KUALA LUMPUR: Clean energy solutions provider Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari), through its subsidiary Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd (Green Mobility), is collaborating with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country.
The partnership aims to explore the potential development of EV charging infrastructure, along with value-added services, such as tailored charging subscription plans, that will enhance the customer experience of Mercedes-Benz EV owners.
The potential charging point operations would be jointly developed with EV Connection Sdn Bhd (EVC) and would be installed at selected strategic locations across Malaysia to ease long distance travel by providing range confidence for EV drivers.
Gentari deputy chief executive officer and Green Mobility CEO Shah Yang Razalli said they were excited to expand their relationship with a like-minded partner like MBM, understanding that providing long-distance range confidence is important to EV drivers.
"We (Gentari) are committed to continue building high-powered chargers and establishing connectivity across states in Malaysia as the largest Direct Charging (DC) network operator in the country. This will directly contribute to propelling EV adoption numbers in the country, fostering a sustainable shift towards electric mobility," he added.
Gentari has deployed over 200 charging points in Malaysia and over 190 charging points in India, through its affiliated entities, since the company's introduction in June 2022.
The fast-growing EV charging network company, with a mission to be Asia Pacific's most valued clean energy solutions partner by 2030, aims to capture over 10 per cent market share of public charge points and Vehicle-as-a-Service (VaaS) offerings across key markets in Asia Pacific.
Green Mobility on the other hand currently operates 79 DC chargers across nine states including Wilayah Persekutuan in Malaysia and is also rapidly expanding its reach in Asia Pacific.
"The transition to EVs is not one that can be achieved alone. It requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including automotive manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, and government agencies. That is why we are so proud to have partnered with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Gentari, two industry leaders who share our vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future." said EVC managing director Ir Lee Yuen How.
MBM CEO and president Amanda Zhan said the planned partnership signifies an important step towards sustainable mobility in Malaysia and in line with the company's Electric Only vision.
"Together with EVC, Gentari's expertise aligns seamlessly with our vision to redefine the automotive landscape, providing not only high-performance electric vehicles but also a robust and accessible charging network.
"We are delighted to continue our strategic partnership with Gentari to spearhead the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in Malaysia. Through our intended collaboration, we aim to explore and develop cutting-edge electric vehicle charging infrastructure and solutions, alongside value-added services such as charging subscription plans tailored for our Mercedes-Benz EV owners," she added.
Details of the planned cooperation were made public during the launch of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV, last evening.
Based on the EVA2 vehicle architecture, the five-seater electric SUV has a range of up to 552 km (WLTP) and a maximum capacity output at 300 kW.
It has an electric drivetrain on both the front and rear axle due in part to the 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD) system, and is equipped with Airmatic air suspension along with a steering angle at the rear axle of up to ten degrees.
Luggage compartment volume is listed at 520 litres as standard, expandable up to 1675 litres with roof-high loading when the backrests of the rear seats are completely folded down.
Other highlights of the model includes 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, panoramic sliding sunroof, MBUX display and operating system for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions, Dolby Atmos sound format, and the Driving Assistance Plus Package which includes the Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist among other features.
With a Recommended Retail Price inclusive of 10 per cent Sales Tax at RM 485,888, the EQE 500 4Matic SUV can be had at RM 3,988 per month through the company's Step Up Agility+ Plan.
Those who sign up with the plan also gets to enjoy an additional RM900 charging credit via JomCharge.
