EV Taxis with Battery Swapping System Introduced to Address Fuel Crisis

KUALA LUMPUR: The nation’s public transport industry is set to undergo a major transformation as four key companies form a strategic collaboration to introduce electric vehicle (EV) taxis equipped with an automated battery swapping system.

The initiative, under the Gabungan Teksi Malaysia (GTSM) programme, was formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony involving Hamizi M. Hussin of EV Auto Works Sdn. Bhd., Derick Ng of Voltgem Energies Sdn. Bhd., Kabeer Maand representing GV Car Import Sdn. Bhd., and Mugilarasan of Alirantek (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Also involved is Kamarudin Mohd Hussain, representing Gabungan Teksi Malaysia, in efforts to strengthen the direction of the national taxi industry.

GV Ride Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kabeer Maand, said the collaboration aims to accelerate the transition of the taxi and e-hailing industry towards high-tech EV adoption, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

According to him, the automated battery swapping system developed by Voltgem Energies Sdn. Bhd. is among the key innovations set to transform the public transportation landscape.

“This technology enables batteries to be swapped within a short time at dedicated stations without the need to wait for charging, effectively eliminating vehicle downtime.

“It not only improves operational efficiency but also helps drivers generate more stable income, as their time on the road can be maximised,” he said.

Kabeer added that the initiative is also designed as a long-term solution to address rising fuel costs, which continue to burden industry players.

In addition, a comprehensive package will be offered to drivers, including free access to the battery swapping system for one year, vehicle rental as low as RM80 per day, and full maintenance coverage, including wear-and-tear components.

“Drivers will also benefit from full battery warranty, insurance protection, as well as contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (SOCSO),” he said.

Meanwhile, he noted that all vehicles introduced comply with ASEAN NCAP safety standards and are specifically designed for professional public transport use, with strong emphasis on driver and passenger safety.

Elaborating further, he said the collaboration also includes the development of a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) local assembly project, focusing on producing EVs equipped with battery swapping technology in Malaysia.

“This initiative will not only reduce vehicle costs but also create opportunities for technology transfer and strengthen the local EV industry ecosystem.

“We aim for Malaysia to emerge as a regional hub for EV development based on battery swapping technology within ASEAN,” he said.

Kabeer added that the move is expected to deliver long-term impact, including accelerating the transition to national electric mobility, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and establishing a smarter, more environmentally friendly public transport system.

Kabeer said his party hopes to receive full support from the government, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Transport, and other relevant agencies.