THE Energy Commision (ST) in a statement revealed that the operator of an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) in Johor, which caught fire on December 31, was found to be operating without a licence.
In the statement, the Energy Commission noted that the Electricity Supply Act 1990 (Act 447) and the Electricity Regulations 1994 stipulate that energy supply activities from any installation must be carried out with a valid licence from ST.
In the incident, a Mercedes-Benz EQB was engulfed in flames while charging at a vehicle showroom building in Tampoi.
According to ST, about 5% of the 256 sq metre premises and 20% of the EV charging bay were also destroyed. No injuries were reported.
The commision said that it is currently investigating to identify the real cause of the incident. The responsible party and the company involved will also be called upon to assist in the investigation.
On December 16, 2022, ST reportedly advised the operators of charging point operators (CPO) involved in the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EV) to promptly obtain a valid public distribution licence for the EVCS installations in the country, including those already in operation, by March 31, 2023 last year.
FOLLOWING the EQS SUV, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now further expanded its electric vehicle range with the launch of EQS’ smaller sibiling, the all-new EQE SUV.
It is offered in a single variant, the EQE 500 4Matic SUV, with a starting price of RM458,888 (on-the-road without insurance, with 10% sales tax).
Exterior-wise, standard equipment includes the AMG Line package, 21-inch aerodynamically-optimised light alloy wheels, Digital Light headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, aluminum-look running boards, and the signature three-pointed Mercedes star pattern on the grille.
Being the smaller sibling, the EQE SUV has a smaller footprint, measuring 4,863 mm in length, 1,940 mm in width, 1,685 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,030 mm.
Inside, the futuristic Hyperscreen found in the EQS and EQS SUV makes way for a more conventional OLED central display and digital driver display setup, along with a head-up display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.
Other features include the AMG Line package, ambient lighting, sports seats, AMG floor mats, Nappa leather wrapping on the steering wheel, black/gray leather upholstery, magnolia wood trim, aluminum inlays, Keyless-Go Comfort package, Thermotronic climate control, among others.
Powering the EQE 500 is a pair of electric motors generating a total output of 408 PS and 858 Nm of torque. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h.
With a 90.6 kWh battery, it offers a driving range of 552 km on a full charge (based on WLTP cycle). The battery supports 22 kW AC charging, which takes four hours and 45 minutes for a 0-100% charge.
Alternatively, it can also take DC fast charging with capacities up to 170 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in 32 just minutes.
The EQE 500 SUV comes equipped with Airmatic air suspension with adaptive ADS+ dampers that can be varied fully automatically at each individual wheel in both the compression and rebound stages.
To increase ground clearance, the vehicle level can be raised by up to 30 mm, which is possible up to a speed
of 80 km/h. It also features rear-axle steering to reduce the turning radius from 12.3 meters to 10.5 meters.
Safety and system package comprises the Driving Assistance Package Plus, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Pre-Safe, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, a 360-degree camera, and transparent bonnet.
TOYOTA has clinched the title of the most valuable automotive brand in the world for 2023, for the second consecutive year. This was announced in a report by Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2023.
The Japanese manufacturer secured the sixth position out of the overall 100 global brands. Only three automotive brands made it to the top 10, with Mercedes-Benz and BMW being the other two.
Outside the top 10 positions, other automotive brands listed include Tesla, Honda, Hyundai, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Ford, Nissan, Ferrari, and Kia. Overall, 13 automotive brands made it to the list in 2023, down from 15 brands in 2022.
According to Interbrand, each brand is evaluated based on three main factors: the financial performance of their products or services, their role in purchase decisions, and the strength of the brand in fostering customer loyalty.
With a brand value of USD 64.5 billion (RM 301.4 billion), Toyota maintains its position at the top of the automotive segment. Following closely is Mercedes-Benz with a value of USD 61.4 billion (equivalent to RM 286.92 billion).
Meanwhile, BMW’s brand value of USD 51.2 billion (RM 239.26 billion) is sufficient to place it in third position, surpassing Tesla, which has a value of USD 49.9 billion (RM 233.18 billion).
Honda maintains its fifth position, followed by Hyundai and Audi. Porsche, another German brand, has improved its brand value, surpassing Volkswagen and Ford to claim the eighth position.
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