Charge+ has recently unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a sprawling 5,000-kilometer EV charging highway across five countries in the region. This groundbreaking project will encompass Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, providing a robust infrastructure for electric vehicle charging. With the goal of installing 45 fast-charging hubs, Charge+ aims to revolutionize the accessibility and convenience of EV charging in Southeast Asia.
What sets Charge+ apart is its strong foothold in the region, operating in six countries and boasting approximately 1,000 charging points. This extensive presence positions the company favorably to undertake such a monumental initiative. The forthcoming charging highway will be exclusively equipped with DC fast charging stations, ensuring efficient and rapid charging capabilities for EV users.
In terms of the layout, the average distance between the charging hubs along the highway is anticipated to be around 120 kilometers. Carefully selected locations will be strategically placed either directly on the motorway or within a two-kilometer radius of interchanges. By doing so, Charge+ aims to maximize accessibility, ensuring that users can conveniently access charging facilities along their journey. This meticulous planning and consideration exemplify the company’s commitment to providing a seamless charging experience for EV drivers.
To shed light on the initial stages of the project, Charge+ has outlined the first few legs of the charging highway. The journey commences with the connection of major cities, namely Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang. Subsequently, the charging highway will span from Penang to Phuket and Bangkok, followed by linking the Thai capital to Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. Finally, the comprehensive network will connect Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, effectively covering all major destinations in the region.
In the initial phase of the project, Charge+ plans to invest in, own, and operate 18 charging stations. These will include urban charging hubs situated in the aforementioned cities and are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024. The remaining 27 locations will be completed by the end of 2025, with a combination of stations owned by Charge+ and its strategic partners. This collaborative approach ensures that the charging infrastructure network expands rapidly, meeting the growing demand for EV charging in Southeast Asia.
The announcement of this groundbreaking initiative took place during the ‘Future Mobility Asia’ summit in Bangkok, further underscoring the significance and scope of the project. Additionally, Charge+ unveiled a strategic partnership with EGAT, a prominent Thai state-owned enterprise responsible for energy generation and electricity sales in Thailand. This partnership allows Charge+ users to conveniently access EGAT charging stations through the Charge+ app, expanding the network and enhancing accessibility for EV drivers.
Goh Chee Kiong, the CEO of Charge+, expressed great enthusiasm about transforming the perception of electric vehicles in Southeast Asia. He emphasized that the company’s extensive operations in the region, coupled with strategic roaming partnerships, will facilitate the growth and accessibility of the Charge+ network. By delivering a comprehensive charging infrastructure across multiple countries, Charge+ aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs and make sustainable electric mobility a reality in Southeast Asia.
Ong Tze Boon, the Chairman of Charge+, highlighted the company’s longstanding vision to promote electric mobility throughout Southeast Asia. The establishment of the EV charging highway, spanning five countries, represents a significant milestone in Charge+’s journey towards becoming a prominent player in the EV charging sector within the region. This visionary approach and commitment to sustainable transportation will undoubtedly contribute to the region’s transition towards a greener future.
Charge+ was founded in Singapore in 2018 as part of the Sunseap Group, a well-established clean energy business. The company’s dedication to sustainable practices is evident through its successful bid in November 2022 to install 4,000 charging points in Singapore, aligning with the city-state’s goal of having 60,000 charge points by 2030. Furthermore, as a testament to its long-term commitment, Charge+ announced plans in 2020 to install 10,000 charging stations across Singapore within the next decade, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable electric mobility.
In conclusion, Charge+’s unveiling of the extensive EV charging highway project across Southeast Asia showcases their dedication to transforming the region’s mobility landscape. With meticulous planning, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability, Charge+ aims to revolutionize the accessibility and convenience of EV charging, contributing to the wider adoption of electric vehicles in Southeast Asia.
