7 Upcoming electric cars in Malaysia

The electric cars market in Malaysia is set to grow with the rollout of tax exemptions for EVs and the continuing efforts of automakers to develop charging infrastructure. So far this year, we have witnessed a number of EV launches in the local market, which include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Mercedes-Benz EQS, Mazda MX-30, and Volvo XC40 Recharge. And, the road ahead also looks promising with several electric models earmarked for the country. In this article, we list seven of them, have a look.

Smart #1

The very first EV on the list is the Smart #1, which will be sold by Proton in Malaysia, The national automaker has joined hands with smart (a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely) and has also established a separate entity for the distribution of EVs, called PRO-NET.  Speaking about the Smart #1 specifications, the upcoming EV is 4,290 mm long, 1,910 mm wide, and 1,968 mm tall and has a 2,750 mm long wheelbase. It is expected to come equipped with a 66 kWh battery pack offering a range between 535 km and 560 km. With the help of a 150 kW DC fast charger, the EV will take only half an hour to fully charge.

Ora Good Cat

Next, we have GWM Ora Good Cat, a small EV that looks adorable. The Chinese automaker has revealed initial specifications for the local-spec model and as per that it will be available in four trims here viz. Tech, Pro, Ultra, and Ultra G. With the seating pace for five adults, the car measures 4235 mm in length, 1596 mm in height, and 1825 mm in width. It will offer a range of about 500 km with a 47.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a 143 PS eclectic motor under the skin. The Ora Good Cat expected price starts at RM 14X,XXX and goes all the way up to RM 16X,XXX.

Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen Passengers Car Malaysia has recently previewed the all-new ID.4 electric SUV in Malaysia. This is the brand’s first EV in the country, which will take on the Korean EVs, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. It measures 4,584 mm in length, 1,852 mm in width, and 1,636 mm in height, and spans a 2,765 mm wheelbase. The ​​ID.4 Pro Performance version showcased in the local market comes equipped with a 204 PS electric motor and a 77-kWh lithium-ion battery offering a range of up to 519 km (on the WLTP cycle). It takes up to 38 minutes for 5% to 80% charge when using a 125 kW DC charger.

Volvo C40 Recharge

After launching the 2022 XC40 Recharge EV back in March, Volvo Cars Malaysia is now gearing up to bring its second electric car in Malaysia, the C40 Recharge. It is likely to come with a dual-motor P8 AWD system and a 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, combined to deliver an electric range of up to 450 km. The battery can be fast-charged in just 40 minutes with the help of a 150 kW DC outlet. Against the measuring tape, it measures 4440 mm in length, 1873 mm in width, 1591 mm in height, and has a 2034 mm long wheelbase.

BYD e6

Sime Darby Motors has recently signed a contract with the Chinese automaker BYD for the distribution of the latter's electric cars in Malaysia. One of the two BYD EVs confirmed for the local market is the e6. This is an electric MPV, which measures close to the Toyota Innova, being 4,695 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,670 mm tall with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. It is likely to come powered by a front-wheel drive electric motor and a 71.7 kWh battery offering a range of up to 415 km. With the help of a 60 kW DC charge, the EV will get charged in 1.5 hours. 

BYD Atto 3

The next BYD EV that is earmarked for the local market is the Atto 3. A direct rival to the Hyundai Kona Electric, the BYD Atto 3 looks like a futuristic vehicle with a number of several interesting elements inside and out. It is 4,455 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, 1,615 mm tall, and carries a wheelbase of 2,720 mm. Under the skin of the car lies a 204 PS electric motor combined with a 60-kWh battery pack. The EV can run for 420 km on a single charge, which takes almost 50 minutes for an 80% SoC.

BMW i7

Along with the affordable Chinese and Korean EVs, the super luxury EV that is set to hit the Malaysian shores is the BMW i7. The electric version of the latest seventh-gen 7 Series sedan, is a full-size sedan measuring 5219 mm in length, 1902 mm in width, 1481 mm in height, and spans a wheelbase of 3210 mm. It features an innovative eDrive propulsion concept, comprising two e-motors and a 101.7 kWh battery pack, providing an emission-free range of 615 km. With the help of a 195 kW high-power charging port, the battery tops up from 10% to 80% in just 50 minutes.

So, that’s all about the upcoming electric vehicles in Malaysia. Would you like to wait for any one of those? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Top 5 luxurious seven-seater in Malaysia