Charging issues, battery concerns drive some EV owners back to conventional cars

This is the fourth article in a four-part series exploring the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) for cleaner electricity generation and greater sustainability despite the environmental challenges associated with battery production and disposal. The series will also cover related topics such as tax exemptions and green benefits.

SHAH ALAM - Some electric vehicle (EV) owners in the country are considering going back to conventional cars, despite the promise of cleaner energy and sustainability.

Many cited the lack of charging stations and battery issues. These were also among the challenges faced by the nearly half of EV owners in the United States (US) who were thinking of switching back to conventional cars.

This highlighted the growing discontent and universal hurdles in EV adoption and emphasised the need for improvements in technology and infrastructure to retain consumer confidence.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Engineering Faculty Road Safety Research Centre head Law Teik Hua said some EV owners in the US were contemplating switching back to traditional cars due to various possible reasons.

"Range anxiety is caused by insufficient charging stations and limited driving range, inadequate charging infrastructure and the higher initial purchase price and maintenance costs associated with EVs.

"Concerns about the reliability of EV technology and battery life also contributed to these considerations.

"These challenges are particularly pertinent to Malaysia, where similar issues, especially with charging infrastructure outside major urban centres like Klang Valley, exist," he said.

He said effectively addressing these concerns was crucial for promoting the widespread adoption of EVs.

To improve Malaysia's EV charging network, Law outlined several key steps that must be taken.

Firstly, he said the coverage should be expanded by increasing the number of charging stations nationwide, particularly on highways and in rural areas.

Secondly, he said it was crucial to ensure that charging interfaces were compatible and standardised.

He said providing incentives, such as subsidies or tax breaks, will also encourage private entities to invest in the installation of charging stations.

"Finally, fostering public-private partnerships will help accelerate both the deployment and maintenance of this essential infrastructure," he added.

Law said in Malaysia, where the number of charging points fell short compared to more developed countries, scaling up the infrastructure should be a top priority.

He said inadequate infrastructure significantly hindered the growth of EV adoption, despite existing demand.

Consequently, establishing a comprehensive and reliable charging network was essential before intensifying efforts to promote EV usage, he added.

"As Malaysia advances its efforts to promote EV adoption, it is essential to balance this push with the development of sufficient charging infrastructure.

"To avoid overloading the existing network, guidelines should be set to align the pace of EV adoption with the availability of charging points and population density.

"Ensuring that infrastructure is adequately developed before reaching key milestones, such as 10,000 charging points, will support the effective increase in EV usage," he said.

Law said Malaysia could benefit from the experiences of countries like the US, where robust charging infrastructure has significantly boosted EV adoption.

He said prioritising the expansion of this infrastructure was critical to overcome barriers and promote widespread EV use.

Increasing public awareness and education about the benefits of EVs, while addressing common misconceptions was also essential, he said.

"The government should play a pivotal role in facilitating infrastructure development and encouraging EV adoption through supportive policies and financial incentives," he said.

A recent McKinsey Centre for Future Mobility study revealed that nearly half (46 per cent) of US EV owners would consider switching back to traditional internal combustion engines (ICE).

This rate was notably higher than the global average of 29 per cent.

The primary reasons cited for this potential switch were inadequate public charging infrastructure and high overall costs, with only 13 per cent citing dissatisfaction with the driving experience itself.

The study highlighted a significant gap in charging station satisfaction, with only nine per cent of potential EV buyers finding current stations adequate.

Furthermore, the study showed that individuals open to purchasing EVs generally have higher disposable incomes and were more likely to live in urban areas.