The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between KL Electric Mobility, a subsidiary of Masers Energy Inc, and the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) sees the announcement of a new electric vehicle sharing service, dubbed 'KL Electric A-gogo'.
A total RM1.5 billion is touted for investment over the period of two years which will see at least 3,000 dedicated charging stations established all over strategic locations. The service is intended as a form of vehicle "rental" platform whereby members will pay a certain amount of money for the convenience of using the electric cars.
Speaking at the press conference, the CEO of KL Electric Mobility has stated that there are plans for a total of 150 electric cars to be brought in while between 10-50 charging stations are expected to be ready in the Golden Triangle region of the city by the first quarter of 2015.
For this phase alone, the company plans to invest a total of US$10-20 million (RM34.7-69.4 million). "This agreement marks an important and profound commitment towards Malaysia's transition to a zero-carbon nation by 2030. We are currently working with the transportation sector to convert to the 'fifth fuel' and usage of electric vehicles as part of our strategy on providing cheaper, cleaner and reliable energy for the nation," said the CEO, Datuk Seri Hj Suhaimi.
As for the car itself, the exact model that will be employed here was not present but KL Electric Mobility has stated that it will echo the Autolib carsharing programme from France. The model employed in the Autolib programme is known as the Bolloré Bluecar and is manufactured by Cecomp in Italy.
Powering the Bluecar is an electric motor that pumps out the equivalent of 67 hp and is juiced up by a 30 kWh lithium polymer battery, providing a top speed of 130 km/h. On a full charge, the car is capable of covering a total distance between 200-240 km - slightly lower than an average petrol-powered car.
More or less the same as a Perodua Myvi in stature, the Bluecar is a three-door hatch that's capable of seating five. As for the charging stations themselves, KL Electric Mobility is keen to point out that it will be able to charge other models of electric vehicles, including (get this!) the BMW i3 and i8.
Four packages will be made available to customers with varying rates for the daily, weekly, monthly and annual subscription. The daily package is aimed at tourists and will cost RM50 for a half hour slot. From then on, it's a RM50, RM125 and RM600 membership fee coupled to a RM35, RM32 and RM30 per half hour slot for the rental of the cars, respectively.
If all this seems familiar, it probably is because of a similar service known as COMOS. Utilising the Renault Zoe, Twizy and the Nissan Leaf, the platform aims to provide customers with access to the cars via a form of "rental" service. Also, a corporate lease programme - which includes unlimited mileage, periodical maintenance and a wall-mounted charger at the client's location - is already operational.
In October, a MoU between First Energy Networks (FEN) - a subsidiary of Edaran Tan Chong Motor - and GreenTech Malaysia was signed with the aim of expanding EV charging infrastructure throughout the nation. FEN has a government grant to establish the aforementioned infrastructure.
KL Electric Mobility, meanwhile, is looking pretty ambitious as it plans to cover both ends - the EV car sharing service as well as the establishment of the charging infrastructure.
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