The Electric Vehicle Test Center (EVTC) was launched in Bandar Baharu, Kedah, today as the first international test center with testing capabilities specific for electric vehicles (EVs) to support the growth of the electromobility ecosystem in South and Southeast Asia.

The test center, owned by Focus Applied Technologies Sdn. Bhd. has dedicated EV testing facilities, including a main test building and a 650m “closed loop” track.

The main test center building houses separate chassis dynamometers for Trucks and Busses, Cars and 2/3 Wheelers, and four individual test cells for engine/motor testing, battery pack life testing, hybrid systems testing. These test cells are generally run under automated control for up 20 hours a day, for 1000-hour testing protocols to evaluate engine/motor/ Battery and other component reliability.

“One of the main reasons we had to expand our testing capabilities is to keep up with the international standards and test development we do for other countries. We have to test tuk tuk and autorickshaws, and needed a dedicated test track to avoid running on the roads”, said Horizon Gitano-Briggs, Chief Technology Officer of Focus Applied Technologies.

The first phase of the EVTC, launched today is built at a cost of RM3,000,000, with future expansions estimated at a cost of 4,000,000 until 2027

With its current capabilities, the EVTC will be able to conduct the following tests:

• Measurement of Local 2/3 Wheeler on-road operations
• Vehicle Performance Measurements
• Vehicle Range Measurements
• Engine/Vehicle Emissions
• Battery Life Cycle Testing
• Vehicle Safety and Standards Testing

The EVTC hosts EV related projects from hundreds of researchers all over the world, supplying current R&D services rendered by Focus Applied Technologies to markets in Africa, Southeast Asia and Asia. With the expanded capabilities of this new center,

the company will be able to expand its research community, hosting researchers and project implementers in the northern region, particularly in Kedah.

The center plays host to a greater network of research labs and testing facilities under the International Vehicle Test Center Association (INVICTA), a global test center network that serves to optimize use of vehicle test equipment through connected research throughout the world.

Additionally, the establishment of the EVTC, which has strong networks with partners such as the United Nations Environment Program, UNEP, UNDP, UNIDO, and the World Bank which sponsors many EV projects around the world (especially for under developed countries), now has tremendous potential to generate demand for Malaysian talent in various field of engineering, also specialisation in fields such as international Project management, vehicle policy and standards negotiation, information technology, and even economics and finance.

Focus Applied Technologies has also been active over the years in developing human capital in the automotive technical fields, through internships, coaching and workshop training with organisations such as GIAT MARA, students and technicians in TVET based learning institutions and academics in various universities.

Seeing an ever-increasing need for vehicle and transportation technology testing, Focus will soon be opening a dedicated Training Center, consisting of a “drive-in” classroom with stadium seating surrounding a centrally located chassis dynamometer. Additionally, as the number of visiting researchers and student interns increases, Focus will be adding a hostel/hotel and café/restaurant, with additional related commercial facilities to follow.

Through these capabilities and the EVTC, Focus Applied Technologies aims to expand its global network, providing testing services and training based on needs in different markets.

EVTC provides a professional, credible platform where EV technologies can be tested, validated, and improved under real operating conditions—our climate, our usage patterns, and our infrastructure environment. Battery systems, BMS, charging solutions, motors, and vehicle integration can all be evaluated locally, supporting manufacturers as they scale responsibly”, said Dato’ Dennis Chuah, Founder of Eclimo Sdn. Bhd, a current client of Focus Applied Technologies.

“For local manufacturers and startups, EVTC helps shorten development cycles and reduce reliance on overseas testing. For multinational companies investing in Malaysia and ASEAN, it provides a pathway to localize products, meet regional requirements, and build local supply chains”, he added.