1. Introduction
As electric vehicles become more common, developers and property owners must ensure that parking facilities include dedicated charging bays. Malaysia’s Garis Panduan Perancangan (GPP) EVCB sets out specific requirements for bay numbers, size, and layout to promote safety and accessibility.
2. Minimum Number of Bays
GPP EVCB mandates that at least 2 % of parking spaces in new commercial and residential developments be dedicated EV charging bays. For housing developments, one of the EV bays must be reserved for visitors. In non-housing developments, there must be at least one disabled-friendly EV bay and one motorcycle EV bay.
3. Bay Dimensions
Standard EV bays must be 2.5 m × 6 m, while disabled-friendly bays must be 3.5 m × 6 m. These dimensions ensure sufficient space for vehicle manoeuvring, cable handling and wheelchair access where required.
4. Placement and Separation Requirements
For AC chargers (≤22 kW), the guidelines require a 2.5 m separation from adjacent parking bays in new developments. DC chargers (>22 kW) must be located on the ground, first two floors above ground, or the first basement level of multi-storey buildings. DC bays in large indoor areas (>216 m²) require a two-hour fire-rated wall; smaller bays need a 5 m separation. All chargers must be positioned away from staircases and emergency exits to maintain safe evacuation routes.
5. Approval and Fire Safety
Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) guidelines apply to commercial premises. Developers must submit applications and obtain approval from local authorities and the fire department before installing EV charging bays. These guidelines address fire safety aspects, such as proper ventilation and safe distance from entrances.
6. IGP’s Role
Innovative Green Power offers design and consultation services to ensure new developments comply with GPP EVCB guidelines. We help determine the number of bays, select appropriate chargers (AC or DC) and plan separation and fire-safety measures. Our team liaises with local authorities to streamline approvals.
7. Conclusion
Planning EV charging bays requires adherence to detailed guidelines for bay numbers, sizes and separations. AC bays need at least 2.5 m separation, while DC bays face more stringent placement and fire-separation requirements. By following GPP EVCB rules and engaging experts like IGP, property owners can future-proof their projects and support Malaysia’s EV adoption.
