Perodua QV-E launched in Malaysia, priced from RM80,000, one variant, 204PS/285Nm, 445km range

KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua has officially launched its first ever fully electric vehicle, the QV-E, marking a major step in the brand’s move into the national EV space. Priced at RM80,000, the QV-E arrives as a single variant with two colour options Ice Blue and Caviar Grey.

This is Perodua’s first BEV developed under the government’s NIMP 2030 framework, which focuses on EV readiness, local talent development and environmental responsibility. The company says the QV-E is designed not only to be an affordable entry point for Malaysians, but also a product that helps kick-start the country’s wider EV ecosystem.

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Design and Exterior

The QV-E moves away from Perodua’s usual hatchback formula and comes as a compact sportback, roughly the size of a Myvi but with a much sleeker and more premium profile. The front end uses a full-width LED light bar paired with double projector headlamps, while the door handles are fully flush for a cleaner surface.

Sequential turn signals run all around the vehicle and the car rides on 18 inch wheels wrappe with ATLAS tyres, giving it a more planted and modern stance compared to anything else in Perodua’s current lineup.

Interior and Features

Inside, the QV-E is easily the most futuristic Perodua model to date. The cabin layout features a floating centre console with storage beneath it, a rotary gear selector, ambient lighting and a minimalist dashboard. There’s a combination of plastic piano black finishing mixed with silver trim.

Two 10.25 inch displays handle instrumentation and infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with a wireless phone charger. The driver gets a power adjustable seat and semi leather upholstery, while overall interior space benefits from the dedicated EV packaging.

Powertrain and Range

The QV-E runs a front mounted electric motor that produces 150 kW(204PS) and 285 Nm. Perodua quotes 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, making this the quickest production Perodua ever made.

A 52.5 kWh LFP battery supplies up to 445 km of NEDC range. Fast charging takes the battery from 30 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes, while regular AC home charging takes about 8 hours at 6.6 kW. Vehicle to Load (V2L) is also included for powering external devices.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Perodua has equipped the QV-E with its full Smart Drive Assist package. This includes adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, highway assist, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. A 360 degree camera and digital rear view mirror are also fitted.

One notable feature is the Child Presence Detection system. It uses a millimetre wave sensor to detect breathing and movement in the second row and footwell area, even in darkness or under blankets. If a child is detected after the vehicle is locked, the system escalates warnings through horn, hazard lights, phone app and SMS.

Battery as a Service

Perodua’s Battery-as-a-Service setup for the QV-E is not just a pricing exercise but a long-term strategy to reduce anxiety about battery lifespan and resale value. Under this system, buyers own the vehicle itself while Perodua retains ownership of the high voltage battery for the entire duration of its use.

The battery is leased for nine years, with a RM275 monthly fee that is combined into a single monthly instalment through the bank. From a customer’s point of view, it works like a normal hire purchase payment, only with the battery portion automatically channelled back to Perodua.

Keeping the battery under Perodua’s control gives the company full responsibility over its health, insurance and end-of-life handling. The battery is covered throughout the subscription period with a guaranteed minimum state of health of 70 per cent, eliminating the usual worries about costly replacements years down the line.

Resale is also tightly controlled. Because the battery is not transferable, a used QV-E cannot be sold to the open market. Instead, it must be returned to Perodua through its POV Certified Used Car programme. The next owner will then sign a fresh battery lease. This allows Perodua to regulate second-hand values, ensure proper battery condition and prevent abandoned or mishandled EV packs from entering the market.

Every QV-E battery is equipped with its own tracker, powered independently, so Perodua can detect if the pack has been removed, tampered with or left idle for a long period. When triggered, Perodua can dispatch a dedicated Battery Rescue team to secure and recover the pack safely.

For buyers, the BaaS model aims to remove the biggest unknown in EV ownership: what happens to the battery years later. With Perodua taking full control of maintenance, performance, resale and disposal, the QV-E is shaped to be a more predictable long-term ownership experience rather than just an affordable EV.

Dato’ Sri Zainal said the development of the QV-E reflects Perodua’s push to prioritise modern functionality, safety and everyday comfort, all of which were shaped by findings from the company’s R&D team.

“All the features within the QV-E were created with the latest functionality, advanced safety and comfort in mind based on a detailed study conducted by our Research and Development (R&D) department. Ultimately, this model is the outcome of Malaysians coming together to create something uniquely ours, from design to engineering, the QV-E offers a path all of us can benefit from,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

Perodua’s involvement in the national EV agenda began when it was appointed under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, launched by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on 1 September 2023, to lead local automotive manufacturers in shaping the country’s EV ecosystem.

The company is currently working closely with Malaysian suppliers to boost localisation. Perodua aims to achieve more than 50 per cent local content by early 2026 and reach 70 per cent by 2030. At present, 52 domestic vendors supply components for the QV-E, with plans to expand this network to 70 within the next five years.

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