamless and convenient charging experience through our network.  It was opportune that we have OCBC as our payment partner. Their support helps us establish our footprint in record time. With this collaboration, we believe in contributing significantly to a sustainable future of mobility.”

Vi Thim Juan, the Managing Director of Auto Bavaria expressed that, "Auto Bavaria is elated to embark on this transformative partnership with DC Handal, which we believe to be a pivotal step in our unwavering commitment to delivering an unparalleled Premium Ownership Experience to our valued customers. The expansion of fast-charging facilities for electric vehicles underscores our dedication to not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of the Malaysian automotive market. This initiative echoes our commitment to be at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that our customers enjoy the utmost convenience and peace of mind throughout their electric vehicle ownership journey.”

Customers can conveniently pay for charging services using both credit and debit cards and their electronic counterpart at its OCBC payment terminals as well as through app-based platforms with JomCharge and ChargEV.

APPENDIX - List of EV Charging Facility Locations and Rates

EV Charging Sites	Rate per kWh (RM)	Charging Capacity up to (kW)	Number of Nozzle	Number of Charger	Number of Charging Bay
Bamboo Hills DUKE	RM 1.50	200	4	4	4
Wisma MCA, Jalan Ampang	RM 1.50	150	3	3	3
Bangsar South UOA, The Sphere	RM 1.50	240	6	3	6
Bangsar South UOA The Horizon B1	RM 1.30	30	2	1	2
Bangsar South UOA The Vertical GF	RM 1.50	100	2	1	2
Bangsar South UOA The Vertical B1	RM 1.30	94	4	2	4
UOA Business Park, Glenmarie	RM 1.50	200	4	4	4
Wisma UOA Damansara II, KL	RM 1.50	200	4	4	4
Choo Plaza Georgetown, Penang	RM 1.50	90	2	1	2
Udini Square, Penang (Coming Soon)	RM 1.30	50	2	1	2