EVs in Malaysia: What's latest for buyers?

The Malaysian EV market is relatively small, however it is growing at a favorable rate. For instance, 1,642 electric cars were sold in the country in 2020 and in 2021 the figure rose to 2,717 which showcases a significant jump. Though the total market share currently stands at 0.4%, the Malaysian government has a goal to see 125,000 EVs in the country by 2030.

The above projection might seem too big but we believe it is attainable, especially with the inception of the Battery Electric Vehicle Global Leaders Initiatives (BEV GLI) program and the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint. While the former allows foreign companies to sell cars in the country without Approved Permit rules which makes the EVs cheaper, the latter program will bring in 10,000 charging stations by 2025.

In addition to foreign companies bringing in new EVs to the country, the government is optimistic that local car manufacturers (Proton and Perodua) will soon be able to come up with the first national electric vehicle by 2025. So, until that happens let us check out the latest EV available for sale in the Malaysian market.

Latest EVs in Malaysia

2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron

This one is the latest EV launch in the country arriving just today! Yes, the performance-oriented car has finally made its way into the market and locally is available in two body styles - the SQ8 e-tron and SQ8 Sportback e-tron. Here are a few of its key details

Price: The Audi SQ8 e-tron Quattro is priced at RM 533,790 and the Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron Quattro costs RM 543,790

Power: The EV is powered by a tri-electric motor setup, featuring one 124 kW electric motor at the front axle and two electric motors with 98 kW at the rear. The setup pumps out 503 hp of max power, 973 Nm of torque

Performance: The sports EV in boost mode goes from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.5 seconds and attains a top speed of 458 km

Features: The EV packs several striking features both on the outside and inside. For instance, Digital Matrix LED headlights with high-beam assist, LED rear lights, illuminated single frame grille, 22-inch titanium gray diamond-turned 5-arm “Interferenz'' style alloy wheels, and digital side-view cameras, valcona leather seats with “S” badge, electrically adjustable front seats, memory function for the driver seat, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit digital instrument display, Audi MMI touch response infotainment head unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, 10.1-inch + 8.6-inch central displays, four-zone automatic air conditioning, and much more

Safety: All the variants are equipped with features like 8 airbags, Audi Pre Sense for both front and rear, Adaptive Cruise control (ACC) with speed limiter, efficiency assist, swerve assist, turn assist, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Front and Rear Cross Traffic Assist (FCTA & RCTA)

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV 500 4MATIC

It was in December last year that Mercedes-Benz launched the all-new EQE SUV in the local market. Limited to just one variant called the EQE SUV 500 4MATIC. Below are its key details

Price: The new EV is priced at RM 485,888

Features: As one can expect the SUV comes packed with several luxury features on the outside it gets a gloss black front grille, Digital Light LED headlights, flush-fitting door handles, and the EQ-signature black panel. All this along with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, AMG Line package, and LED rear lights. The cabin on the other hand benefits from AMG Line multifunction steering wheel, leather upholstery, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display, 12.8-inch OLED central display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, mobile phone wireless charger, and panoramic sunroof.

Power: Powering the EQE SUV 500 4MATIC is a dual-motor setup that churns a max power output of 408 hp and 858 Nm of torque.

Performance: With the above configuration the EV has a top speed of 210 km and completes a century sprint in just 4.9 seconds.

Safety: The Mercedes EV comes equipped with a bucket load of safety features including Attention Assist (AA), Active Brake Assist (ABA), Active Lane Keeping Assist (ALKA), Speed Limit Assist (SLA), Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Blind Spot Assist (BSA), Active Steering Assist (ASA), Active Lane Change Assist (ALCA), Active Emergency Stop Assist (AESA), Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Evasive Steering Assist (ESA), PRE-SAFE PLUS, and PRE-SAFE Impulse Side.

2023 BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport

In November 2023 BMW Malaysia launched its all-new electric vehicle called the i5. The EV is offered in a single trim, the i5 eDrive40 M Sport. Compared to the ongoing i5 models in the country, the new model is a bit longer, however it sports a simple exterior design.

Price: The all-electric BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport is available with a starting price of RM 419,800

Features: The all-new BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport packs several standard exterior features like 21-inch wheels Style 954 wheels in bi-colour jet black, LED Headlights, LED tail lights, flush door handles, BMW kidney ‘Iconic Glow’, Integral Active Steering (4-wheel steering), M Sport Package. The cabin, on the other hand, packs a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.9-inch touchscreen head unit, BMW Operating System 8.5, BMW Panorama Glass Roof, an interaction bar, wireless mobile phone charger, 2 USB-C ports for first & second row, Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and 4-zone climate control.

Power: Powering the BMWi5 eDrive40 M Sport is a single-motor rear-wheel drive electric car with an 83.9 kWh battery pack. This setup produces a max power of 340 hp along with a peak torque of 430 Nm.

Performance: The BMWi5 eDrive40 M Sport can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6 seconds and attain a top speed of 193 kmph.

Safety: The EV packs the Driving Assistance Professional package as standard which includes Distance Control with Stop and Go function, and Steering and Lane Control Assistant.

2023 BYD Dolphin

Dolphin is BYD’s second electric vehicle to enter the Malaysian market after the Atto 3. In the local market the EV is offered in two variants called the Dynamic Standard Range and the Premium Extended Range.

Also Read: BYD Dolphin EV reaches 500,000 production milestone globally

Price: The standard model is offered at RM 99,900 and RM 124,900 (on-the-road fees not included). Thus making it the second cheapest EV one can buy in Malaysia and it comes with a six-year, 150,000-km factory warranty

Power: Both the Dolphin trims are equipped with a Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and an electric motor that drives the front wheels. While the range-topper makes higher output with its e-motor rated at 204 PS and 310 Nm, the Dynamic Standard Range model offers 95 PS and 180 Nm.

Performance: The Premium Extended Range hits the century mark in seven seconds and for the standard model the sprint time is 12.3 seconds. As for range, the two variants can hit 410 km and 490 km respectively.

Features: Both the Dolphin variants are equipped with automatic LED headlamps with High Beam Assist, LED DRLS, LED tail lights, electrically heated & adjustable ORVMs, keyless entry and start, automatic air-conditioning with PM2.5 air filter, 5-inch digital instrument cluster, synthetic leather upholstery, and a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen. Also part of the kit is d Apple CarPlay support, navigation, six speakers, and an electronic parking brake. The Premium Extended Range for its premium price gets a few extras like a panoramic glass roof, a wireless phone charger, powered front seats with ventilation function, and rear LED reading lights.

Safety: The two Dolphin variants feature the same safety kit featuring six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS, ESC, traction control, EBD, 2 parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and door open warning. The range-topping trim features autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane collision warning, lane keeping support, blind spot monitoring, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert with braking support, lane departure prevention, emergency lane keeping assist, and predictive collision warning.

Also Read: Pre-bookings for upcoming BYD Seal will open on January 19

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors a few months back introduced two new variants to the existing Ioniq 6 range. The EV was previously offered in two trim options, the Max RWD & Max AWD and now new variants have joined the line, Lite RWD and the Plus RWD

Price: The new Hyundai Ioniq 6 price chart reads as follows

• Max RWD - RM289,888
• Max AWD - RM319,888
• Lite RWD - RM219,888
• Plus RWD - RM249,888

Power: Both the new Ioniq 6 variants are powered by a single-motor mill placed under the rear axle and makes 151 hp and 350 Nm

Performance: The Ioniq 6 completes a century sprint in 8.8 seconds and attains a top speed of 185 kmph.

Features: The 2023 Ioniq 6 feature kit tallies to that of Max RWD and includes Parametric Pixel LED projection headlamps, 18-inch aero alloy wheels, twin 12.3-inch screens, a powered tailgate, and a wireless phone charger. The Lite variant misses out on blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and intersection support for the front autonomous emergency braking.

Safety: The Ioniq 6 is also equipped with a list of advanced driver assist features to their more expensive counterpart, including the Smart Cruise Control system with stop-and-go functionality, forward collision-avoidance assist, and lane-keeping assist.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla Malaysia a few months back made available the Model 3 in the country. It is offered in two trim options - the Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive and the Model 3 LR All Wheel Drive.

Power: The Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel is powered by a single rear-mounted while the LR All Wheel Drive showcases two motors.

Performance: The Tesla 3 Rear Wheel Drive goes about a century sprint in 6.1 seconds and attains a top speed of 201 kmph. The maximum range stands at 513 km. As for the Model 3 Dual Motor All Wheel Drive it is faster than the two. It touches the 100 km in 4.4 seconds and the top speed rests at 201 kmph. Thanks to the bigger battery the range rests at 629 km.

Features: On the outside the EV features 18-inch Photon wheels, slimmer & sleeker front lights, prominent LED DRLs, a single central vent, new tail lights, redesigned bumper. The cabin showcases a redesigned dashboard with LED lighting and customizable dash trim, luxurious & better quality material, aluminum trim headlights, a brighter & more responsive dashboard screen, a new steering wheel, rear cabin screen with stereo & climate controls. One of the standouts focuses on reducing cabin noise thanks to acoustic glass extending all the way to the rear.

On the inside customers get much comfortable seats with ventilation functionality in the front. Also part of the setup is 17 speakers with dual amplifiers and dual subwoofers, a USB-C port, and much more.

Safety: Updated airbags inserted in the driver’s seat side bolster and Blind Spot Indicators.

Also Read: Tesla Malaysia begins Model 3 deliveries; launches Premium Connectivity service

2023 Kia Niro EV

Dinamika Jaya Motor launched the all-new Kia Niro EV mid 2023 making it the second electric vehicle offered by the distributor following the EV6.

Price: The 2023 Niro EV is offered in just one variant priced at RM 256,668 (on the road without insurance). Each model is accompanied by a five-year, 150,000-km manufacturer warranty.

Power: The EV is equipped with an underfloor-mounted lithium-ion battery with 64.8 kWh capacity. The setup pulls out a maximum power of 204 PS and a peak torque of 255 Nm.

Performance: The Niro EV is good for a top speed of 167 kmph and a range of 460 km.

Features: The EV packs several interesting exterior bits including 17-inch wheels, automatic LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, front & rear LED fog lamps, LED tail lights, electric folding & heated ORVMs, sunroof, roof rails, powered tailgate, front & rear parking sensors, keyless entry and start and electronic parking brake with auto brake hold.

On the inside one can find two 10.25-inch displays (a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system), Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 64-color ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, a wireless phone charger, leatherette seat upholstery, an eight-speaker sound system and reverse camera. Also, part of the setup is powered front seats with ventilation and heating functions, a driver seat with a memory function, and a front passenger seat with a Premium Relaxation function putting the seat into zero-gravity lounge mode.

Safety: The Kia EV is loaded with safety features including seven airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, ESC, traction control, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The car also packs several active safety gears like High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with stop and go support.

Also Read: 2023 Kia Niro EV: Detailed in 16 Images

2023 BMW iX M60 and i4 eDrive35

BMW Malaysia launched two amazing EVs in Aug 2023, the iX M60 and the i4 eDrive35. While the former is the brand’s second most powerful electric vehicle in the lineup, the latter is an extension of the local i4 range that now has four trims - the new eDrive35 & eDrive35 M Sport joining the existing eDrive40 & M50.

Price: The i4 eDrive35 is priced at RM 258,210 on-the-road (OTR) without insurance and the eDrive35 M Sport sells at RM284,210. The iX M60, on the other hand, retails for RM 612,430 on the road without insurance.

Power: The iX M60 is powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain making a maximum power output of 619 PS along with a peak torque of 1,100 Nm. The xDrive50 offers 523 PS and 765 Nm. The eDribe40 M Sport, on the other hand, features a rear-mounted e-motor that pumps out 286 PS and 400 Nm of torque.

Performance: In its most powerful configuration the M60 completes its century sprint in just 3.8 seconds and comes with an electronically-limited top speed of 250 kmph. The EV touched the 100 kmph mark in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 190 kmph.

Features: The M60 comes equipped with several standard equipment including BMW Live Cockpit Professional (with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen). Also part of the specs kit is blue brake calipers, adaptive two-axle air suspension with M-specific tuning, Integral Active Steering (rear-wheel steering), powered front seats with memory function, four-zone climate control, a wireless phone charger and a 30-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround sound system with 1,615 watts of amplification and a seven-band equalizer.

The eDrive35 is dressed in a Sport package that features 18-inch double-spoke style 853 bicolor light-alloy wheels along with Frozen Grey exterior highlights. Also part of the setup are LED headlamps, standard passive suspension, oak grain open-pored fine-wood trim, an anthracite M headliner, three-zone climate control, powered front seats with driver’s side memory function, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, and a powered tailgate. The cabin gets an M leather steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen.

Safety: The iX M60 safety and driving assist systems include the Driving Assistant Professional package, Parking Assistant Professional, and Parking Assistant Plus.

Both the new variants of i4 feature a Driving Assistant package that includes Active Cruise Control with stop & go function, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Return, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with Brake Intervention (AEB), Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Prevention and Speed Limit Info.

Bottom line

The Malaysian automotive market is flooded with electric vehicles and in the upcoming months EVs are to follow, thus giving buyers more options to choose from. Do let us know which of the above-mentioned EVs is your favorite.

Also Read: Choosing your 2024 car: Perhaps these anticipated car launches in Malaysia will help make up your mind