Upcoming electric cars in Malaysia

In recent years, the global automotive industry has witnessed a noticeable growth in the electric vehicles segment, which is likely to surge further in the coming years. The Malaysian market has also buckled up for this transition with the support of the local government which recently proposed several rebates on the purchase of electric vehicles, including 100% duty exemption and 100% road tax exemption on electric cars. A number of automakers are set to take this as an opportunity and gear up to launch their EV models in Malaysia. Let’s see which electric cars are likely to hit the local roads in 2022.

BMW i4

On top of our list is the luxury BMW i4 EV, whose arrival and details were confirmed by the automaker back in August. Introduced in 2017, it is the fifth BMW i sub-brand model offering different performance levels. The Malaysian-spec model will be equipped with an 83.9 kWh battery pack and a single 250 kW power unit kicking out a maximum power output of 340 PS and a peak torque of 430 Nm. It will be paired with a single-speed transmission sending power to the car’s rear wheels. 

In terms of performance, the premium sports sedan can hit the century sprint in 5.7 seconds before attaining a top speed of 190 kmph. The driving range is rated at 590 km (on the WLTP cycle). The BMW i4 price and launch date for Malaysia have not been announced yet.

Mazda MX-30

As per Maybank Investment Bank's recent research, Mazda will introduce the MX-30 EV in Malaysia soon. Debuted in 2019, the Mazda electric SUV runs with an e-motor that generates a maximum power output of 145 PS and a peak torque of 271 Nm. It is mated to a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery and a single-speed reduction gearbox that drives the front wheels. The EV delivers a range of 224 km on a single charge. Using a 6.6 kW AC charger, 80% battery can be charged in three hours, however, if a 50 kW DC charger is used on the CCS port, it will take just 36 minutes.

Jaguar I-Pace

The luxury automaker Jaguar is also likely to introduce the I-Pace electric SUV in Malaysia next year. The latest iteration of the EV packs a dual-motor drivetrain, which pumps out a maximum power output of 400 PS and a peak torque of 696 Nm. It is coupled with a 90 kW battery pack that gets charged in 8.6 hours with an 11 kW wall box charger. With a DC fast charging outlet of up to 100 kW, it can be recharged up to 80% in just 40 minutes. The WLTP--claimed range of the Jaguar I-Pace is 480 km. Performance-wise, the luxury SUV can run from naught to 100 kmph in 4.8 seconds.

MG ZS EV

MG is set to make its comeback in Malaysia soon with two new models, of which one is a fully-electric ZS. The EV recently received an update in the UK market, including cosmetic tweaks, more hi-tech features, and larger battery packs for an improved range. It comes in two trims, the base model has a 51-kWh battery pack delivering a WLTP-certified range of 320 km on a single charge. On the other hand, the top-spec model is fitted with a 72-kWh unit offering a range of 440 km. 

If we talk about the charging time of the bigger battery pack, it gets charged in 10 hours 30 minutes with the help of a 7-kW AC charger. This can be reduced to just 42 minutes with a 100-kW DC fast charger, claims MG.

Chery eQ1

As per the reports, the Chinese automaker Chery will make a comeback to Malaysia with a new partner in 2022. The brand has plans to introduce the eQ1 EV upon its return to leverage the opportunity of tax rebates. The Chery eQ1 is a mini electric car with a seating capacity of four passengers. The automaker offers the EV in two trims with different output levels of 74 hp and 40 hp. The former has a 30.6 kWh lithium battery offering a range of 301 km while the latter is fitted with a 38-kWh unit for 408 km (on the NEDC cycle). 

So, which of these you would like to buy to reduce your carbon footprint, let us know in the comments.

Also read: Road tax on electric cars in Malaysia