Top 10 EV launches of 2024 in Malaysia: A look back

The electric vehicle market is growing at a faster pace in Malaysia, fueled by an influx of exciting and budget-friendly options from Chinese automakers. Not only that but the EV sales are also backed by government initiatives, including tax breaks and subsidies, making them more accessible for Malaysian consumers.

As 2024 nears its end, it’s time to look back and explore the important EV launches of the year that made waves in Malaysia's automotive arena.

Here are the top 10 EV launches of 2024 - 

BYD Seal Dynamic

The first on our list is the BYD Seal, which quickly gained popularity in the Malaysian EV market since its launch in February. It is the best-selling electric car in Malaysia, after the Atto 3. The Road Transport Department (JPJ) reports that BYD sold 2,534 units of the Seal from January to October 2024.

Sime Darby Beyond Auto offers the Seal in three variants - Dynamic, Premium, and Performance, with prices ranging from RM 163,800 to RM 199,800. The base-spec Dynamic comes with a 61.4 kWh LFP battery pack, offering a driving range of up to 460 km of range (on the WLTP cycle). The Premium and Performance trims, on the other hand, are powered by a larger 82.5 kWh unit, offering a range of 570 km and 520 km, respectively.

GWM Ora 07

Great Wall Motors expanded its lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the Ora 07 in April. It is a coupe-esque electric sedan that rivals the likes of the BYD Seal. Priced at RM 169,800, the EV has been winning the hearts of Malaysians with its advanced technology, comfortable interiors, and overall driving dynamics. 

The Ora 07 comes in two variants - Long Range and Performance. The former is powered by a 204 PS/340 Nm front-mounted single motor and an 83.5 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery pack that lets the EV cruise up to 640 km (on the NEDC cycle). The Performance trim houses a dual-motor AWD setup tuned to deliver 408 PS and 680 Nm with the battery pack, providing a slightly shorter range at 550 km. 

Smart #3

After the success of the #1 EV, smart Malaysia introduced its second electric vehicle, the #3 in July this year. It is an affordable, fun-to-drive coupe fastback EV that doesn’t compromise on practicality, sportiness, or style.

Built on the same Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform as the #1, the smart #3 is offered in three variants in Malaysia. Pricing begins at RM 175,000 and goes all the way up to RM 255,000. Both Pro and Premium trims feature a rear-mounted single motor generating 272 PS and 343 Nm of torque while the top-spec Brabus is powered by a dual-motor intelligent AWD powertrain with 428 PS and 543 Nm. The battery options include - 49 kWh LFP and a 66 kWh NMC, offering a range of 455 km on a single charge.

Volvo EX30

Volvo’s award-winning SUV, the EX30, made its way to Malaysia in September 2024. It is the brand’s smallest SUV which is ‘big on tech, big on safety,’ perfect for those seeking a luxury and eco-friendly drive. 

Volvo Cars Malaysia offers the EX30 in three variants - Plus, Ultra, and Ultra Twin Performance, with prices ranging from RM 188,888 to RM 228,888. The Plus and Ultra features a 276 PS rear-mounted motor and 69 kWh battery, offering up to 476 km of range. The Ultra Twin Performance adds a front motor for all-wheel drive, boosting power to 428 PS and 543 Nm of torque, reducing the range to 450 km.

Chery Omoda E5

Chery Malaysia launched the imported Omoda E5 in March this year, followed by the introduction of its completely knocked down version in November. The Omoda E5, part of Chery's strategy to cater specifically to Malaysian customers' preferences, is known for its sleek design and cutting-edge technology.

The Omoda E5 comes in a single trim in Malaysia, priced at RM 146,800. It is powered by a front-mounted electric motor, churning out 201 PS and 340 Nm of torque. Feeding the motor is a 61 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering a WLTP-claimed range of 430 km.

Leapmotor C10

The new Chinese EV brand that set up shop in Malaysia this year is Leapmotor. The automaker launched the C10 as its first EV with MITI’s support, highlighting the nation’s commitment to sustainable mobility. 

Priced at RM 149,000, the Leapmotor C10 is a D-segment five-seater EV with a spacious cabin as its unique selling point. It is offered in a sole Design variant, powered by a 218 PS/320 Nm rear motor and a 69.9 kWh battery pack, enabling a 424 km range on a full charge. The EV comes with Maserati-tuned driving dynamics, making it a compelling choice for performance enthusiasts.

Xpeng G6

Xpeng is another Chinese EV brand that made its debut in Malaysia this year with the launch of the G6. It is a fastback coupe SUV that quickly made its mark on Malaysians, securing a place among the top-selling EVs just two months after its debut.

The Xpeng G6 is offered in two variants - 580 Pro and 755 Pro, priced at RM 165,820 and RM 185,820, respectively. Both trims feature a rear-mounted electric motor with varying power outputs. The 580 Pro produces 259 PS and 440 Nm, while the 755 Pro makes 286 PS and 440 Nm. Two battery options include - a 66 kWh LFP battery with a range of up to 435 km and an 87.5 kWh NMC battery, offering a range of up to 570 km.

MINI Countryman SE ALL4

Mini Malaysia took a big step towards sustainability with the launch of its first fully electric Countryman back in May. In a sea of strong competitors, the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 stands out with its fun, style, and performance. 

The MINI Countryman SE ALL4 comes equipped with twin motors generating a maximum power of 313 PS and a peak torque of 494 Nm. It offers a range of up to 432 km on a full charge with its 66.5 kWh battery. It is a delightful and quirky choice for EV enthusiasts that costs RM 260,000.

BYD M6

Another BYD EV that caught Malaysians’ attention this year was the M6. Launched in October, the BYD M6 is an affordable electric MPV designed to offer families a practical and eco-friendly drive.

The M6 comes in two single-motor variants - Standard and Extended, priced at RM 109,800 and RM 123,800, respectively. The base-spec model comes with a 163 PS/310 Nm e-motor while the top-spec version delivers 204 PS and the same 310 Nm of torque. Battery options include 55.4 kWh and 71.8 kWh, offering NEDC-rated ranges of up to 420 km and 530 km, respectively.

MG4

SAIC Motor Malaysia also caused a stir in the Malaysia EV market this year with the rollout of three MG electric cars, including the MG4 that directly competes against the BYD Dolphin. It is a game-changer player in the world of electric hatchbacks, combining advanced technology and electrifying performance. 

The MG4 is available in four trims - Standard, Lux, Lux Extended, and XPOWER, priced between RM 104,629 and RM 159,629. The base-spec trim is equipped with a 170 PS/250 Nm rear motor and a 51 kWh LFP battery, providing a WLTP-claimed range of 350 km. The Lux variant features a 203 PS motor and a 64 kWh NMC battery, while the Lux Extended Range offers 245 PS and a 77 kWh battery for 520 km of range. The XPOWER, with dual motors producing 435 PS and 600 Nm, comes with a 64 kWh battery and offers a 385 km range.

In addition to these top 10 launches, the EV landscape in Malaysia also welcomed prominent names such as the Kia EV9, BYD Sealion 7, Porsche Macan, MINI Aceman SE, MG ZS, MG Cyberster, Zeekr X, Zeekr 009, Neta X, GAC Aion Y Plus, and GAC Aion ES.

Well, that’s the story of 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, a fresh lineup of EVs is set to hit the local roads, promising even more exciting additions to the exploding electric vehicle space.

Also read: Malaysia’s best-selling cars in 2024: A look at the top performers