Top EV FAQs answered

The future of transportation, be it passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles or public transport like trains, buses, etc. is about to transform as the world readies to embrace electric technology. The EV wave has hit not just prominent automotive markets, but Malaysia too, though it is yet in the infancy stage. As the world is set to witness the shift from fossil fuel-driven vehicles to electric motors, several questions pop up regarding owning an electric vehicle, and the current options we have in the market. This write-up walks you through everything related to EVs, and much more, have a look.

Currently, Malaysia has a handful of electric vehicle options including BMW i3, BMW i8, and the Nissan Leaf. All of these belong to the luxury segment and carry a lofty price tag, which makes them pricey for a common man. While the choices are skimpy for electric vehicles at the moment, we hope to see some affordable models in the future. The government is also supporting the green vehicle drive through its national transport policy which promotes the use of electric vehicles.

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What are electric vehicles, and how are they different from hybrids?

The electric vehicles use stored electric cell which has no carbon footprint. This set-up varies from an all-electric vehicle (AEV) which collects power from a grid or source. It is worth noting that AEVs are zero-emission vehicles. On the other hand, a hybrid makes use of two mechanisms for power and propulsion. Most of the hybrids feature an electric motor along with a petrol engine. This symbiosis helps curb fuel consumption, hence aiding better fuel economy. At the same time, it also ensures minimal CO2 emissions as compared to fossil fuel-powered vehicles (petrol and diesel).

What type of battery does an electric vehicle carry?

Currently, the electric vehicles use two kinds of batteries-the lithium-ion (Li-ion), and the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH). In Europe, the electric vehicles are claimed to offer higher ranges as against the EVs manufactured in Asia. The Japanese car major is currently developing a new generation of high capacity batteries that will take relatively less time for charging.

What range does a standard EV offer?

The high-end EVs available in global markets promise an impressive range of 250-300 miles or even more. As for the standard EV range, it lies between 80 to 100 miles. Speaking of the Malaysian market, there are just a handful of electric models which we have already mentioned in the beginning. From the available models, Nissan Leaf has an excellent range of 311 km, while the BMW i3 has a maximum usable range of 245 km.

How many kilowatts/ hour does an EV car battery consume?

The number of kilowatt/hour is directly proportional to the distance it covers, and the total range it is capable of offering. This number varies for different markets; the Euro-spec electric vehicles usually consume between 62 to 90kWh, and the Asian electric vehicles stand at 40 kWh.

Are there charging stations in the country?

Yes, there are charging stations in Malaysia. As of September 2018, the country had just 400 charging stations, much behind the target of 3000 by the end of 2018. The government plans on expanding the infrastructure to support EVs, and as a part of its expansion plans the government hopes to have 10,000 electric vehicles, 2000 electric buses, and 10,000 electric bikes in the country. This would require ample charging stations across the nation. The National Electric Mobility Blueprint (2015-2030) presented a few months ago mentions the plan to construct 12,500 charging stations.

Can electric vehicles be charged at home?

Yes, the electric vehicles can be charged at home by using an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), though it could be a bit pricey. While acquiring and installing an EVSE is a bit expensive, it offers the convenience of charging your electric vehicle from home. Another important factor that EV owners should keep in mind is the amount of back-up power required before it needs to be charged at a charging station.

Malaysia has pledged to achieve 42 per cent CO2 emissions by 2030, and the government is working towards achieving the goal well with the given deadline. It has also curbed taxes on EVs to promote sales of EVs in the country. Hopefully, we will get to see more EVs plying on the Malaysian roads in future.

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