Get ready for an unforgettable drive down the beautiful Malaysia’s East Coast Expressway in a powerful, eco-friendly Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Experience the thrill of adventure as you navigate the stunning landscapes of Malaysia’s east coast in the powerful and eco-friendly Volvo XC40 Recharge. Let’s talk about the awesome perks of electric cars, especially how they’re helping clean up our cities and reducing air pollution! No tailpipe means zero carbon dioxide emissions while driving – how cool is that?
Living in Kuala Lumpur means easy access to charging stations, making commuting in an EV a money-saving, low-maintenance dream! No more worrying about oil changes or part replacements – it’s a breeze.
Now, here comes the fun part – taking a road trip in an EV! Is it possible? Can you do a road trip in an electric car in Malaysia? We recently got to try the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric on a journey from Kuala Lumpur to the beautiful Kapas Island in Terengganu. As an EV newbie, we were curious to see how it would go.
Unlike our usual petrol-car road trips, EV adventures require some planning! Charging stops become the new gas stations, and you want to avoid running out of battery in the middle of nowhere! But hey, it’s all part of the experience!
Join us on this exciting road trip as we share our discoveries and tips for cruising in an electric car – it’s a whole new driving adventure! Let’s hit the road and explore the possibilities of eco-friendly travel! To Terengganu we go!
Coolest features of the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric!
Integrated Google Map
First up, we’ve got the integrated Google Maps – no more getting lost with this trusty navigator! It’s way more reliable than those built-in navigation systems. Plus, it’s smart enough to show us the charging stations along our route. Talk about convenience!
But guess what? We like to keep things exciting and have some backup plans too! Cue the epic music because we’ve got some backup apps on our side! Just in case the unexpected happens, we’re armed and ready! We might have had a bit of a chaotic moment on our journey back to Kuala Lumpur, but don’t worry, we’ll spill all the hilarious details later! Before you hit the road, make sure to download these must-have apps – just in case you need a little extra help to find for the charging stations:
- Plugnshare – Because sharing is caring, especially when it comes to charging spots! PlugShare is a free EV driver’s app for iOS, Android, and the web, allowing users to find charging stations, leave reviews, and connect with other plug-in vehicle owners
- Jom charge – Ready, set, charge! This app helps us find charging stations in a snap. With the JomCharge app, users are able to locate nearby EV chargers, see real-time status of the chargers*, start/stop a charging session and make payment for the charging session.
- Setel – Fuel up? Nah, we’re all about setting up the charge with this handy app! Do you know that Setel can be used for more than just filling up your fuel tank? It is now possible to charge your electric car with the same app. Truly, this is an amazing example of technological advancement!
No Ignition Switch
Say goodbye to those traditional ignition systems, because we’re living in the future now, baby! No more fumbling for keys or turning knobs – it’s all high-tech and hassle-free. Few secs after you take a seat, the map pops out on the screen like magic, and we’re all set to hit the road! It’s like we’re in a sci-fi movie, and we’re the stars of our own electrifying adventure!
Google Map Within Your Field Of View
The next cool feature, with Google Maps seamlessly integrated into the XC40 Recharge’s in-dash screen, the map remains within your field of view. Effortlessly follow directions and stay focused on the journey ahead, ensuring safety and convenience.
Harman Kardon premium sound system
Nothing quite beats hitting the open highway on an epic adventure, and what better way to make it even more enjoyable than with a great playlist? For me, no early morning drive is complete without my favorite tunes playing in the background.
But hold up, it gets even cooler! Buckle up for a whole new level of audio bliss with the Volvo XC40 Recharge and its mind-blowing Harman Kardon premium sound system! Say hello to crystal-clear clarity and bass that’ll make your heart thump!
With this top-notch sound system, every beat, every lyric, and every guitar riff will hit you in all the right feels! It’s like having your very own concert on wheels, and trust me, the party won’t stop!
You may like : 25 Sing-along Road Trip Songs That Will Keep You Awake While Driving
Oncoming Lane Mitigation
Have you heard about the amazing technology that Volvo has implemented in its cars? One of our top feature picks. It’s a feature that sends a gentle vibration through the steering wheel when the car begins to drift out of its lane. I must admit, it can be quite startling when the car takes control like that, but it’s all for our safety. This is really cool!
Charged and Ready to Roll: Our Electric Road Trip Adventure With Volvo XC40 Recharge Begins
The night before our epic EV road trip, we got the XC40 Recharge all charged up and ready to go! Thanks to my condo’s awesome AC charging stations, we started at a cool 66% battery, plugging in at 7:50 PM. By the time the rooster crowed at 3:48 AM, the battery was fully topped up, and it only cost us RM21! Can you believe it?
Took us 6 hours, 57 minutes and RM21 to get that sweet, full charge
Now that we’re fully juiced, the road calls us, and we’re answering! It’s time to hit the road, Jack! The Volvo XC40 Recharge has been tested under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (“WLTP”) and results have shown that when fully charged, it can travel up to 438km. The journey from our place to the Marang Jetty is a long one, measuring 415 km in total. To ensure we make it there safely, we must be sure to take advantage of any charging stations available along the way.
We set off on the East Coast Expressway, equipped with the knowledge of two charging stations along the route to Marang Jetty. This is where we will be parking the fabulous Volvo XC 40 Recharge in order to make it over to Kapas Island:
1. Petronas R&R Gambang Arah Timur
2. TNB Electron Paka R&R North – EV Station
Both stations are equipped with those speedy DC fast chargers, meaning no need for long or overnight waits as it could take between 20 – 80 minutes to charge up depending on the voltage.
What is DC Fast Charging?
Anyone can learn to charge an electric vehicle – it’s no more difficult than refilling a gas-powered car. But when delving into the details of EV charging equipment and speeds, terminologies such as SAE J1772, DC fast-charging, or Level 1 and 2 chargers can make the process seem more complex. Here is a simplified guide that explains the fundamentals of EV charging processes and the “Levels” associated with them.
Level up your charging knowledge
When it comes to charging an electric vehicle, there are three levels of charging available. In short…
Level 1
At the lowest end is the slowest option, known as ‘EV Charging’, which can take up to 19 hours for a medium-sized car.
Level 2
Moving up a notch, ‘Level 2’ takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 6 hours for a similar sized vehicle.
Level 3
Charging a medium-sized electric car can take anywhere from 17 minutes to 52 minutes, depending on various factors.
Source : https://blog.evbox.com/ev-charging-levels
Types Of Charging
DC Charging
When traveling long distances, time is of the essence and this is where fast charging comes in. Specifically, Direct Current (or “D.C.”) fast charging is only available at public stations, typically for pure electric cars. This type of charging works with a higher voltage than typical Alternating Current (or “A.C”) types and thus can charge vehicles much faster but it does come at a premium in terms of cost. In just 10 minutes you can usually get up to 100 km from a 150 kW station or about 30 km from a 50 kW station.
AC Charging
Home charging is the most efficient and convenient way to power a pure electric or plug-in hybrid. AC fast charging/ wallbox can provide up to 60 km of range per hour for XC40 Recharge models, with full charge times taking from 3-4 hours. This type of charging is also popular at many public stations.
Alternatively, a standard 220V household connector offers slower charge rates of 7-14 km per hour depending on location – this may not be practical for regular charging of an all electric model but can be used for overnight top ups or as supplemental charging. For fast and easy home charging, we suggest installing a wallbox.
What is the charging experience like for a road trip with Volvo XC40 Recharge?
Kuala Lumpur > Marang Jetty, Terengganu
First Stop: Petronas Gambang R&R
Our first destination on the road trip was Petronas Gambang R&R, where we plugged in and charged for half an hour – 50 kw per hour. After 30 minutes of charging, the battery had reached 90% and our total bill came to RM72.60.
Second Stop : TNB Electron Paka R&R North – EV Station
As planned, we stopped at Paka R&R prior to reaching the Marang Jetty. We parked up and whilst the car was charging, we rushed off to the food court for a quick snack. Nasi Dagang and Nescafe Ais Satu – just what we needed! The total bill? It cost us RM64.72 for 45 mins of charging time – not too bad for recharging our electric journey! Excluding theRM10 breakfast, of course 😉
Tallying up our expenses, it came to RM158.32 after we excluded toll fees.
When we parked at Marang Station, the battery level was at a cool 68%. Now, about our experience with the Volvo XC40 Recharge. Where do we start? It earns a solid 5 stars for its smooth driving and top-notch safety features. However, we have to be honest and give it 2 stars for the moments of anxiety we faced while hunting for charging stations on the way back to KL because the map and the apps were as confused as us.
Visiting Kapas Island was one of the best experiences I have had in a long time. The island is only accessible by boat, which takes 10 minutes, but it’s worth every second. When you get to its sandy beaches, you’re sure to find plenty of privacy and solitude since it isn’t too touristy yet.
Stay tuned for our experience at Kapas Island!
Marang Jetty, Terengganu > Kuala Lumpur
First Stop : TNB Electron Paka R&R North – EV Station
With our 5 days vacation in Kapas Island at its end, it was time to make our way back home. Luggage loaded into the car, I navigated to my address and in search of the nearest charging station along the route. Following the map, we drove through small roads. As the map took me along a highway. To my surprise, it directed us towards Terengganu and I eventually ended up at Paka R&R North – EV Station, the last station I charged up before making it all way out to Marang Jetty. After recharging our electric vehicle for an hour at Paka R&R North – EV Station, we drove continuing along the Terengganu highway to find the nearest exit and made u-turn to head home to Kuala Lumpur.
It cost RM86.64 to top up the charge, taking a total of 50 minutes to reach full power.
So, here’s a little tip! When driving from Terengganu to Kuala Lumpur, should you have enough battery power, it is possible to plan a route ahead to Kuantan. Just be aware that there is no EV charging station along the highway from Terengganu to Gambang – you must exit the highway to get into the Kuantan city to recharge your vehicle.
Two choices are available to you, and we would recommend going with the option that charges quickly cuz we can’t wait to get home. Ultimately, it is your decision which one you decide on.
1. Electric Vehicle Charging Station ( 50kw fast charging )
Jalan Gambut 2, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang
Located in the bustling city centre, this charging station is surrounded by a variety of places of interests and eateries.
You may also consider a stay at one of the nearby local hotels:
AC Hotel by Marriot Kuantan
Riverside Boutique Hotel & Cafe
Rocana Hotel
2.Electric Vehicle Charging Station Jalan Seri Setali 1, Taman Penisular, 25300 Kuantan, Pahang ( Type 2 : 22kw )
Jalan Seri Setali 1, Taman Penisular, 25300 Kuantan, Pahang
Just a stone’s throw away from Setali’s charging station lies a kopitiam, easily reached within 1-minute of walking. This particular spot is an ideal choice to wait and dine should you decide to charge up your vehicle here.
In case you’re considering a pit stop in Kuantan during your road trip, the above are tips and suggestions for you!
We didn’t make a stop in Kuantan. From Terengganu, our last stop before heading back home was the R&R Gambang Barat, located right on the East Coast Expressway in Pahang!
Oh, you won’t believe the adventure we had with the car’s Integrated Google Map! It directed us to make a u-turn and head to the first charging station on our way to Terengganu, Petronas R&R Gambang Arah Timur.
Final Stop Before Home : Petronas R&R Gambang Arah Barat
You’ll never guess! We decided to trust our instincts and stopped at Petronas R&R Gambang Arah Barat instead, and boy, did we strike gold! There was an EV charging spot waiting for us right there!
Imagine if we had followed the map’s advice and made two rounds of u-turns? That would have been quite the battery drain! Thank goodness we trusted our gut and found the perfect spot to charge up.
And here’s the best part – the total bill for the charging session was only RM61.20 for just 50 minutes!
So, the total EV roadtrip charging expense from Kuala Lumpur > Terengganu > Kuala Lumpur came to RM306.60.
Not bad at all for such a quiet, smooth, and safe drive in the Volvo XC40 Recharge. We had a comfy road trip experience, but it did get us thinking – isn’t it better if there were even more charging stations along the East Coast highway?
It’s essential for Malaysia’s government to step in and add more charging infrastructure to make electric vehicles even more practical and convenient for everyone. Once the infrastructure is ready, we’ll be more than ready to electrify our car porch and embrace the EV lifestyle fully!
One good thing to note though. We didn’t spot any electric cars along our route to Terengganu. We didn’t encounter any delays at the charging station either. However, in major cities like KL, Penang, and JB, you may find yourself waiting in a queue. As a result, it’s recommended to secure your spot in advance through the app to minimize your waiting time.
Stay tuned for more exciting EV road trip reviews, and let’s embark on eco-friendly journeys across Malaysia and even explore the beautiful landscapes of Southeast Asia with our sustainable drive! Together, we can make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying some unforgettable experiences on the road. Let’s keep rolling towards a greener future!
