Tesla debuts in Penang with a Cybertruck showcase, to open a service centre there soon

If you’re eager to see Tesla‘s industry-leading electric vehicles in person, and are based near Penang, you’re in luck. Tesla is now showcasing the Cybertruck, along with the Model 3 Performance and Model Y, in Penang from June 21 to June 30.

This exhibition marks the launch of Tesla in Penang as it will be opening a dedicated after-sales service centre in the state.

As a part of its launch activation, Tesla has set up at the Ground Floor Centre Atrium of Gurney Plaza in George Town, allowing the public to get up close and personal with the electric vehicles during the mall’s operating hours.

A milestone for Tesla and Penang

The company is gearing up to provide comprehensive support and service to its growing customer base in the region with the after-sales service centre.

One of the highlights of the Penang event is the Tesla Cybertruck, available for viewing from June 22 to 30. This futuristic electric pickup truck has generated a lot of buzz and will be a major attraction for attendees.

While the Cybertruck will be only present in the state for the nine-day event, slots to test drives for Model 3 and Model Y are currently listed until the end of the year.

“The public can now test drive Model 3 and Model Y in Penang, experiencing firsthand Tesla’s industry-leading electric vehicle technology and performance,” said Tesla Malaysia.

To schedule a test drive, interested parties can call their hotline or visit Tesla’s event website.

Plus, Tesla’s expansion in Penang isn’t just about showcasing cars; it’s also about building the necessary infrastructure. 

Currently, there are three charging sites in Penang: The Ship Campus, All Seasons Place, and Sunway Carnival. These locations provide a total of 12 Destination Chargers (Wall Connectors) and four V3 Superchargers.

Tesla has also confirmed the installation of Penang’s first V4 Supercharging station at Gurney Plaza. 

“These charging stations will enhance the convenience and accessibility of owning a Tesla in Penang, with plans to expand the charging infrastructure further in the future,” it said.

Tesla’s history in Penang

Tesla’s journey in Malaysia has deep roots in Penang. 

According to Paultan.org, before the Tesla Centre in Cyberjaya, there was the Tesla Finance Share Service Centre (FSSC) in Bayan Lepas, established in 2017. This centre handled Tesla’s accounting and finance activities for the Asia Pacific and EMEA regions.

Though the FSSC closed in 2019 or early 2020, Tesla’s presence in Malaysia persisted. 

Tesla Services Sdn. Bhd. continued to appear in Tesla Inc.’s annual reports until 2022, when it was rebranded as Tesla Sdn. Bhd. 

This marked a shift in the company’s focus from financial services to motor vehicle sales, maintenance, and repairs.

In July 2023, Tesla officially debuted in Malaysia, with the first vehicle deliveries taking place later in November. This launch event in Penang is another step in Tesla’s journey to expand its footprint in Malaysia.

Helping drive the EV sector in Malaysia

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing a surge in growth and adoption worldwide, driven by advancements in technology and increasing environmental awareness.

However, in Malaysia, several key challenges threaten to impede the widespread adoption of EVs, at least for the time being.

Last year, the Malaysian Budget 2024 introduced several measures that are expected to boost the electric vehicle (EV) industry in Malaysia.

This includes an RM2,500 rebate on electric motorbikes for Malaysians earning under RM120,000 annually. There’s also the continuation of individual income tax exemptions of up to RM2,500 for those spending on EV charging facilities, and tax rebates for EV vehicle rentals.

According to the Malaysian government’s open data portal (data.gov.my), the EV market in Malaysia is currently dominated by three major players: BYD, Tesla, and BMW.

Between January 2020 and April 2024, the BYD Atto 3 emerged as the most popular electric vehicle, with 4,308 units registered, accounting for 18.7% of the market. Tesla’s Model 3 followed with 2,740 units (11.9%), and the BMW iX secured 2,543 registrations (11.0%).

While BYD currently leads in EV sales, Tesla does not appear to be lagging behind. After all, the company is making significant moves in Penang, establishing three charging sites to support its expanding customer base. Tesla’s aggressive expansion of its charging network is definitely a promising development.

With efforts from companies such as Tesla, we are hoping to see technological advancements in the electric vehicle sector in Malaysia.

Featured Image Credit: Tesla