Cost, safety, infrastructure constraints deter rural petrol stations from EV charging rollout
KUALA LUMPUR: The lack of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at petrol stations, particularly in rural and outlying areas, is largely due to infrastructure, cost, space and safety constraints, the Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) said.
The Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) has identified several barriers preventing the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at petrol stations, particularly in rural areas. These challenges include infrastructure limitations, high costs, space constraints, and safety concerns. PDAM president Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz noted that nearly 70% of petrol stations are owned by the brands themselves, limiting individual dealers' ability to decide on EV charging installations.
The cost of installing chargers, especially fast-charging facilities, is a significant barrier due to the high investment required. Additionally, EV charging operators are reluctant to invest in areas with low EV usage, creating a "chicken and egg" situation where charging infrastructure is concentrated in densely populated regions while rural locations remain underserved.
The cost of installing fast chargers can escalate to hundreds of thousands of ringgit, depending on the existing electricity infrastructure at a petrol station. PDAM also highlighted the importance of safety considerations, particularly at petrol stations where flammable fuel is stored and potential vapour release during refuelling could pose a risk.
The availability of fire-safety equipment and trained personnel is crucial in the event of an EV fire. Furthermore, the traditional quick-turnaround model of petrol stations, where motorists expect rapid refueling, creates challenges in accommodating EV charging bays without discouraging customers.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
