(Bandar Seri Begawan, 26th) As of January 2026, the Land Transport Department has registered around 2,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and pure electric vehicles (EV). Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, Pengiran Shamhary, stated that among these, plug-in hybrid vehicles are the most popular because they provide the best option for drivers transitioning from traditional gasoline cars to pure electric vehicles.
He made this statement at the 22nd Legislative Council’s first session in response to a question from Legislative Council member Sulaiman Salih.
He added that plug-in hybrids bridge the gap between internal combustion engine vehicles and pure electric vehicles, offering the electrical efficiency for daily use without the limitations of pure EVs.
Meanwhile, both the range of models and the price competitiveness of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure electric (EV) vehicles are continually expanding.
Shamhary said, “The EV pilot project was launched on March 18, 2021 for a period of two years and concluded in March 2023.”
“This project provided us with valuable insight into the usage of electric vehicles, their advantages, the charging equipment required, as well as an assessment of the feasibility of EVs and public acceptance in the domestic market.”
He added that, when referring to the five-stage technology adoption curve, “The popularity of electric vehicles in our country has moved from the pilot phase to the early majority stage. This stage is characterized by pragmatic users switching to electric vehicles upon seeing concrete evidence of battery durability and savings in maintenance costs.”
He explained that, at this stage, “Electric vehicles are no longer exclusive to technology enthusiasts but are beginning to be accepted by the general public as a mainstream means of transportation.” This is due to user testimonials and supporting evidence proving that the technology is effective and good value for money. In addition, the lower license fee for EVs compared to traditional fuel vehicles has also driven this shift.
He added, “The shortage of public charging stations does not constitute a major obstacle, as home charging is the primary method. Charging stations offered by car dealers and commercial property owners at designated locations have also contributed to the growing popularity of EVs.”
He revealed, “Currently, 40 EV charging stations and 45 charging piles have been installed at designated sites, providing a variety of facilities, including brand-specific charging stations, public charging stations, as well as free and paid charging options.”
In the Temburong District specifically: “At present, Abode Resort & Spa has only one charging station, and it is limited to owners of certain brands of vehicles.”
He further noted that as the use of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles increases in the Temburong District, “it is hoped that charging facilities will also expand accordingly in the future.”
He made this statement at the 22nd Legislative Council’s first session in response to a question from Legislative Council member Sulaiman Salih.
He added that plug-in hybrids bridge the gap between internal combustion engine vehicles and pure electric vehicles, offering the electrical efficiency for daily use without the limitations of pure EVs.
Shamhary said, “The EV pilot project was launched on March 18, 2021 for a period of two years and concluded in March 2023.”
“This project provided us with valuable insight into the usage of electric vehicles, their advantages, the charging equipment required, as well as an assessment of the feasibility of EVs and public acceptance in the domestic market.”
He added that, when referring to the five-stage technology adoption curve, “The popularity of electric vehicles in our country has moved from the pilot phase to the early majority stage. This stage is characterized by pragmatic users switching to electric vehicles upon seeing concrete evidence of battery durability and savings in maintenance costs.”
He explained that, at this stage, “Electric vehicles are no longer exclusive to technology enthusiasts but are beginning to be accepted by the general public as a mainstream means of transportation.” This is due to user testimonials and supporting evidence proving that the technology is effective and good value for money. In addition, the lower license fee for EVs compared to traditional fuel vehicles has also driven this shift.
He added, “The shortage of public charging stations does not constitute a major obstacle, as home charging is the primary method. Charging stations offered by car dealers and commercial property owners at designated locations have also contributed to the growing popularity of EVs.”
He revealed, “Currently, 40 EV charging stations and 45 charging piles have been installed at designated sites, providing a variety of facilities, including brand-specific charging stations, public charging stations, as well as free and paid charging options.”
In the Temburong District specifically: “At present, Abode Resort & Spa has only one charging station, and it is limited to owners of certain brands of vehicles.”
He further noted that as the use of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles increases in the Temburong District, “it is hoped that charging facilities will also expand accordingly in the future.”