Gentari Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Malaysia’s PETRONAS Group, has announced a strategic collaboration with Virta, a European leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. This partnership is set to enhance and expand the EV charging network throughout Southeast Asia, utilizing Virta’s advanced technology and extensive expertise in the field.
Through its division, Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd, Gentari plans to adopt Virta’s digital platform services and cutting-edge technology. This initiative aims to improve the deployment and management of EV charging stations across Southeast Asia, supporting Gentari’s ambition to lead in green mobility solutions in the Asia Pacific region. A significant aspect of this partnership is to enhance EV charging interoperability by collaborating with third-party organizations throughout the region.
Gentari Go, the clean energy platform of Gentari launched in Malaysia in February 2024, has already made substantial inroads by providing access to EV chargers in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. Here’s a look at the current and future state of Gentari’s charging network:
| Country | Current Charging Points | Projected Points by End of 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | 1,000 | 1,400 |
| Thailand | 700 | 1,000 |
| Singapore | 700 | 1,000 |
| Total | 2,400 | 3,400 |
This expansion signifies Gentari’s commitment to strengthen its leadership in high-powered direct current (DC) charging solutions across these markets.
Elias Pöyry, co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer at Virta, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s potential to accelerate the energy transition in Southeast Asia. “Gentari Green Mobility has rapidly ascended as a prominent player in e-mobility within just a year and a half,” he noted. “We are excited to further catalyze growth with our globally proven end-to-end EV charging services, including our experiences in regional markets like Singapore, Thailand, and Australia.”
Pöyry highlighted the benefits of Virta’s ecosystemic approach in facilitating faster EV penetration across the region, noting that the initiative will be ‘Powered by Virta’.
Shah Yang Razalli, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Gentari and Chief Executive Officer of Gentari Green Mobility, also emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration. “Gentari’s extensive regional footprint and deep understanding of local business dynamics and consumer expectations position us uniquely in the market,” Razalli said. “Partnering with Virta, renowned for its global standards and industry expertise, is essential for executing our expansion plans with the desired speed and scale.”
The demand for a robust EV charging infrastructure is increasingly evident as countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania accelerate their EV adoption, with several nations already exhibiting double-digit EV shares in new car sales. Supported by Virta’s decade-long experience in enabling more than 1,000 charging networks to manage their operations across 36 countries—including some of the most mature EV markets in Europe—this partnership is strategically positioned to meet the growing needs of the EV market in the region.
- Enhanced Charging Infrastructure: Leveraging Virta’s technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of EV charging stations.
- Increased Interoperability: Collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure seamless charging experiences across different networks.
- Rapid Market Expansion: Utilizing Virta’s extensive experience to quickly scale operations across Southeast Asia.
- Consumer-Centric Solutions: Aligning services with local consumer needs and preferences, enhancing user satisfaction and adoption rates.
As Southeast Asia continues to embrace clean energy solutions, partnerships like that of Gentari and Virta are pivotal. They not only support the regional energy transition but also create a sustainable ecosystem for the burgeoning EV market. With strategic expansions and technological advancements, Gentari is poised to become a leader in green mobility within the Asia Pacific, driving forward the future of transportation in the region.
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