EV buyers must be taught about safe home charging, says trade group

The Federation of Malaysia Electric Vehicle Associations (FMEVA) has called for better education for EV buyers on safe home charging practices. Jason Lee, FMEVA president, emphasized that buyers should receive proper guidance on using approved equipment and hiring qualified installers. Many buyers received minimal information on home charging, leading some to opt for costly and potentially unsafe installation packages by unlicensed contractors.

Lee likened EV charger installation to that of a water heater or air conditioner, stressing the necessity of hiring qualified technicians and adhering to proper procedures, including the use of an independent miniature circuit breaker, suitable wiring, and an isolator before the charger. He also suggested keeping a fire extinguisher near the charger for added safety.

Lee urged car companies to train their sales staff and product experts to brief first-time EV owners thoroughly. Tan, an EV owner, expressed that his home charging setup was trouble-free, thanks to proper guidance on installation and safety measures. He stressed that buyers should not hesitate to ask questions to ensure they have the necessary information for safe home charging.