KUALA LUMPUR: Gentari Sdn Bhd and BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd are exploring the deployment of BYD Flash Charging technology as the country's electric vehicle (EV) market continues to expand.
Both companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore this prospect today.
The collaboration will assess opportunities to develop high-power charging infrastructure supported by battery energy storage systems (BESS), with the technology capable of delivering about 400 kilometres of driving range in as little as five minutes for compatible vehicles under optimal conditions.
Under the MoU, the companies will identify suitable charging locations, including key intercity corridors connecting major population centres.
They will also evaluate power infrastructure requirements, technical and commercial feasibility, project development opportunities and potential operating models.
The partnership will also explore opportunities in renewable energy generation and energy storage, combining Gentari's clean energy expertise with BYD's energy storage and technology capabilities.
Malaysia recorded 53,537 new EV registrations in the first nine months of 2026, an increase of 98.8 per cent from the corresponding period last year.
The growth comes as the government works towards establishing 30,000 public EV charging points nationwide by 2030.
Gentari, the clean energy solutions company wholly owned by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), currently operates more than 600 EV charging points in Malaysia.
It provides access to about 18,000 charging points across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and India through its Gentari Go Roaming Hub.
Gentari group chief executive officer Sushil Purohit said the next phase of EV adoption will depend on the quality, convenience and reliability of charging services, beyond charging speed alone.
He said BYD's expertise in EVs, batteries and high-power charging technology, combined with Gentari's experience in developing and operating charging networks, will provide a foundation for strengthening Malaysia's EV charging ecosystem.
BYD vice-president and Asia Pacific auto sales division general manager Liu Xueliang said Malaysia was an important market for the company as it expanded its advanced charging technology into international markets.
He said the collaboration would explore how BYD Flash Charging could support a faster and more convenient charging experience for Malaysian EV users.
BYD Malaysia managing director Jacob Ma said the partnership was an important step towards building a more comprehensive EV ecosystem in the country.
He added that a seamless ownership experience is essential to encouraging more consumers to switch to electric vehicles.
The MoU was signed by Purohit and Ma in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, on Wednesday.
Representatives from both organisations, including Petronas and Gentari executives, as well as BYD Group chairman Wang Chuanfu were present.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd