Johor Premium Outlets to become southeast Asia’s largest EV charging hub

Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) is set to become Southeast Asia’s largest fast-charging electric vehicle (EV) hub with the installation of 500 charging stations, including the region’s first publicly accessible 1-megawatt (MW) charger. The move reflects a growing demand for EV infrastructure in Malaysia and Singapore as the shift towards sustainable mobility gains momentum.

The initiative, led by Genting Simon Sdn Bhd, is being developed in partnership with Yinson Greentech’s chargEV and DC Handal. Once fully operational, the chargers will offer Direct Current (DC) outputs ranging from 280kW to 1MW, catering to a wide range of electric vehicles, from standard passenger cars to high-powered models requiring ultra-fast charging.

Malaysia has been actively promoting EV adoption, with policies like the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) setting a national target of 7,000 AC and 500 DC charging points by 2030. The addition of a major charging hub at JPO could provide much-needed infrastructure for the increasing number of EVs on the road.

“With over 4.4 million vehicles from Singapore entering Malaysia last year alone, the need for improved EV infrastructure is clear,” said Jean Marie Pin Harry, President and COO of Genting Simon Sdn Bhd. “We see this as an opportunity to encourage cleaner transportation and make visits to JPO more sustainable.”

Beyond individual EV drivers, the project will also include the electrification of JPO’s shuttle bus fleet, which will connect the shopping center to Johor Bahru checkpoints and other major transport hubs. Additionally, visitors will have access to hourly and daily EV rentals through partnerships with GoCar and drivEV, further supporting the shift toward electric mobility.

SengTeong Chua, Managing Director of chargEV, described the development as a significant step forward for Malaysia’s EV infrastructure. “This project strengthens Malaysia’s position as a leader in green mobility and aligns with the country’s Low Carbon Nation Master Plan,” he said.

Located near the Malaysia-Singapore border, JPO is a popular shopping destination, especially for Singaporean visitors. The introduction of extensive EV charging facilities could help attract more eco-conscious travelers while reinforcing Johor’s role in regional tourism and retail.

Jean Marie emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader commitment to sustainability. “We want to ensure that Johor Premium Outlets remains a preferred retail destination while supporting long-term environmental goals,” he said.

To mark the rollout of the new charging stations, JPO will offer complimentary EV charging on February 28. While no exact timeline for the completion of all 500 chargers has been announced, the project is expected to be implemented in phases.

First opened in 2011, JPO spans 45 acres and features over 150 designer outlet stores, including brands like Gucci, Nike, Balenciaga, and Versace. As retail destinations worldwide adapt to changing consumer preferences, integrating sustainable infrastructure could be a key factor in maintaining long-term appeal.

With the rise of EVs in Malaysia and neighboring countries, JPO’s expansion into charging infrastructure could serve as a model for other commercial centers looking to integrate sustainability into their operations.