Zeekr Malaysia and DC Handal Partner for Highway EV Charging

What Is the Zeekr Malaysia–DC Handal Highway Charging Partnership?

Zeekr Malaysia, the local subsidiary of Geely-owned premium electric vehicle (EV) brand Zeekr, and DC Handal, a Malaysian EV charging infrastructure operator, have joined forces to deploy a dedicated network of DC fast chargers along the North-South Expressway (NSE). The collaboration, first reported by Careta on 5 March 2025, aims to eliminate long-distance travel anxiety for Malaysian EV drivers by installing high-power charging stations at key rest and service areas (R&Rs). It addresses a critical infrastructure gap for intercity travel in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly benefiting urban apartment dwellers without home charging who rely on public networks for weekend getaways or balik kampung trips.

Key Facts

How Many Charging Stations Will Be Installed and When?

A total of 20 DC fast-charging bays will be deployed along the NSE by the close of 2026, with the first phase targeting eight priority R&R locations by the third quarter of 2025, as confirmed by Careta. Each station will host at least two charging guns, allowing simultaneous high-speed charging. The phased rollout ensures coverage from Johor Bahru in the south to Bukit Kayu Hitam in the north, with future expansion to the East Coast Expressway under discussion.

"The deployment schedule will see an operational charger roughly every 90 km on the NSE, cutting typical waiting times during peak holiday periods."

Which Vehicles Can Use These DC Handal Chargers?

All CCS2-compatible electric vehicles sold in Malaysia can utilise the new chargers. This encompasses the entire Zeekr model line-up (X, 001, and upcoming 007), as well as popular models from BYD, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Kia. The chargers use the CCS2 standard, the nationally mandated connector for DC fast charging in Malaysia, ensuring interoperability for vehicles imported from both Europe and China. Owners of older CHAdeMO-equipped EVs (e.g., early Nissan Leaf) will require a non-proprietary adapter, though such adapters remain uncommon locally.

"With a CCS2 port, any modern Malaysian EV can plug in and gain up to 200 km of range in under 20 minutes at a 180 kW station."

Where Exactly Are the Phase 1 Charger Locations?

According to a map shared during the signing ceremony and reported by Careta, the first eight sites will cover both southbound and northbound directions at R&Rs with high traffic volume: Seremban R&R (Southbound), Tapah R&R (Southbound), Rawang R&R (Northbound), Sungai Buloh Overhead Bridge Restaurant (both directions), Ayer Keroh R&R (both directions), and Pagoh R&R (Southbound). Selection was based on traffic density data from PLUS Malaysia and proximity to existing 50 kW chargers, ensuring a leap in charging capability where drivers most frequently pause.

"Phase 1 locations concentrate on the Perak and Johor stretches, where gaps in fast-charging infrastructure have been most acute."

What Charging Costs Can Malaysian Drivers Expect?

DC Handal’s pricing for the new 180 kW chargers will follow its existing tariff structure of approximately RM 1.20 per kWh for off-peak and up to RM 1.50 per kWh during peak hours, as indicated in Careta’s report. This means a 10–80% charge for a 66 kWh Zeekr X battery would cost around RM 56–RM 70. Parking fees at the R&R are separate and typically free for the first hour. DC Handal’s app provides real-time session cost estimates, and no monthly membership is required, although loyalty discounts may be extended to Zeekr owners under future cross-promotions.

"A full top-up on the highway will cost roughly the same as a tank of petrol for a comparable compact SUV, making EV interstate travel increasingly cost-competitive."

Who Is This Partnership For in Malaysia?

The primary beneficiaries are Malaysian EV owners who live in high-rise condominiums in Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor Bahru, where private charger installations are limited by strata management rules. For these users, long-distance travel to hometowns like Ipoh, Alor Setar, or Kuantan previously required meticulous planning around scattered 50 kW chargers. This highway network also supports ride-hailing EV fleets, corporate fleets transitioning to electric cars, and tourists driving rented EVs.

• Apartment residents: Reliable 180 kW charging within the highway network makes it feasible to own an EV without a dedicated bay.
• Frequent interstate travellers: Sales professionals, university students, and families making regular balik kampung trips gain confidence to drive electric without detours.
• EV-curious buyers: The visible infrastructure investment reduces “range anxiety” cited in a 2024 Malaysian Automotive Association survey as the top barrier to EV adoption.

"For the 74% of Klang Valley residents living in stratified properties, this expansion turns the NSE into a practical EV corridor for the first time."

Direct Quotes from the Partnership Announcement

"This collaboration accelerates our vision of a seamless EV ecosystem along Malaysia’s busiest highway, giving drivers the confidence to travel from Johor to Penang without range anxiety." — Zeekr Malaysia CEO, quoted in Careta, March 2025

"DC Handal is committed to ensuring that any EV, regardless of brand, can access high-speed charging where it matters most—on the open road. Our sites are designed for real-world Malaysian conditions, with 24/7 monitoring and tropicalised equipment." — DC Handal Managing Director, as reported by Careta

Common Questions

Do I need a special adapter to charge a Zeekr at DC Handal stations?

No. All Zeekr models sold in Malaysia use the CCS2 charging standard, which is the same connector used by DC Handal’s new 180 kW chargers. You simply plug in and authenticate via the app or card.

Will the chargers work with my non-Zeekr EV, like a BYD or Tesla?

Yes. The DC Handal chargers are brand-agnostic and designed for any CCS2-equipped EV. Tesla vehicles in Malaysia also use CCS2 (Model 3, Model Y), so they can charge with the same cable, at speeds up to the vehicle’s maximum acceptance rate.

When can I start using the first Phase 1 chargers?

As per the Careta report, the first eight sites are scheduled to go live by July 2025. DC Handal will announce exact commissioning dates on its app and social media; early birds can expect to see commissioning tests at Tapah and Ayer Keroh by June 2025.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the primary report published by Careta.my on 5 March 2025, titled “Zeekr Malaysia jalin kerjasama dengan DC Handal perluas rangkaian pengecas EV di lebuh raya.” Factual claims regarding technical specifications, locations, and pricing were extracted from that source, with supplementary context on Malaysian EV adoption statistics drawn from the 2024 Malaysian Automotive Association consumer survey. Currency is expressed in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). All quoted statements are attributable to the respective executives as cited in the original report. This article was last updated on 8 March 2025. For the latest charger availability, refer to the DC Handal mobile application.