Brunei Shell Marketing Company (BSM) announced the opening of the country’s first retail rapid charging station at IBA Petrol Station in Lambak.
Dubbed ‘Shell Recharge’, the EV charging facility features a 175 KWH rapid charger which can typically charge an EV from 0-80% in under 30 minutes.
The launch of the Shell Recharge is in support of Brunei Darussalam’s aspirations to meet the country’s climate action goals of having cleaner energy solutions to power transport sustainably by 2035.
BSM is committed to continue working closely with relevant authorities to identify the needs and requirements to meet the nation’s growth of electric vehicle ownership.
“BSM plans to take a pragmatic approach in expanding Shell Recharge across the nation as we continue to work closely with relevant authorities and industry players to identify the needs and requirements to meet the growth of EV ownership,” BSM Managing Director Muhammad Norshafiee Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil said in his opening speech.
“With Shell Recharge, BSM can offer EV owners a convenient way to charge their vehicles at on-the-go retail and destination sites. With access to one of the largest electric charging solutions providers globally, we are continuously keeping ourselves up to date with the latest e-mobility technologies and learnings adopted globally,” he said.
“Located at the IBA Retail Station and just steps away from two popular eateries, this location is a convenient spot for EV owners to wait for their vehicle to charge. It has also been selected due to its proximity to main routes and infrastructure readiness,” he further added.
Moreover, the decision to have charging station in Lambak is also owing to its strategic location near a populated and highly dynamic residential and business area.
On his part, according to Business Developer of BSM Pg Zainul Asri Pg Abd Razak the decision for the location was also based on the high voltage charge that the company was launching.
“Lambak area was the most suitable place for this type of charger,” he said.
He also shared that BSM is also looking into partnering with car dealerships, offering Shell Recharge subscriptions to give EV customers better access to the charging points.
Commenting on the launch, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah said: “For Brunei Darussalam to transition to utilise EVs and steadily grow this sector, we will require the efforts of all parties to play this respective role in electrification in consumer transportation.”
“It is encouraging to observe that BSM has entered and positioned itself in the e-mobility space as early pioneers, with access to learning opportunities from international experts,” he said.
“Shell Recharge, for example, has a very strong presence globally, and by working together and developing key partnerships further I am confident BSM with its world-wide access to information and technical expertise, can support the government in this aspiration,” the minister added.
Currently, access to Shell Recharge at retail stations can be obtained through participating car dealers.
With Shell Recharge, BSM will be offering a range of charging solutions to electric vehicle drivers, a convenient way to charge their cars at on-the-go retail and destination sites as well as at home.
This is in addition to the range of quality fuels BSM will continue to offer to Brunei drivers at retail sites nationwide.
The launch ceremony was also attended by Minister of Development YB Dato Seri Setia Haji Muhammad Juanda Haji Abdul Rashid, Minister of Transport and Info-communications YB Pg Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Pg Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha and Deputy Minister at the Department of Energy Dato Seri Paduka Haji Matsatejo Sokiaw.
Also present were representations from the Brunei Automobile Traders Association (BATA).
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
