JOHOR BARU: Malaysia's leading agency in nanotechnology and advanced solutions commercialisation, NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB) today launched a technology and market validation programme.
Officiated by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, the Campuses for local electric vehicle expeditious roll-out (Clever) programme will act as both an innovation and regulatory sandbox allowing start-ups and other innovators to conduct live experiments in a controlled environment.
In his speech, Adham said that the launch of Clever is in line with the ministry's stand on the local electric vehicle (EV) industry.
"The launch of Clever today is in line with Mosti's focus on scaling up the development and deployment of local EV solutions supporting the National Automotive Policy 2020's target of establishing approximately 5,000 EV charging stations to fortify infrastructure support. This will nudge people towards EV ownership and utilisation. The government is committed to solving challenges that hinder the growth of our nation's EV industry," said Adham.
Under Clever, EV technologies will be deployed, developed and tested at participating university campus grounds. The comprehensive EV technology framework will see the use of ThamLEV Mobility Sdn Bhd and Beno Technologies Sdn Bhd electric two-wheelers with a Battery Monitoring System (BMS) used by students on campus with designated parking spaces for EVs. They will also be equipped with Battery Swapping Stations (BSS), which consists of removable battery slots and intelligent battery management.
Through this, NMB will facilitate technological developments, set up regulations and amend insurance coverage by collecting user, performance and safety acceptance data before a mass scale investment and deployment to the Malaysian market.
Participating campuses include EduCity Iskandar (an entity under Khazanah Nasional Berhad), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and Universiti Tenaga Nasional.
Clever also takes into account radiated emissions produced by charging stations as Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Immunity (EMI) testing is done extensively. This ensures there are no health risks and no disruption of signals for EVs.
Beyond that, the programme is also pushing for mass adoption of the converted vehicle industry by developing a conversion kit that will enable Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to be turned into EVs. This will present a cheaper alternative to buying a new EV—therefore, encouraging the transition to green mobility in the long run and more importantly, further democratising EV ownership.
"Clever tackles all the issues Malaysia has faced thus far when it comes to EV adoption such as vehicle ownership affordability, homegrown EV technologies, local skilled talent and technical support and the lack of infrastructure leading to range anxiety through a very clever approach for Malaysia to achieve technology sovereignty and commercial equity in the EV sector—locally and regionally," said NMB chief executive officer Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad adding that the country needs local technological advancements that will serve as long-term solutions.
According to Rezal, the programme aims to reach the technological advancements Malaysia needs to be at the forefront of the Asean Electric Vehicles and Renewable Energy markets.
As a participating campus, EduCity Iskandar Malaysia Sdn Bhd Managing Director Wan Ahmad Saifuddin Wan Ahmad Radzi said that the EV Zone including battery change stations and access for the two-wheeler drivers such as electric scooters will improve EduCity' infra and shared facilities.
"As an education city for local and international educational institutions, this collaborative effort with NanoMalaysia will bring two benefits, namely supporting the initiative of EduCity Iskandar as a Research Living Lab where 305 acres will be dedicated as a testing ground for start-ups and innovators.
"Secondly, the Clever initiative is able to position EduCity Iskandar as an education city that supports green technology initiatives and to make this a new benchmark for other international education hubs," said Wan Ahmad Saifuddin.