Porsche Asia Pacific and Shell have jointly announced the implementation of Southeast Asia's first cross-border High Performance Charging (HPC) network with 12 charge points at six Shell stations strategically located along Malaysia's North-South highway, offering EV drivers the possibility of smooth and convenient travel between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang.

The partnership further demonstrates the commitment between Porsche and Shell to drive the future of electric mobility in Southeast Asia by spearheading connectivity between the two countries, which handle one of the world's busiest international land border crossings at the Sultan Iskandar Building and Woodlands Checkpoint.

Through this partnership, six Shell stations will be equipped with 180kW Direct-Current (DC) chargers, offering the highest charging capacity across Singapore and Malaysia.

The chargers come with two CCS Type 2 charging connectors, allowing a single vehicle to be charged at up to 180kW, or two vehicles to charge simultaneously at up to 90kW each. The offering will be rolled out in stages with four stations to be ready in the second half of 2021 and two additional stations by the first half of 2022.

The sites will be integrated in the existing Shell charging networks, comprising 18 Shell Recharge 50kW fast charge points at Shell stations and 87 Greenlots public charge points in Singapore, as well as 18 Reserve + Shell Recharge charge points in Malaysia.

Furthermore, they will complement the established 175kW high performance chargers available at all Porsche Centres in Malaysia, as well as the growing Porsche Destination Charging network at selected hotels, airports, sports clubs, and other lifestyle venues.

As electric mobility starts gaining momentum in Singapore and Malaysia, the network will enable smooth, convenient, and reliable electric road trips between the two countries. Once launched, the chargers will be available for all EVs that utilise the CCS Type 2 charging connector, which is widely used across both countries, with Porsche customers enjoying special rates at Shell Recharge.

Shell's new 180kW high performance chargers are equipped to charge the Porsche Taycan from zero to 80% battery capacity in around 30 minutes, providing up to 350km of extra travel distance. Shell is also offering additional benefits to Porsche customers such as the ability to reserve HPC points in Malaysia in advance using their mobile app, and to enjoy preferential prices for food and beverages at the Shell Select shops.

Establishing a charging network that connects Singapore and Malaysia is in line with Porsche's goal of setting new standards in the field of sustainability and future mobility. It is also part of its dedication to shaping the future of sports cars in Southeast Asia by developing mobility in and across key markets for Porsche Asia Pacific as part of the growth strategy in the region.

The charging network complements the locations and retail formats for current and future Porsche enthusiasts in Malaysia, such as the newest Porsche Centre Ara Damansara as well as the upcoming Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, which are designed to foster brand experience and exclusivity.

"Customers are at the heart of everything we do. We have been investing in building EV charging infrastructure to reduce range anxiety for our customers and this initiative is one of many examples of Shell providing solutions catered to our customers' need for cleaner energy solutions. In 2019, we introduced EV charging in Singapore and in 2020, we introduced solar-powered retail stations in Malaysia. Now EV customers across the borders can experience Shell Recharge, and also recharge themselves with drinks and snacks at our Shell Select shops," says Shairan Huzani Husain, Cluster Managing Director, Mobility Malaysia and Singapore, Shell.

Shell is aiming to expand its EV charging offer to 500,000 stations by 2025 globally. The partnership with Porsche and other initiatives are part of Shell's strategy to accelerate its transformation into a provider of net-zero emissions energy products and services while giving EV drivers choices to charge their cars be it at home, workplace, shopping malls or at Shell stations.

Thousands of commuters travelled between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang every week prior to COVID-19. While it is not possible to do so with current travel restrictions, Shell and Porsche are gearing up for a time when the borders will eventually reopen and commuters will be able to travel again across the two countries in a safe and more sustainable manner.