Bangkok, 18 May 2023 – Charge+ announces the plan to develop a 5,000km electric vehicle (EV) charging highway across 5 countries in Southeast Asia. EV drivers can look forward to using the Charge+ App to conveniently access 45 direct current (DC) fast charging locations spanning the countries of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam (Annex A).
This major initiative taps on Charge+’s strong track record as the leading EV charging provider in the Southeast Asian region where Charge+ is already operating in six countries, with about 1,000 charging points in operation now. All the stations along the highway will take on DC fast charging so as to allow a fast turnaround charging time for EV drivers.
This EV charging highway is slated to be the longest in Southeast Asia and among the longest of its kind in the world. The planning is for the distance between charging stations to be about 120km on average. The stations are located either directly on the highway or less than 2km from the interchanges.
This project will help to address the longstanding concern by prospective EV buyers that EVs are not suitable for long-distance usage due to the lack of charging infrastructure, especially in more remote areas, as well as the cross-border challenges in registering for various Apps and handling different currency payments. The planned charging stations, coupled with the App from Charge+, will therefore provide EV drivers with the cross-border convenience and boost overall confidence in the transition to EVs as the eventual primary mode of land transport in Southeast Asia.
Of the 45 charging locations, Charge+ has confirmed 18 locations (Annex B) in the first phase where Charge+ will invest in, own and operate the charging stations. These stations will be operational by end 2024 and include urban charging hubs in six key cities, namely Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The remaining 27 locations will be ready by end 2025 and comprise both stations owned by Charge+ and stations owned by strategic partners which have allowed Charge+ to roam with them.
This announcement is made at the annual Future Mobility Asia summit held in Bangkok on 17-19 May 2023. As part of this announcement, Charge+ has also announced our strategic partnership with EGAT, the Thai state-owned enterprise that is responsible for energy generation and electricity sales to the distribution companies in Thailand. EGAT is providing Charge+ with a site in Thap Sakae about 320 km south of Bangkok to set up a DC charging station. In addition, EGAT will partner Charge+ on roaming so that Charge+ users can use the same Charge+ App to access EGAT charging stations in Thailand seamlessly.
“In Southeast Asia, EVs suffer from the persistent perception that they are inconvenient for long-distance and cross-border travel. We are therefore excited to unveil this 5,000km EV charging highway project which will revolutionise societal perception of EVs in this region and provide EV drivers with the much needed confidence. This project is made possible by Charge+’s extensive operations across Southeast Asia as well as strategic partnerships in roaming opportunities which will further expand the Charge+ network.”, said Goh Chee Kiong, CEO of Charge+.
“Ever since the founding of Charge+ in 2018, our vision was to catalyse electric mobility across Southeast Asia and provide EV drivers with a seamless experience. This EV charging highway project through five countries, represents another strategic milestone in the journey of Charge+ to be a truly impactful EV charging player for this region.”, said Ong Tze Boon, Chairman of Charge+.
About Charge+
Charge+ is a leading integrated EV charging solution provider serving Southeast Asia, with the mission to catalyse the proliferation of electric mobility in the region. Its suite of integrated solutions include a proprietary ultra-slim charger, smart charging software and innovative business models. Charge+ operates about 1,000 EV charging points across Southeast Asia today, and aims to have at least 10,000 charging points by 2030. Charge+ is also uniquely placed as a comprehensive charging operator serving the public housing, condominium, commercial and industrial building segments. With Singapore as the springboard, Charge+ is also operating in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and most recently Cambodia. For more information, please visit www.chargeplus.com
