Porsche Asia Pacific And Shell Join To Set Up EV Charging Network Between Singapore And Penang

Porsche Asia Pacific and Shell are joining to set up an EV high-performance charging (HPC) network. With charging points covering Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, this will be the first cross-border charging network in Southeast Asia. This initiative will see the setting up of 12 charging points at six Shell stations strategically located along Malaysia’s North-South highway, offering EV drivers the possibility of smooth and convenient travel between Singapore and Penang.

Through this partnership, six Shell stations will be equipped with 180 kW direct current (DC) chargers, offering the highest charging capacity across Singapore and Malaysia. The chargers come with two CCS Type 2 charging connectors, allowing a single vehicle to be charged at up to 180 kW, or two vehicles to charge simultaneously at up to 90 kW each. The offering will be rolled out in stages with four stations to be ready in the second half of 2021 and two additional stations by the first half of 2022.

Phase 1 will cover Seremban (Negeri Sembilan) and Tangkak (Johor), while Phase 2 will see charging points at Jalan Ayer Hitam (Johor) and Seremban (Negeri Sembilan); and Phase 3 at Simpang Pulai (Perak), Tapah (Perak). These new HPC stations will complement the charging infrastructure available at the four Porsche Centres in Malaysia (Ara Damansara, Sungai Besi, Penang and the upcoming Johor Bahru centre), as well as the 18 Shell Recharge stations in Singapore. In addition, Shell has a further 3 High Performance Recharge stations planned for 2022 in Singapore.

The partnership further demonstrates the commitment between Porsche and Shell to drive the future of electric mobility in Southeast Asia by spearheading connectivity between the two countries, which is one of the world’s busiest international land border crossings.

“The ASEAN markets hold strong potential for Porsche to unlock and we see an opportunity to shape electric mobility in the region. Our high-performance network across Singapore and Malaysia will serve as a lighthouse project for other countries to follow,” says Matthias Becker, Vice President Region Overseas and Emerging Markets of Porsche AG.

“While the question of future electric mobility is a global one, Southeast Asia amply demonstrates the complexity and diversity of both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As more customers adopt EVs and governments look to meet their climate goals, the partnership between Porsche and Shell is one of many examples on how industry players must come together to play a vital role to help the transportation sector decarbonise and pave way for cleaner mobility solutions for customers,” says Amr Adel, Senior Vice President, Mobility East, Shell.

The charging sites will be integrated into the existing Shell charging networks, comprising 18 Shell Recharge 50 kW fast charge points at Shell stations and 87 Greenlots public charge points in Singapore, as well as 18 “Reserve + Shell Recharge” charge points in Malaysia. Furthermore, they will complement the established 175 kW high performance chargers available at all Porsche Centres in Malaysia, as well as the growing “Porsche Destination Charging” network at selected hotels, airports, sports clubs, and other lifestyle venues. Porsche customers will enjoy special rates at Shell Recharge. Shell is also offering additional benefits to Porsche customers such as reserving the HPC points in Malaysia in advance using their mobile app, and preferential prices for food and beverages at the Shell Select shops.

Shell’s new 180 kW high performance chargers are equipped to charge the Porsche Taycan from zero to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes, providing up to 390 km (WLTP: Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedures) of travel distance. This charging network will enable smooth and convenient long distance road trips between the two countries for EVs. Singaporeans will be able to drive their electrified Porsche to Penang to enjoy Hokkien Mee, and likewise Penangites can drive theirs to Singapore to enjoy the Hokkien Mee there.

“The Porsche and Shell partnership redefines performance in charging for Southeast Asia, offering an assurance of both speed and range for drivers of electric cars, such as the Porsche Taycan. Inspired by a shared passion for adventures on the road, we are committed to delivering a fascinating electric mobility experience characterised by the features that are decisive for Porsche: pure emotion and maximum driving pleasure,” says Arthur Willmann, Chief Executive Officer of Porsche Asia Pacific.

Establishing a charging network that connects Singapore and Malaysia is in line with the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer’s goal of setting new standards in the field of sustainability and future mobility. It is also part of its dedication to shaping the future of sports cars in Southeast Asia, by developing mobility in and across key markets for Porsche Asia Pacific as part of the growth strategy in the region.

The charging network complements the locations and retail formats for current and future Porsche enthusiasts in Malaysia, such as the newest Porsche Centre Ara Damansara as well as the upcoming Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, which are designed to foster brand experience and exclusivity.

“Customers are at the heart of everything we do. We have been investing in building EV charging infrastructure to reduce range anxiety for our customers and this initiative is one of many examples of Shell providing solutions catered to our customers’ need for cleaner energy solutions. In 2019, we introduced EV charging in Singapore and in 2020, we introduced solar-powered retail stations in Malaysia. Now EV customers across the borders can experience Shell Recharge, and also recharge themselves with drinks and snacks at our Shell Select shops,” says Shairan Huzani Husain, Cluster Managing Director, Mobility Malaysia and Singapore, Shell.

Shell is aiming to expand its EV charging offer to 500,000 stations globally by 2025. The partnership with Porsche and other initiatives are part of Shell’s strategy to accelerate its transformation into a provider of net-zero emissions energy products and services while giving EV drivers choices to charge their cars be it at home, workplace, shopping malls or at Shell stations.

Shell and Porsche are gearing up for a time when the borders will eventually reopen and commuters will be able to travel again across the two countries in a safe and more sustainable manner.