“Electric cars are not going to take the market by storm, but it’s going to be a gradual empowerment”
– businessman and former automotive executive, Carlos Ghosn
There were so many things about China that fascinated me during my trip last week.
Amid the skyscrapers, I was amazed by its automobile industry’s innovation and efficiency.
I remember standing in awe as I observed the sleek, modern cars zipping through the bustling streets – a testament to China’s rapid technological advancements.
From brands like BMW, Tesla and Mercedes Benz to China’s own Build Your Dream (BYD), Geely and Chery, the streets were filled with a diverse array of vehicles.
Each brand showcased its own vision of the future of mobility, however, BYD particularly stood out to me.
As one of China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, BYD is making significant strides in sustainable transportation.
Their sleek, eco-friendly cars are not just popular within China but are also gaining recognition worldwide.
It was inspiring to see how a homegrown company is competing with global giants and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
I also noticed the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in everyday life.
Charging stations were conveniently located throughout the city, making it easy for drivers to power up their EVs.
In fact, during the six days I spent in Beijing, I only saw or passed by two fuelling stations.
The Chinese government’s strong support for green technology and sustainable practices in the automotive sector was evident everywhere I looked.
This commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy through the automotive sector is something that many other countries could learn from.
I believe China is among the countries successfully transitioning from conventional petrol cars to EVs and it is largely due to the government’s proactive policies and incentives.
These include subsidies for EV buyers, tax breaks, and investment in EV infrastructure.
By making EVs more affordable and convenient, China has encouraged both manufacturers and consumers to embrace green technology.
In Malaysia, the situation is quite different as EVs tend to be priced significantly higher than conventional petrol cars, which discourages many consumers from making the transition.
Import taxes and the lack of substantial subsidies make EVs less affordable for the average consumer including myself.
Unlike in China, where government incentives significantly lower the cost of EVs, Malaysian consumers often find it difficult to justify the higher initial expense, despite the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.
With prices often double or even triple those of conventional petrol cars, individuals in the B40 group may not qualify for bank hire-purchase loans for EVs.
Moreover, Malaysia’s automotive market is still dominated by conventional petrol and diesel vehicles with a strong cultural and economic attachment to these established options.
The transition to EVs requires not just individual consumer changes but also a shift in industry focus and infrastructure development that takes time and coordinated effort.
China’s significant investment in research and development has also spurred innovation within the automotive industry.
Companies like BYD and NIO have emerged as leaders in EV technology, producing vehicles that compete on a global scale.
This focus on technological advancement has not only improved the quality and performance of EVs but has also reduced production costs thus making them more accessible to the average consumer.
Additionally, the rapid expansion of EV charging networks across the country has alleviated one of the main concerns of potential EV buyers which is range anxiety.
Charging stations are widely available in urban areas, making it easier for drivers to keep their vehicles powered up without inconvenience.
This robust infrastructure supports the growing number of EVs on the road and ensures their practicality for daily use.
With EVs being one of the ways citizens can reduce their carbon footprints and contribute to Mother Nature, I believe there is a pressing need for Malaysia to address these challenges, especially the affordability barrier.
In the context of Sarawak, it is making notable strides in the development of EV infrastructure.
The Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), through its subsidiary SEDC Energy, has been proactive in establishing multi-fuel refueling stations that also support EV charging.
This initiative is a significant step forward in enhancing the accessibility of EV charging facilities across Sarawak, catering to both urban and rural areas.
Moreover, Gentari Sdn Bhd, a clean energy solutions provider, has expanded its EV charging network into Sarawak through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd.
In collaboration with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Gentari has been instrumental in deploying EV charging stations at strategic locations which further bolsters Sarawak’s infrastructure for electric vehicles.
These initiatives not only demonstrate Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable transportation but also pave the way for increased adoption of EVs among its residents.
At the same time, Sarawak is making strides in adopting hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
The state is set to host an automotive assembly plant that will produce these FCEVs.
The proposed plant will help bring down the cost of hydrogen-powered FCEVs in line with the Sarawak government’s policy for the automotive industry to switch to clean and renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
By expanding the charging network and partnering with key stakeholders, Sarawak is positioning itself as a leader in promoting clean energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions in the automotive sector.
As these efforts continue to grow, it is crucial for the Sarawak government and private sector to collaborate further in addressing remaining challenges such as affordability, public awareness, and comprehensive infrastructure coverage.
Through continued investment and support, I believe that Sarawak can accelerate its transition towards a greener and more sustainable automotive sector.
