UOB Launches U-Drive For EV Ecosystem Business Owners

UOB Malaysia has recently announced the launch of U-Drive, a comprehensive financing solution for the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in the country.

It is  aimed at connecting the EV value chain, including automotive component suppliers, automotive brand owners, dealers, and charging point operators to end-users. 

U-Drive is designed to help meet the financial needs of all players within the EV ecosystem. It does so by providing a comprehensive range of sustainable financing solutions. 

For example, automotive brand owners expanding into new markets, car dealers planning to expand their EV inventory and charging point operators procuring and installing charging infrastructure can tap into UOB’s green facilities for their working capital needs. 

Increase access to green financing

Additionally, businesses, including fleet owners and individuals, can access green financing to purchase EVs and charging equipment. Apart from financing, UOB also seeks to offer support to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) who are looking to expand  into the country by providing market insights and foreign direct investment advisory.

”Malaysia’s pathway to net zero will require a decarbonised transport system and the reimagining of the entire value chain to become green and sustainable. UOB is proud to bring U-Drive to the market to support the development of the EV industry in Malaysia.

“By simplifying access to financing for EV ecosystem players and connecting those in need of capital, we aim to power the growth of the industry and encourage the switch to EVs,” said Ms Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia.

Collaborating with key EV businesses

UOB Malaysia is collaborating with a few key EV players in Malaysia on the U-Drive project.

Some of these include Great Wall Motor (Malaysia) a leading Chinese auto manufacturer; Sime Darby Motors, one of Asia Pacific’s leading automotive groups that represents global brands including BYD and BMW; Perak Transit, an integrated public transportation service provider, as well as chargEV by Yinson GreenTech and PowerBee, an e-mobility arm by Solarvest, who are players leading the charging infrastructure network. 

“We strongly believe that Malaysia can be a vibrant EV marketplace given its diverse mobility landscape, focus on sustainability, and proven leadership as an electrical and electronics (E&E) manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia for the past 50 years. While the local EV industry has made good progress in recent years, it is still far from realising its full potential. Nonetheless, it is encouraging to note the strong collective effort from the government, industry associations and key players in the EV value chain, pushing to accelerate the development and adoption of green mobility in Malaysia,” Ng said.

U-Drive is part of UOB’s suite of Sustainable Financing solutions under the UOB Smart City Sustainable Finance Framework.  Said framework is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and enables companies to apply for green or sustainability-linked banking products without having to develop their own financing frameworks.