As Malaysia accelerates into the electric mobility era, one name is fast becoming central to the EV charging landscape: KINETA, a subsidiary of Sime Darby Berhad. If you’re curious about what KINETA is, what they offer, and why they’ve been making headlines, this guide has got you covered.
Who is KINETA?
- Founded recently under the Sime Darby group, KINETA was set up to provide comprehensive EV (electric vehicle) charging solutions in Malaysia.
- KINETA is a one‑stop provider: from charger supply, installation, maintenance, all the way to software and network services.
- They are collaborating with global EV charger manufacturers, and act also as a distributor (for example, with Zhida chargers in Malaysia and Singapore).
What Does KINETA Offer?
KINETA’s offerings are wide‑ranging, designed to serve both individual EV owners and commercial or corporate clients. Here are their main services and features:
| Service / Feature | What It Means / Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| AC & DC Chargers | They supply both slower AC chargers (for homes, commercial premises) and faster DC chargers. Helps cover different use‑cases: overnight charging, commercial quick charging, etc. |
| Home & Commercial Installations | Whether you want a charger at your home (landed or high‑rise) or need charge points for a business, parking lot, or corporate property, KINETA can design, supply, install, and maintain. |
| Charger Network & App (“KINETA Charge”) | • The KINETA Charge app shows where chargers are across Malaysia (AC/DC). • You can start/stop charging via the app; payment via e-wallets, credit/debit cards, etc. • For corporate users: they have a Charging Management System (CMS) that allows custom settings, variable pricing, promotions, usage reports etc. |
| Certified Installers & Safety | All installations are done by qualified engineers who follow industry safety and regulatory standards. Warranty on product + installation. |
| Exclusive Distributorships and Brand Partnerships | As noted, KINETA is the exclusive distributor for some charger brands (e.g. Zhida) in Malaysia/Singapore. Also partners with property owners, malls, showrooms to have charge points installed. |
| Milestones & Scale | Some key numbers: by early 2024 they had sold ~3,888 chargers with about 35% market share in Malaysia. By May 2025, that number grew to 8,888 chargers sold. They aim for 10,000 units in mid‑2025. |
Why It Matters: The Benefits for the Public
- Convenience: More chargers in more places means less worry about “range anxiety.” Residential, workplace, mall, or highway installations all help.
- Ease‑of‑Use: The app (KINETA Charge) simplifies finding, using, and paying for chargers. Transparent pricing helps too.
- Reliability & Safety: Using certified installers and quality hardware ensures your charger works well and safely.
- Cost Efficiency: With competitive pricing, introductory promos, and volume growth, the cost of charging is likely to become more affordable over time.
- Support for Businesses: Corporate clients can benefit from managed charging networks, better usage tracking, promotional features, etc., which can help with planning and operations.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Charging speed depends on many factors (type of charger, your EV’s onboard charger, power supply, etc.). An AC charger may be slower than what some people expect.
- Locations may still be in development, especially for fast DC chargers. Not everywhere will have every type of charger yet.
- There may be fees beyond just the electricity: parking, idle fees if you stay past charge completion, etc. Also power supply infrastructure (e.g. in old buildings) may need upgrades.
- As with all new infrastructure, reliability, maintenance, and customer support are important — KINETA seems to address this, but user experiences may vary initially.
The Big Picture & Forward Plan
KINETA isn’t just selling chargers; it’s helping build the EV ecosystem in Malaysia. They are:
- Partnering with other charging networks (e.g. Charge+) to allow roaming access across networks, so users get more flexibility.
- Expanding their charger footprint nationwide, both in urban areas and other regions.
- Working with car brands under Sime Darby, dealers, malls, and others, to make charging infrastructure widely available.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting an EV, or already have one, KINETA is a company you’ll likely interact with. Whether for your home charging setup, charging out on the road, or using at malls or workplaces. Their end‑to‑end offer, growing network, and user‑friendly services make them a key player in making EVs more feasible and convenient in Malaysia.
