‘EVs a viable option towards climate ambitions’

KUALA LUMPUR: Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a top viable automotive alternative towards achieving climate ambitions and ensuring a liveable planet, said Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister, Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim.

As climate change has become the most pressing threat to humanity today, it is timely to start championing low carbon and resource-efficient endeavours anchored on the principles of sustainability, he said.

Ahmad Amzad said to encourage the uptake of EVs, the government had introduced full exemption on import duty, excise duty and road tax for EVs – whether imported or locally assembled – under Budget 2022.

“Individual income tax relief of up to RM2,500 is also given on the cost of purchase and installation, rental and hire purchase of facilities as well as payment of EV charging facility monthly subscription fees,” he said in his speech during the launch of DHL Express Malaysia's electric delivery vans here yesterday.

Malaysia saw a significant rise in EV take-up, from only 388 vehicles in 2021 to 1,033 as of July 2022, and the number is expected to rise to more than 2,000 vehicles by year-end.

Meanwhile, he said in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) will further the agenda of making Malaysia an inventor and manufacturer of EV technology components.

“Through NanoMalaysia, we have embarked on programmes, namely the ‘NanoMalaysia Energy Storage Technology Initiative' as well as the ‘Enabling Mobility Electrification for Green Economy' programme, focusing on the commercialisation of green energy solutions, energy storage technology and EV components.

Major initiatives include facilitating the regulations for conversion of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to EV via the Rapid Electric

Individual income tax relief of up to RM2,500 is also given on the cost of purchase and installation, rental and hire purchase of facilities as well as payment of EV charging facility monthly subscription fees.

Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim

Vehicles Innovation Validation Ecosystem (REVIVE) platform, and developing in-house technologies for off-grid solarbased charging, EV batteries and wireless charging.

Internet of Nano Things for digital connectivity for EVs and autonomous vehicle system are also another related technology being developed by NanoMalaysia.

On the DHL Express Malaysia's electric delivery vans, he said DHL Express Malaysia is not only ushering in a new era of green logistics through its initiative but also paving the way for an overhaul within the logistics industry to go clean and sustainable.

“It is indeed inspiring to see how DHL is pioneering EV in their respective local countries,” he said.

DHL Express, the world's leading international express service provider, has announced the introduction of six electric vans in Malaysia, marking the company as the first in the country to transition toward a commercial EV fleet.

The new vans will be deployed in early October, serving the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor areas.

DHL will add a further 55 to bring its total number of electric vans to 61 by 2023, and the vans will be deployed to other states nationwide.