Revving up: Exciting new EV cars hitting Malaysian roads this year
SHAH ALAM - As Malaysia accelerates towards a greener future, a wave of innovative electric vehicle (EV) models is set to transform the automotive landscape.
Over a century ago, in 1886, Carl Benz revolutionised transportation with the first practical, marketable automobile, setting the stage for the rapid evolution of the automobile industry.
In Malaysia, owning a car has become a necessity, integral to daily life as more people afford and purchase vehicles.
However, a groundbreaking innovation was now redefining the automotive landscape: EVs.
While EVs have gained traction in the West, Malaysia is still catching up. With the government's ambitious goal of having 100,000 EVs on the road by 2023, the country's car market is poised for a significant shift.
Let's explore some of the exciting new EV car models set to hit Malaysian roads this year.
BYD e6
The BYD e6 is a five-seater multipurpose vehicle (MPV) with a more modest people-carrying capacity. Its front electric motor produces 94hp and 180Nm of torque.
Despite this, it offers a competitive price point similar to the base Hyundai Kona Electric and boasts an impressive WLTP-rated range of 415 kilometre (km), thanks to its large 71.7kWh BYD Blade battery.
Charging options include up to 6.6kW AC, taking 12.5 hours and 60kW DC, taking 1.5 hours for a full charge. The BYD e6 features a spacious 580-litre boot and a unique 10.1-inch rotatable touchscreen.
The Malaysian version is expected to match the Singapore specifications, including keyless entry, leather upholstery, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, an electronic parking brake, a reverse camera and a powered tailgate.
Expected to be released in July, the BYD e6 is expected to be priced at RM180,000.
Toyota bZ4X
The Toyota bZ4X boasts a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing a WLTP-rated range of up to 500km.
Its front-mounted electric motor delivers 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 266 Nm of torque, while an all-wheel-drive option in Thailand increases outputs to 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 337 Nm of torque.
Charging is swift, with DC fast charging reaching 0-80 per cent in just 30 minutes.
Loaded with features including LED lighting, 20-inch wheels, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense systems, it promises comfort and convenience.
With a projected release in August and a price of RM243,427, it is set to make waves in the EV market.
XPENG G6
The XPeng G6, built on the SEPA 2.0 platform, offers impressive dimensions at 4753 mm long, 1920 mm wide and 1650 mm tall.
Featuring an 800V architecture, it supports up to 280kW of DC fast charging, allowing for a 10-80 per cent state of charge in just 20 minutes.
Available in two variants in Thailand - Standard Range and Long Range - the G6 packs either a 66kWh or 87.5kWh battery, offering ranges of up to 580km and 755km respectively.
Both variants sport a rear single electric motor setup, producing 296PS and 440Nm of torque.
With acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds for the Standard Range and 5.9 seconds for the Long Range and a limited top speed of 202 km/h, the G6 promises spirited performance.
The XPeng G6 is set to hit the market in August with a price of RM180,800.
Renault 5
The all-new Renault 5 makes a bold return to the roads, this time as an all-electric supermini blending nostalgia with modern flair.
Its retro-futuristic design features cute headlights, vertical taillights and cleverly integrated rear door handles, paying homage to its predecessor.
Inside, vertical stitching and digital displays evoke memories of the original model, while offering modern convenience.
Despite its compact size, the 2024 Renault 5 boasts ample cargo space and rides on large 18-inch wheels, striking a balance between style and practicality.
Powered by a 40.0 or 52.0-kilowatt-hour battery, it delivers between 95 to 150hp and offers a range of 300 to 400 km with fast-charging capabilities for quick replenishment.
Unique features include multi-link rear independent suspension, bidirectional charging, a heat pump and brake energy recuperation technology for enhanced efficiency.
With its oversized '5' logo on the hood doubling as a battery charge indicator light, the Renault 5 promises to redefine electric mobility with style and innovation.
The Renault 5 is set to be released in September with a price range of RM129,300 to RM175,800.
Peugeot e-2008
Peugeot's E-2008 facelift (FL) model gets an upgrade with a larger 54kWh battery and a slightly more powerful 115kW (154hp) electric motor, boosting its WLTP-rated range to 406km from 345km.
Standard with a 7.4kW onboard AC charger, it takes around four hours and 40 minutes to charge from 20 to 80 per cent.
Opting for the optional 11kW onboard AC charger further reduces charging time.
Additionally, the EV supports DC fast charging up to 100kW, cutting charging time to just 30 minutes.
Expected to hit the market in September with a price of RM164,103, it promises enhanced performance and convenience for electric ports utility vehicle (SUV) enthusiasts.
Proton and Perodua
In February, it is reported that Proton is set to launch its first EV soon, with plans for a second EV to follow within six to eight months.
This initiative aligns with the Malaysian government's target for Proton and Perodua to produce national EVs by 2025.
Details about the models remain undisclosed.
Meanwhile in May, Perodua showcased its emo-1 EV concept at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, based on a converted 2021 Myvi.
The emo-1 features a new design and modern equipment, including a three-phase motor and a 55.7kWh battery, offering 350 km range.
Perodua plans to release its first actual EV, distinct from the emo-1 concept, by the end of 2025, priced between RM50,000 and RM100,000.
