2023 Recap: Top 10 EVs launched in Malaysia

In 2023, Malaysia witnessed a significant influx of electric cars, signalling a pivotal shift in the country’s automotive landscape. This surge not only reflects a growing trend toward sustainability but also aligns with the nation’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. The EVs introduced during the year span both mainstream and luxury segments. Let’s check out the top 10 EV launches of the year - 

Smart #1

Distributed via Proton’s subsidiary Pro-Net, the all-electric smart #1 made its Malaysian debut in November. Smart Malaysia offers the EV in three variants - Pro, Premium, and Brabus. The price begins at RM 189,000 and goes all the way up to RM 249,000.

The Pro and Premium trims are powered by a single rear-wheel-drive motor producing 272 PS of maximum power and 343 Nm of peak torque while the Brabus runs on an all-wheel drive dual-motor configuration that is good for making 428 PS and 543 Nm. As for the battery setup, the smart #1 Pro has a 49 kWh LFP unit offering a range of 315 km, whereas the Premium and Brabus versions feature a 66 kWh ternary pack with a maximum range of up to 440 km.

BYD Dolphin

After launching the Atto 3 in late 2022, the Chinese automaker BYD introduced the affordable electric hatchback, the Dolphin, this year. It is offered in two variants - Dynamic Standard Range and Premium Extended Range, priced at RM 100,530 and RM 125,530, respectively.

The base-spec comes equipped with a 94 PS/180 Nm electric motor linked to a 44.9 kWh BYD Blade Battery pack, which offers a driving range of 340 km. The top-spec variant, on the contrary, is fitted with a more powerful motor producing 204 PS and 310 Nm. It is paired with a 60.48 kWh battery unit letting the EV cruise up to 427 km.

Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors launched the Ioniq 6 in July this year. This Korean electric sedan is offered in three variants in Malaysia - Lite, Plus, and Max. The price ranges from RM 219,888 to RM 319,888.

The Lite and Plus trims are powered by a single RWD motor which generates 151 PS and 350 Nm. It is hooked to a 53 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery offering a range of 429 km. The ioniq 6 Max is offered in RWD and AWD setups; the former comes with a 225 PS/350 Nm single motor while the latter features a dual motor setup making 320 PS and 605 Nm. Both trims are powered by the same 77.4 kWh battery unit with a maximum range of up to 614 km.

Neta V

The Chinese automaker Neta also entered Malaysia this year with its affordable compact electric car, the Neta V. Priced at RM 100,000, the Neta V is powered by a front-mounted electric motor, which is good for making 95 PS and 160 Nm. Feeding the motor a 38.54 kWh CATL-sourced ternary lithium battery pack, providing a range of 380 km (on the NEDC cycle).

Kia Niro EV

Kia also brought its stylish and bold crossover electric car, the Niro, to the local market in 2023. It is offered in a single fully-imported variant, priced at RM 256,668. Based on Kia’s third-generation “K” platform, the Niro EV takes energy from a front-wheel drive electric motor generating 201 PS of maximum power and 255 Nm of torque. Also, part of the drivetrain setup is a 64.8 kWh battery that enables the car to run for 460 km on a single charge.

Tesla Model Y

After years of waiting, Tesla made its way to the local market with the Model Y in July 2023. The American EV giant offers the EV in three variants - RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance AWD, priced between RM 199,000 and RM 288,000. 

The base-spec RWD runs on a single motor tuned to deliver 347 PS and 420 Nm while the higher two trims have dual motor all-wheel drive setup generating 514 PS and 493 Nm on the Long Range trim and 534 PS and 660 Nm on the Performance trim. The battery options include - 57.5 kWh and 75 kWh units offering a maximum range of up to 533 km. The deliveries of the Model Y are slated to begin in early 2024.

Tesla Model 3

After the Model Y, Tesla Malaysia introduced the Model 3 in October 2023. It comes in two variants - Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range AWD, priced at RM 189,000 and RM 218,000, respectively. The RWM trim is equipped with a single electric motor and offers a driving range of 513 km while the Long Range AWD comes with a dual motor setup and a cruising range of 629 km. A total of 20 customers received their new Tesla Model 3 at an official ceremony held last month.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also expanded its EQ lineup with the launch of the EQS SUV. Priced at RM 699,888, the lifted, SUV-bodied version of the EQS saloon underpins the brand’s dedicated electric platform called the Electric Vehicle Architecture. It is offered in a sole 580 4Matic variant, powered by a dual-motor setup generating 544 PS and 858 Nm. The motors are fed by a 108.4 kWhlithium-ion battery pack, which offers a driving range of 615 km.

BMW i7

BMW Malaysia introduced the electric version of the 7 Series, the i7, in June this year. The BMW i7 is offered in a single variant, the xDrive60 M Sport variant, which retails for RM 707,250. Powering the electric 7 Series is a dual-motor system that kicks out 544 PS and 745 Nm. The setup is hooked to a 101.7-kWh battery unit providing a range of 625 km.

Rolls Royce Spectre

Rolls Royce's first-ever electric car, the Spectre, also landed on Malaysian shores this year. It is a two-door fastback model based on the company’s Architecture of Luxury platform. The EV comes fitted with two electric motors combinedly kicking out 585 PS and 900 Nm. Feeding the motors is a 102-kWh capacity battery, which lets the EV travel up to 530 km on a single charge. The Rolls Royce Spectre EV price in Malaysia starts at RM 2,000,000 before taxes and options. 

That wraps up 2023. Looking ahead to 2024, a new lineup of EVs is set to enter the local market. Check out the list here.

Also read: Top 7 SUVs coming to Malaysia in 2024