Asean's first EV, hydrogen hub to be built in Malaysia

SHAH ALAM - The Jinn Pinn Minn (JPM) Group and CETA Green Technologies announced today that they will build Asean's first state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) and hydrogen-powered test, development, and certification hub in Malaysia.

The hub, which is expected to cost between US$35 million and US$50 million, will be located in the Klang Valley.

It will be used to test, develop, and certify batteries and hydrogen powertrains for EVs.

The JPM Group's Chin Jit Pyng said that the hub will help Malaysia to become a leader in the development and innovation of green mobility.

"As the world batteries the ever-increasing threat of global warming, there is no doubt that the one answer that is available to us is the advent of cleaner, greener mobility.

"This hub will give Malaysia a platform to drive the development and innovation in this field," he said.

CETA Green Technologies' deputy chairman Datuk Chin Tzer Jinn said the testing would be before the battery goes into EV.

"However, no one knows how durable it is, and we can only know by testing it out there for two to three years and how they can last long.

"With this hub, the batteries would be tested on how to control and how to know if the battery would come to failure,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ricardo PLC regional president Dr Leon Rosario said that the hub will also provide a training platform to develop the Malaysian workforce in the EV technology space.

"We envisage developing human capital and deep technical know-how in the region that will support the growing Asean energy transition sector," he said.

The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) has welcomed the initiative and looks forward to working with CETA Green Technologies to realise the hub soon.