In Malaysia, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are limited, and the coverage areas are narrow, causing uncertainties for most potential EV buyers. James Goh, a techie and founder of Raytech Window Tinting and Caricarz, and several individuals deeply entrenched in the automotive and tech sectors sensed a massive opportunity in this space and launched ChargeSini.
Founded in 2022, ChargeSini provides smart EV charging stations across Malaysia. It offers a wide selection of fully customisable EV chargers ranging from AC to DC, with charging rates from 22kW up to 180kW. It also provides features like speedy connectivity and smart charging capabilities, all integrated with a cloud platform to provide users with insights and control.
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The charging time for an AC charger can vary depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity, but it generally takes 4-8 hours to charge an EV fully using an AC charger. DC chargers can charge an EV up to 80 per cent in 20-30 minutes.
Users can also get charging points installed at home.
A complete EV charging ecosystem
“We have a complete EV charging ecosystem: a fully integrated solution encompassing advanced software and hardware for EV charging. We are the only charging point operator (CPO) with features like OCPP (open charge point protocol) parking locks to prevent charging bays hogging issues and advanced reservation systems (booking the charging bays 30 mins in advance by ChargeSini apps). We also have our in-app wallet to provide a smoother transaction for users to charge their EVs and offer up to 10 per cent extra EV charging credits for ChargeSini e-wallet top-ups,” explained Goh.
Since installing its first charge point in October 2022, ChargeSini claims to have established 420 stations across Malaysia.
The company earns money by charging service fees (levied on EV owners utilising its charging stations), system integration fees, and software surcharges, as well as by selling charging equipment and hardware to clients who wish to install their own charging stations.
In addition, it generates revenues from carbon credits. “We recognise the critical role of CPOs in mitigating carbon emissions and advancing green mobility solutions. To actively reduce our environmental footprint, we have implemented several key initiatives, such as renewable energy integration (such as solar power), energy efficiency measures (dynamic load system to optimise power consumption), sustainable materials and practices (deployment of solar lighting systems in its charging station), and carbon offsetting programmes,” he elaborated.
ChargeSini has formed joint venture (JV) partnerships with hotel networks, shopping malls, and condominiums, such as Lotus, Mydin, Giant Malls, WB Land, HCK Capital Group, Intercontinental Hotel Group, and many different city councils in Malaysia to deploy its solutions.
“The JV model offers zero capital expenditure for our partners, covering the charging machines costs, charger installations, wiring, insurance, software, license and operational costs. Our partners benefit from a hassle-free arrangement where they aren’t required to make significant upfront investments. Instead, they only need to allocate parking bays to us, which we then convert into charging bays quickly and easily,” Goh said.
ChargeSini is currently working on new features to provide an enhanced user experience for EV owners utilising its charging stations. They include integrating car onboard systems, e-wallet integration for flexible payment methods and location roaming with other charging point operators in Southeast Asia.
Foraying into international markets
Recently, it forayed into international markets with a pilot station deployment in Medan, Indonesia. Building on this pilot project, it aims to leverage its partner network and market insights to scale its presence across Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations.
“In countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, the demand for sustainable transportation is escalating, and ChargeSini is strategically positioned to cater to this increasing need,” Goh added.
ChargeSini has so far raised RM5.58 million (US$117,000) from 74 investors via the equity crowdfunding (ECF) platform pitchIN and is currently raising a Series A round.
“We seek VC or PE investors to support our growth and expansion plans. The money will be used to expand into strategic areas, scale the business, and develop DC charging infrastructure,” Goh said.
The emergence of ChargeSini in Malaysia’s EV market signifies a pivotal shift towards sustainable transportation solutions. With a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing cutting-edge technology, smart features, and strategic partnerships, ChargeSini addresses the pressing need for reliable and accessible EV charging infrastructure.
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