BMW Malaysia and Universiti Malaya Launch Solar EV Battery Charging Hub

BMW Group Malaysia and Universiti Malaya have officially launched a solar-powered smartphone charging station at the university’s Central bus stop. This installation serves as a practical application of second-life electric vehicle batteries, transitioning research from the laboratory into a functional tool for the campus population, which sees over 3,000 daily users.

The project is the result of over two years of research conducted by Associate Professor Tan Chia Kwang and his team at the UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC). According to the original publisher, this development marks the first real-world implementation of the RE:GENERATE x Universiti Malaya research initiative, which was established earlier this year to explore the utility of retired battery packs.

This charging station is one of two concurrent projects stemming from the partnership. While lower-capacity battery packs are powering mobile device charging at the university, higher-capacity packs are being allocated for rural electrification. These larger units are designed to provide off-grid electricity to a Semai Orang Asli community in Pos Sinderut, Kuala Lipis, Pahang. These systems utilize solar panels to charge batteries during the day, providing energy for essential appliances such as fans, lighting, and refrigeration after sunset.

Looking toward the future, the research team is evaluating how to scale these initiatives beyond rural electrification. Potential developments under consideration include the exploration of autonomous zero-energy applications, further extending the lifecycle and utility of electric vehicle battery technology.

For Malaysia, this initiative highlights a growing trend in circular economy practices within the automotive and energy sectors. By repurposing EV batteries that have reached the end of their primary lifecycle, the project demonstrates how sustainable infrastructure can address specific energy needs, ranging from urban campus convenience to providing reliable power for remote, off-grid communities.