EVC and Gentari migrated more chargers to kWh-based pricing

As teased by EV Connection (EVC) and Gentari earlier today, nearly 60 EV chargers will officially migrate from time-based to kWh-based pricing. According to the two major charge point operators (CPO), the switch to kWh-based pricing will ensure a more systematic and seamless payment process for EV users and in the process will also further standardise the pricing mechanism within the Malaysian EV industry.

New JomCharge and Gentari EV chargers with kWh-based pricing

Here’s the full list of EV chargers that will adopt the kWh-based pricing effective 2nd July 2024:

Some EV chargers will cost less while some may cost more

The switch to kWh for these EV chargers is a mixed bag. For DC charging, the new rates of RM1.30 to RM1.50 per kWh, will make it more affordable for most EV owners as the charging cost is calculated based on actual energy consumed than time spent at the charger.

One of the best examples is Petronas Gambang Eastbound for EV owners driving from Klang Valley to Kuantan. The 90kW DC charger is currently priced at RM2.20 per minute (RM66 for 30 minutes) which is very expensive. With kWh-based pricing, getting 40kWh of energy would cost RM60 even if the vehicle’s supported DC charging speed is 80kW or lower.

The pricing migration will greatly benefit drivers who need a quick top-up at highway R&Rs during long-distance drives. Other notable highway DC chargers that are switching to kWh-based pricing include Petronas Gambang Westbound, Petronas Solaris Seri Kembangan and Petronas Sg Buloh Layby.

However, for AC charging, the new rates priced between RM0.90 to RM1.05 per kWh may end up costing more than its current time-based calculation.

For example, some AC charge points such as Mid Valley Megamall are currently priced at RM0.10 per minute (RM6 per hour). With the new charging rate of RM1.05 per kWh for this location, users with EVs that support higher 11kW AC charging would have to pay as much as RM12 per hour depending on the maximum supported charging rate.

Meanwhile, the 7kW AC charge points at Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Nexis will switch from the current RM1.00 per 15 minutes (RM4 per hour) rate to RM0.90 per kWh. This means the charging session would now cost about RM6.30 per hour, assuming you can max out the 7kW charging rate.

Overall, the move to kWh-based pricing will ensure equal charging rates for all EV users, especially for EVs with slower 7kW single-phase onboard chargers.

Even for existing kWh-based chargers such as the 22kW AC charge point at XPark Sunway Serene, the current price of RM0.90 per kWh will be increased to RM1.05 per kWh.

If you want to pay less for public charging, Gentari offers an annual membership of RM899/year where you can enjoy 50% off rates for Gentari-branded EV chargers nationwide.

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