EVs coming to Malaysia in 2023: A brief look into the future

Last year was not bad in terms of new car launches for the Malaysian market and we expect the same level of influx for the upcoming year.

Also, as buyers and automakers around the world are showing interest in electric vehicles, it will be great to see what new EVs are scheduled to enter the country in 2023.

Without any delay, let us get into the names and specs of the upcoming EVs.

Also Read: Top 10 EV launches of 2022

BMW iX1

It was in July last year that BMW i electrified range got the iX1 alongside the all-new X1. Now as the automaker is expanding its electric range in the country, we expect the new iX1 to follow soon.

As for details, we do know that the BMW iX1 xDrive30 version will be powered by a pair of e-motor, one on each axle. Together the two e-motors will fetch a maximum power of around 313 PS along with a peak torque of 494 Nm.

As for charging, the car is offered with an AC charging at a rate of up to 11 kW that can be hiked up to 22 kW via a three-phase AC. Also available is the option of a DC fast charging at a rate of up to 130 kW. The EVs 64.7 kW battery can be fully recharged from empty in 6.5 hours and from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes.

With the above-mentioned configurations, the car offers a total range of up to 438 km.

Also Read: All-new 2022 BMW X1 and BMW iX1: All you need to know

Lexus UX 300e

Lexus launched the all-new UX 300e in Thailand and Indonesia last year and this year the car is expected to enter Malaysia for sure.

Like in Indonesia, here in Malaysia too we expect the car to be available as a fully-imported model from Japan.

On the mechanical bits, the fully-electric Lexus comes with a front-wheel drive configuration with the e-motor pumping out 203 PS and 300 Nm of torque. The electric motor is powered by a 72.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers a range of 450 km.

As for charging, its 50 kW DC setup recharges the battery from 0 to 80% in just 50 minutes.

Peugeot e-2008

Peugeot Malaysia’s new distributor Bermaz will launch the all-new e-2008 sometime this year. Once launched, the EV will compete against the likes of the Kia EV6 and Mazda MX-30.

The EV forges the compact SUV’s internal combustion engine for an e-motor making 130 hp and 260 Nm of torque. Also, part of the setup is a 50 kW lithium-ion battery.

Domestic 230-volt socket	16 hours
7.4 kW single-phase wallbox	8 hours
11 kW three-phase wallbox	5 hours 15 min
100 kW DC fast charging	30 min (80% charge)

The car’s range was recently bumped to 345 km.

Nissan Ariya

 

Nissan first unveiled the Ariya back in 2021 and the EV is offered with two powertrain configurations - 2WD and AWD with single and dual-single motor options and two battery options. The former with its 65 kWh battery offers a maximum range of 450 km and the latter’s 90 kWh battery allows for a 610 km range, both on the 2WD model. The AWD models, on the other hand, offer a 20-30 km less range.

 

While the maximum AC charging is rated at 7.2 kW, the 130 kW DC fast charging the car recovers around 375 km of range with a 30 min charge.

VW ID.4

The VW ID.4 is one of the most tangible upcoming EVs to enter Malaysia. We got to see the car in person at a preview event a few months back.

Once launched the Malaysian-spec ID.4 will be offered in a sole Pro Performance variant, the price of which is yet to be revealed.

The EV gets a rear-mounted e-motor that generates a max power of 204PS along with a peak torque of 310 Nm. These specifications will allow the EV to complete the century sprint in just 8.5 seconds and pack a range of 519 km.

Charging options include - 125 kW DC fast charging and 11 kW AC charging.

Toyota bZ4X

It was only last year that the Toyota bZ4X made its debut in November in two of our neighboring countries, Thailand and Indonesia. And now it's Malaysia’s time to enjoy the EV.
While the Thai-spec model is offered in dual motor, all-wheel drive confirmation, in Indonesia we see one in a single-motor, front-wheel drive version. While the former makes a max power of 218 PS and 337 Nm, the latter generates 204 PS and 266 Nm.

Both the AWD and FWD versions get the same 71.4 kWh battery, however, the range varies from 411 km and 500 km respectively.

Charging options include - DC fast-charging of up to 150 kW via a CCS2 port and AC charging of up to 6.6 kW.

Which of the above-mentioned EVs are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: Los Angeles Auto Show 2022: Top cars that caught our eyes