EVs Are Great For Women Drivers In Malaysia. Yes Or No?
EV are currently surging into Malaysia’s automobile landscape since the first quarter of 2021. It is an effort taken to reduce greenhouse gases (GHS) that are generated by air pollution.
Adoption of EV in the automotive industry have been established in the global market such as China, United States and also Europe. Within the south-east Asia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam are already established automobile markets and manufacturing hubs.
The Malaysia government has also implemented a number of incentives, including free road tax, import duty exemptions, and rebates, in an effort to boost the market for electric vehicles.
The question is, are EVs great for women drivers in Malaysia?
Obviously there are Pros and Cons in accepting EV no matter the gender. However, based on the statistic in Malaysia, EV buyer are most likely for be male than female. The factor includes, the traditional view of cars as a male domain, men are more likely to be interested in new technologies and more.
Therefore, what are the causes for women to have less interest in investing to an EV:
1. Higher cost
Despite the government effort in giving various of incentives towards the growth of EV in Malaysia, the cost to have one is still costly especially towards the income group of M40 and below.
Most of the EV cars in the market cost around 100k+ to own them. Considering women mostly make less compared to men (not all) , it makes EV less accessible for them.
2. Charging EV cars felt unsafe for women
Imagine you are single lady driver, in desperate need to charge your car and you are in a rural area. The only charging station nearby gives off an eerie and solemn vibe with not much people or cars there. In addition, you need to wait for at least 30 minutes to wait for the car to recharge. Especially in the middle of the night, it must have been scary for you right?
The security matter need to be taken by the charger station provider in order to give more sense of safety especially to the women EV drivers. For instance installing CCTV in the area, providing security guards, set station in bright and busy area and more.
3. Not much charging port in rural part of Malaysia