Malaysia weighs EV levy to fund public charging network

Malaysia's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is examining options for a levy on electric vehicles to finance a nationwide public charging infrastructure. Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the government may impose a levy on every EV sold and channel the proceeds into a dedicated fund for chargers, noting that "if those costs are imposed on manufacturers, they will ultimately pass them on to consumers."

Johari emphasized the need to balance subsidies, fiscal deficits and the country's reliance on gas and coal power, stating that the levy mechanism is still under review and that the government must consider the broader picture of EV‑ICE coexistence. The proposal follows earlier reports that Malaysia is considering a levy on EV sales to support charger construction, amid concerns over funding and the impact on consumers.