If you’re a ChargEV app user, take note that a pre-authorisation hold will be implemented starting Wednesday, 2nd October 2024. According to ChargEV’s announcement, the pre-authorisation hold is introduced to ensure a secure, seamless charging experience and efficient billing.
Once implemented, the ChargEV app will hold RM150 (SGD 50 for Singapore) from your saved payment card before it starts its EV charging session. According to the charge point operator, this is to ensure that the card is valid and has sufficient funds to pay for the charging session. If your charging session exceeds RM150, the charging session will stop automatically.
According to ChargEV, any unused funds from the pre-authorisation amount will be released and the refund is expected to be completed within 2-14 days depending on your bank. Essentially, the hold is similar to using credit and debit cards at the petrol pump.
ChargEV has added that it will soon introduce a customisable limit where you can set your own amount before activating the charging session. It appears that ChargEV could be following some petrol pump systems where you can preset your desired “refuelling” amount to bypass the hefty hold on your payment card which can be painful for debit/prepaid cardholders.
Interestingly, the RM150 hold amount is similar to ChargEV’s card terminals deployed at their Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) assisted chargers at KLGCC in Bukit Kiara. Before the charging session is started, it will hold RM150 from your card before refunding the unused balance to your card after charging is completed. The same pre-authorisation amount is also applicable to its AC charge points.
In case you missed it, ChargEV has recently deployed a 400kW DC charging station at Eco Galleria Iskandar Johor. Equipped with 6x CCS2 nozzles, the DC chargers are priced at RM1.60 per kWh for non-members or RM0.80 per kWh if you have the annual ChargEV Yearly Essential Plan.
