Minister of investment, trade, and industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has announced that Tesla’s collaboration with Malaysia is poised to establish it as a leading green technology hub in the region. He noted that the EV maker has already invested US$13.5 million (RM59.06 million) in the country, showcasing its dedication to enhancing the local EV infrastructure as well as strengthening Malaysia’s position in sustainable energy technologies.
Zafrul shared that the discussions centred on the progress of the Global Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) AP Scheme, which aims to bolster the local EV infrastructure. As of the end of July 2024, Tesla has successfully installed 52 Supercharger units, 54 Wall Connector AC chargers, and over 4,500 home chargers across Peninsular Malaysia, demonstrating significant growth in Malaysia’s charging network.
Additionally, he revealed that Tesla plans to engage nine Malaysian companies in developing EV charging infrastructure while also collaborating with local universities to foster knowledge transfer and human capital development. These efforts will contribute to Malaysia’s technological progress and economic growth.
The meeting with Tesla Malaysia also discussed the potential of battery energy storage technology, which is expected to improve energy efficiency and strengthen the stability of the country’s electricity grid. Zafrul emphasised that this has the potential to reduce energy costs and strengthen Malaysia’s energy infrastructure.
Earlier this month, the minister refuted a rumour regarding cancelled plans to establish a Tesla EV factory in Malaysia. He clarified that the company never made a commitment to this as part of its partnership with the country.
