Gentari and JomCharge have deployed several EV chargers equipped with battery energy storage systems (BESS) to enable DC fast charging in areas with power capacity constraints. This includes Behrang and Senawang Layby along the North-South Expressway (both Northbound and southbound).
However, the ability to deliver DC fast charging is dependent on the state of charge of the BESS themselves. If the battery level is low, the power of the charger will be reduced or suspended altogether. To find out if the BESS-assisted site has enough capacity to charge EVs, you can now view the status via the JomCharge app.
Check status of BESS-assisted DC Chargers
As shown above, you can view the battery status for each site as indicated by the battery icon. Green represents a high state of charge while yellow indicates low. If it shows red, it means that the BESS has a very low state of charge and may be suspended until it gets sufficient charge.
These EV charging sites offer two DC chargers up to 150kW with two nozzles each. The BESS have a capacity of 300kWh to power the chargers and it can be recharged from the grid as well as solar.
This is a modular EV charger solution which Gentari and JomCharge aim to deploy in areas with insufficient grid capacity. In a way, the BESS works like a water tank in a home where it accumulates enough volume to provide constant pressure.
At the moment, Gentari and JomCharge have also installed an indicator light for the BESS system which illustrates its current state of charge. If it shows 4 green bars, this means the battery level is high and can provide a higher DC charging rate.
Take note that these BESS-assisted EV chargers are slightly pricier at RM1.60 per kWh. Due to its limited energy capacity, it is advisable to only charge what you need to reach your destination. There’s no need to charge your EV to 100% and it is advisable to limit your DC charging to just 80%.
Alternative DC Chargers
If you’re driving between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur on PLUS, the alternative DC charger for Behrang Lay-by Southbound is Ulu Bernam R&R located 16.4km south. If you’re travelling northbound, the alternative DC Charger for Behrang Lay-by Northbound is Tapah R&R Northbound located 51km north.
For those travelling between Kuala Lumpur and Melaka, instead of charging at Senawang Northbound and Southbound Lay-bys, you can charge at Seremban R&Rs in both directions. There’s also Petronas Pedas Linggi Layby in the Northbound direction and Ayer Keroh R&Rs for both Northbound and Southbound.
