Charging an EV in Malaysia often means relying on public chargers, and that comes with a few everyday problems. Here are four of them, how a charger at home answers each one, and what to know before you get one.
Facing these issues as an EV owner in Malaysia?
Range anxiety
You worry about your battery running out before you reach your destination, especially on long journeys or in areas with few places to charge.
With a charger at home, you start every day with a full battery. Public chargers become something you use on long trips, not something you plan your week around.
Limited charging stations
Finding a convenient charging point can be hard, because public charging stations are still limited in some parts of Malaysia.
Apps like PlugShare show where the nearest charging points are. With a charger at home, you do not need to look.
Limited EV parking spots
Some areas have only a few parking spots for EVs, and other cars sometimes park in the charging bays.
At home, the charging spot is your own porch or driveway, and it is free whenever you need it.
Long charging time
Even at a public fast charger, you still need to wait at least 30 minutes to charge your EV, which is hard when you are in a rush.
Many public chargers are slower AC points of 3.7kW to 11kW, so a top-up can take hours. And the last 20% of a battery charges more slowly, which is why it is best to unplug at 80% at a public station.
Why should you go for a home EV charger?
Convenience
With a charger at home, you plug in when you park. Your EV charges while you sleep and is ready to go in the morning.
There is no detour to a charging station and no waiting for a free bay. Charging becomes part of parking at home.
Cost savings
Charging at home is often cheaper than using public charging stations. Home electricity rates are usually lower than public charging rates, so the savings add up over time.
Charging at home does add to your electricity bill, but it is generally much cheaper than fuelling a petrol or diesel car.
If you have solar panels, or plan to add them, your roof can supply some of that power. Read more in Charge Your EV with Solar Power at Home.
Charging on your schedule
You can charge whenever it suits you, at any time of day.
Plug in when you get home and the charger works while the car is parked. You never have to plan your day around a free charging bay.
Customisable installation
A home charger is installed to suit your home and the way you drive. You choose the charging speed, where it goes, and the features you need.
Many Malaysian homes, especially older ones, have single-phase power, which suits a 7.2kW charger and is enough for most EVs. If your home has three-phase power and you drive long distances, a 22kW charger can charge up to three times faster, though some EVs limit how much AC power they accept.
Is a home EV charger safe?
Yes, when the charger is certified and properly installed. EV chargers must meet strict safety standards before they are certified, such as EVSE certification in Malaysia. Every ChargeSingh charger is EVSE certified, with protection against overloads and short circuits.
The installation matters as much as the charger. A qualified installer checks your electrical setup first and recommends any changes before the charger goes in.
How long does it take to charge at home?
It depends on your battery size and the charger's output. A 7.2kW charger gives most EVs a full charge overnight, and a 22kW charger is faster if your EV can take it.
To estimate it, divide your battery size in kWh by the charger's output in kW, then add about 10% for charging losses. Our New EV Owner's Guide to Charging works through an example.
Which home charger is right for you?
ChargeSingh supplies and installs two home EV chargers. The RSX-1K is a 7.2kW charger for single-phase homes. The RDX-3 runs at 7.2kW on single-phase or 22kW on three-phase. Both come with a two-year warranty.
Compare them side by side on our EV chargers page, or read our guide to choosing a home EV charger.
Not sure which one fits your car? Send us your car model and we will confirm before you buy.