KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), through its agency for electric vehicle (EV) technology development NanoMalaysia Bhd (NMB), has signed an agreement with Biforst Bhd to adapt the hydrogen hybrid energy storage system (H2SS) for converted EV trucks.
According to Mosti, the partnership makes it possible to design, test, deploy, and commercialise a hybrid hydrogen-based power system that uses H2SS as an extra power source on top of electric vehicle components and would eventually replace internal combustion engines (ICE).
"The collaboration under NMB's Rapid Electric Vehicle Innovation Validation Ecosystem (Revive) programme will see Malaysia's first ICE to EV truck conversion," it said in a statement on Thursday.
The collaboration agreement was signed at the World Trade Centre during the Malaysia Technological Expo 2023 (MTE 2023) by NMB chief executive officer Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad and Biforst group managing director Datuk Hamie Appala Nakkiah.
The signing was witnessed by the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
According to the agreement, NMB will manage and execute the project through its subsidiary Nano Commerce Sdn Bhd as the supplier of the technological solution, and Biforst will serve as the supplier of the trucks and the recipient of the technology.
Mosti said the project had also identified the participation of key collaborators, including the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (Teraju) along with selected local financing providers.
"This partnership and technology integration into trucks and logistics operations unlocks a sustainability-driven ecosystem and creates a value chain of products and services to impact the local economy positively and aligns with Malaysia Madani's pillars of innovation, sustainability, and prosperity," it said.
Separately, Mosti struck a deal with KRSTE.my and MTE to support the expansion of MTE and TechMart, a technology marketplace for start-ups and small and medium businesses,
The partnership would also emphasise innovation promotion and the growth of the regional technology ecosystem, turning Malaysia into a centre for technological development, it said.