Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced partnerships with high-end hotels, resorts, and golf courses nationwide to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging network and enhance customer experiences.
The move aims to support the growing demand for electric mobility in Malaysia while offering additional perks to its vehicle owners.
During the announcement today at the Saujana Golf & Country Club, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia CEO and president Amanda Zhang said the company is working to improve EV ownership.
She said the company sought to make owning an electric vehicle not just convenient but part of a broader lifestyle experience for its customers.
The initiative includes expanding charging options and offering exclusive benefits at luxury venues.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is addressing EV infrastructure needs through a three-prong strategy:
– Home Charging: Wallbox chargers for private residences to simplify overnight charging.
– Retail Charging: Facilities at Mercedes-Benz outlets for use during service or visits.
– Public Charging: EV chargers at partner hotels, resorts, and golf courses for long-distance travellers.
The company has teamed up with operators such as EV Connection, ChargeEV and Gentari to improve the availability of charging stations across Malaysia.
These collaborations aim to make charging reliable and accessible for EV owners, helping close gaps in the country’s charging network.
The partnerships include some of Malaysia’s most recognised establishments, such as Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang and Marriott Hotel in Penang, The RuMa Hotel & Residences and Saujana Golf & Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, and the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas in Johor.
The type of EV chargers installed are: two 22kW Jomcharge chargers at Saujana Golf & Country Club; three 22kW Jomcharge chargers at The RuMA Hotel & Residences; seven 22kW Jomcharge chargers at Marriott Hotel; two 22kW Jomcharge chargers and one 50kW AC Jomcharge charger at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang; and two ChargEV 60kW DC chargers at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.
The type of locations would determine whether AC or DC chargers are installed.
Fast chargers (DC) are usually placed at busy or transit-heavy locations, catering to EV drivers who need a quick charge during long trips or tight schedules.
AC chargers, on the other hand, are better suited for homes, workplaces, or low-traffic destinations like hotels, where longer charging times are acceptable and cost-effective.
With such chargers in place at luxury hotels, Mercedes-Benz EV owners can enjoy benefits such as special privileges at these venues by presenting their Mercedes-Benz Card or app at check-in.
Among benefits to be gained are room upgrades, early check-in/late check-out, in-house dining credit/discounts and EV charging discounts.
Vice President of Customer Services Edmin Naido said the initiative is focused on improving the ownership experience while supporting the shift to EVs in Malaysia.
“By expanding the EV charging ecosystem and offering customised solutions, we are addressing today’s customer trends and expectations and further laying the foundation for a more sustainable customer centric future.”
In addition, he revealed that Mercedes-Benz has been operating a mobile charging service as a pilot project in Penang to help charge customer cars if they are unable to go to a charging station for one reason or another.
Before Zhang took over in August 2023, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia had already been working with malls and EV charge point operators since 2018 to roll out chargers.
The latest development is an expansion of that effort with alliances involving luxury hotels.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is also planning future partnerships with more luxury hotels, shopping malls, and golf courses to expand these offerings further.
