BY James Kon

The Sultanate took a huge leap towards vehicle electrification after Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM) launched the country’s first retail rapid charging station at IBA Petrol Station in Lambak on Friday.

The station features a Shell Recharge 175 kilowatt hour rapid charger which can charge an electric vehicle (EV) from zero to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes.

BSM Managing Director Muhammad Norshafiee bin Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil said, “BSM plans to take a pragmatic approach in expanding Shell Recharge across the nation as we work closely with authorities and industry players to identify the needs and requirements to meet the growth of EV ownership.

“BSM offers EV owners a convenient way to charge their vehicles at on-the-go retail and destination sites. With access to one of the largest electric charging solutions providers globally, we are keeping up to date with the latest e-mobility technologies and learnings.”

Muhammad Norshafiee added, “Together let’s support the transformation of Brunei’s vehicle industry, to support the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP) initiatives.”

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah; Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid; Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha; and Deputy Minister of the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw attended the ceremony.

Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary arrived in the electric Mitsubishi iMiEV.

The Cabinet ministers and the deputy minister also took a closer look at the retail rapid charging station and several EVs.

Access to Shell Recharge at filling stations can be obtained through participating car dealers.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin