Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has two big goals for the new year. It is focusing on growing both its DC fast charging network and its lineup of EQ electric models as we approach 2024. That of course is in addition to the chargers created in association with suppliers of energy solutions like Gentari.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said last week at the debut of the Mercedes-EQE SUV 500 4MATIC in this market that it will be expanding its DC fast charging network, which is now housed at its ‘retail partners’ (formerly known as dealerships).
The company first announced plans to install 13 DC fast chargers in its showrooms, primarily in Peninsular Malaysia, back in 2022. Additionally, it was said that EQ consumers will not be charged until the end of 2023.
For the company’s business and fleet customers, however, fees will be applied after 2023 in the form of corporate charging subscriptions. For the time being, Mercedes-Benz EVs undergoing maintenance at the company’s service centres will be the only ones with access to the chargers.
This is to ensure that clients have access to chargers when they need them. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia however does not currently have any plans to make its chargers available to the general public. At the moment, DC fast chargers are available with a range of specifications and a maximum DC charging power of 130 kW.
When asked about its electrification goals, the company said that it is aiming for a 50% share of its lineup—that is to make one out of every two vehicles it sells an EV, as soon as it can persuade more customers to switch to EVs, that is. The luxury brand now has the largest selection of EVs in Malaysia thanks to its seven model types and nine variants.
With the exception of the EQS 500 4MATIC, all Mercedes-Benz EQ electric models sold in Malaysia are wholly imported (CBU) from other markets. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will keep an eye on the market to decide whether to develop additional EQ electric series cars locally (CKD).
OUR THOUGHTS
Tesla might be the flavour of the month, but Mercedes-Benz has the strongest EV lineup in Malaysia and will offer the most substantial infrastructure to support that growing EV lineup very soon. In fact, Mercedes’ efforts will no doubt stimulate rival makers to up the ante and get busy expanding their own charger networks—which of course depends on how Tesla approaches its Supercharger network in Malaysia, and whether it allows rivals to use its facilities.