Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) Chang Lih Kang announced that hydrogen-powered car technology is ready in Malaysia, with the economy potentially gaining MYR 12 billion (USD 2.56 billion) from green hydrogen exports by 2030.
To increase public awareness and knowledge about hydrogen technology, MOSTI will showcase hydrogen-powered cars and fuel cell electric vehicles (EVs) at varied events. These EVs feature a short refueling time of just three to five minutes and offer a range of 700km to 1,000km per refueling. Being lighter than other EVs, hydrogen-powered cars are crucial for Malaysia’s transition to cleaner energy and its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
MOSTI recognized that adopting hydrogen technology in the mobility sector is crucial, and simultaneously increasing the production of green or blue hydrogen is necessary to develop a strong ecosystem. The ministry further announced that a mobile hydrogen refueling unit will be launched in Putrajaya by the end of 2024. While plans to commercialize hydrogen-powered cars have yet to be finalized, the potential for mass production could allow hydrogen to compete with petrol, though petrol is heavily subsidized in Malaysia.
(Sources: Malay Mail; The Malaysian Reserve)