Electric Cars in Malaysia: A Growing Trend with Rising Concerns over Charging Stations Fees
In recent news, a Malaysian influencer mom expressed her shock and disbelief on her social media platform, Little Red Book, after receiving a RM67,540.76 (approx. S$19,200) charging bill for her new Tesla Model Y, which she had charged for only half an hour at a charging station. The influencer had placed an order for the car nine months ago and finally received it yesterday.
The influencer shared her surprise in her post, stating that her Tesla could accommodate over 40,000 kWh of charging capacity, which left her followers puzzled and amused, with some even jokingly calling her the nation’s “charging station bill payer.” However, the influencer mentioned that she had already contacted the charging station company and was awaiting their response.
The Rise of Electric Cars and the Need for Charging Stations
As people become more environmentally conscious, electric cars have become increasingly popular in Malaysia, with more and more people able to afford them. However, with the growing popularity of electric cars, the demand for charging stations has also increased.
Currently, there are several public charging stations available in Malaysia. However, due to the limited number of charging stations, many electric car users often face difficulties in finding available charging stations. Additionally, the cost of charging at these stations has also become a concern for many users.
The Issue of High Charging Station Fees
The cost of charging at a charging station in Malaysia varies depending on the location and supplier. Generally, the cost of charging is calculated based on the charging time. However, some charging station providers calculate the fee based on the charging capacity, which can result in users paying higher fees.
In the case of the influencer, her Tesla’s battery capacity is larger than that of other electric cars, requiring a longer charging time. As a result, she received a higher charging bill than expected. However, it is important to note that the cost of charging at a station depends on various factors, including the type of car, the charging capacity, and the charging station provider.