Electric vehicles are beginning to electrify Malaysian roads en masse, but their new technology leaves many potential buyers anxious.
How far can we drive on a single charge? Are EVs just miniature golf carts masking as cars? Does going electric mean strangling our budget?
Luckily, after test-driving tons of new EVs now available here, we’re ready to walk you through the most affordable electric options eligible car buyers could bring home in 2023.
With over 20 years under our team’s belt evaluating the latest vehicles, we get the uncertainty folks feel around transitioning from petrol. But we’ll overcome information overload by combining our first-hand experience behind the wheel with real-world data on the driving range, charge times, interior space and features.
This guide breaks everything down from total ownership costs to maintenance needs to the ideal EV match, depending on your budget. We’ll also tackle lingering concerns over range anxiety, charging access near us, and mysterious battery lifespans.
What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)
An electric vehicle, or EV, uses an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine like petrol vehicles have. EVs use large, high-capacity battery packs to store electricity that powers the motor. These battery packs get charged by plugging the car into an electric power source.
EVs produce zero direct exhaust emissions since they don’t burn any fuel. This makes them much better for the environment compared to petrol cars. The electricity stored in the battery provides power to turn the motor and wheels. Thus, no explosions under the hood!
Why Are EVs Popular Now?
Several key factors are driving electric vehicle adoption right now:
Falling Battery Prices – As battery production scales up, costs are coming down, making EVs more accessible. Technology breakthroughs also improve storage capacity.
Growing Charging Infrastructure – More public charging points alleviate range anxiety for potential EV buyers. Apps help locate stations, too.
Environmental Awareness – Climate change concerns consumers to consider “greener” transport options like EVs to reduce emissions.
Government Incentives – Attractive rebates, tax relief and other perks lower EV pricing for buyers while encouraging electric vehicle purchases.
Cheapest EVs in Malaysia 2023
|
EV |
Price (RM) |
Range (km) |
Engine (kWh) |
Efficiency (kWh/100km) |
Highlights |
Best For |
|
Neta V |
99,800 |
384 |
31.7 |
13.8 |
Affordable, spacious, good range |
Budget buyers, city use |
|
Ora Good Cat |
139,800 |
400 |
47.8 |
12.3 |
Stylish, practical, good range |
Eco-conscious urban use |
|
Chery eQ1 |
140,800 |
300 |
35.5 |
15 |
Compact, easy-to-drive |
City use, short commute |
|
Nissan Leaf |
181,263 |
322 |
40 |
15.5 |
Proven, reliable |
Early adopters, value seekers |
|
Hyundai Kona Electric |
189,888 |
484 |
39.2 |
14.3 |
Spacious, long-range |
Families, road trips |
The Neta V – Malaysia’s Most Affordable EV
Priced at a groundbreaking RM 99,800, the newly-arrived Neta V brings electric driving down to an affordable level for the average Malaysian. Surpassing the practicality offered by pricier rivals, this cheerful electric hatchback captures the essence of fuss-free urban mobility.
Ideal Blend of Range & Value
Its 31.7 kWh battery stretches up to 384km between recharges, thus eliminating range anxiety during daily driving. Impressively thrifty, the Neta V goes further than the MINI Electric despite undercutting it by over RM 130k. You’ll be at ease commuting cross-city or making suburb-to-city work treks.
Inside, the deceptively spacious cabin provides genuine five-seater roominess with high roof height for passengers. The spec sheet brims with family-friendly features, too, like keyless entry with push-button start, auto headlamps, ample charging ports, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen.
Who’s The Neta V For?
This wallet-friendly EV hits a sweet spot for three key demographics:
- First-time EV buyers finally reaching affordability
- Growing families needing space & value
- Urban commuters who value efficiency
The Verdict for The Neta V
The Neta V singlehandedly proves EVs don’t have to induce range anxiety or budget dread. Instead, smart packaging makes emission-free driving more accessible than ever.
The Ora Good Cat – A Stylish Electric Charmer
Priced attractively at RM139,800, the new Ora Good Cat packs plenty of purr-sonality into an artfully styled electric package. From its flowing bodywork to quirky front fascia, this visually arresting hatchback proves EVs can be full of character and flair.
Sleek Styling, No Compromises
Its organic silhouette and prominent grille help the Ora Good Cat’s exterior push boundaries compared to often generic EVs. Yet the desirably modern cabin provides better spaciousness than expected and a minimalist but upscale vibe. Settling in reveals a crisp digital dash with a responsive 9-inch touch display.
Powered by an ample 47.8 kWh battery, the rated 400km driving range breeds confidence for urban commutes and daily driving needs. Quick charging support allows topping up 180KM worth of charge in just 30 minutes.
Who’s The Good Cat For?
This creatively styled EV hits the mark for three buyer types:
- Unconventional design that stands
- Reliable range to handle city driving
- Avant-garde looks backed by substance
The Verdict for The Ora Good Cat
The cheeky Ora Good Cat proves futuristic EVs can captivate drivers through emotive aesthetics as much as on-paper stats. Its substance lives up to the style.
The Chery eQ1: A Budget-Friendly Electric Ride
Arriving at an impressively accessible RM140,800, the lively Chery eQ1 brings zero-emissions mobility to first-time EV buyers without breaking budgets. The eQ1 sets itself apart through a cheerful, compact footprint for navigating congested cities quickly while delivering adequate everyday range.
Nimble City Slicker
At just 3,597 mm long, this upbeat urban runabout feels nimble and eager, thanks to a tight turning radius and light steering. Its compact dimensions make threading through traffic and parking in tight spaces refreshingly fuss-free. Yet a spacious cabin provides ample room for four adults to ride comfortably.
Simplified Driving Experience
Many affordable EVs can overwhelm novice electric drivers with overly complex interfaces, yet the Chery eQ1 favours simplicity. The clean interior layout keeps things refreshingly straightforward using its 6.2-inch digital instrument cluster and 9-inch touchscreen. Convenient driving aids enhance the user-friendly experience too, including:
- Keyless entry w/ start button
- Automatic brake hold
- Auto on/off headlights
- Electronic stability/traction control
Who’s The eQ1 Best For?
This cheerful compact EV hits the mark for:
- First-time electric vehicle shoppers
- Drivers needing reliable urban transportation
- Buyers wanting the latest tech made unintimidating
The Verdict for The Chery eQ1
The well-priced Chery eQ1 provides an unintimidating gateway to emission-free driving through smartly packaged electric mobility in a fun-to-drive form.
The Nissan Leaf: A Trailblazing EV Vet
As one of the world’s first mainstream electric vehicles, the Nissan Leaf has cemented itself as a proven leader, boasting over 600,000 global sales since 2010. Available in Malaysia, priced from RM181,263, the second-generation Leaf provides eco-conscious drivers with familiarity and reliability backed by Nissan’s expertise honed over a decade.
Established Technology You Can Trust
While newer budget EV rivals have emerged recently, none match the real-world validation of Nissan’s blockbuster hatchback. Its 40 kWh battery delivers 322km of driving range, meeting daily mobility needs. The Leaf’s credentials also instil confidence thanks to advanced features present like:
- ProPilot driver assistance
- e-Pedal one-pedal driving
Intelligent cruise control - Automatic emergency braking
Inside, the Leaf’s modern cabin provides pleasing ergonomics and intuitive controls through its 7-inch digital gauge cluster and 8-inch touchscreen display.
Who’s The Leaf Best For?
As an established electric pioneer, the Nissan Leaf hits the sweet spot for:
- Early EV adopters prefer proven tech
- Drivers needing a reputable range
- Shoppers want reliability with the latest features
The Verdict for The Nissan Leaf
Backed by Nissan’s decade of EV expertise, the Leaf provides eco-minded Malaysian drivers with a trustworthy high-tech hatchback to reduce their carbon footprint.
The Hyundai Kona Electric: A Long-Range Family EV
As the most affordable electric crossover SUV in Malaysia, priced at RM 189,888, the Hyundai Kona Electric provides an impressive interior room paired with a generous 484km range — an ideal blend for families needing a practical zero-emissions vehicle.
Roomy Yet Efficient
The Kona Electric’s sleek exterior hides a spacious cabin able to transport up to five occupants in comfort despite its eco-friendly motivations. Settling inside reveals SUV levels of head and legroom for all onboard, with segment-topping cargo capacity, too. HomeAway trips load up hassle-free.
Thanks to its beefy 64 kWh battery, stretchable to 484km combined, those dimensions don’t hamper efficiency. Helping achieve the impressive range are thoughtful details like brake-energy regeneration while driving optimises mileage. Fast charging regains 80% of charge in under an hour.
Key Features Family Will Appreciate
- Convenient power liftgate with adjustable height
- Power driver seat with lumbar adjustment
- Automatic climate control (dual-zone)
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Multi-collision brake assist
- Lane keep/follow assist
Who Does The Kona Electric Suit?
This family-friendly electric SUV hits the sweet spot for:
- Households needing generous seating
- Those making regular long road trips
- Drivers covering higher annual mileage
In sum, the Kona Electric ably balances eco-minded transportation with the user-friendly strengths modern families expect.
Things You Need To Know Before Owning an Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles (EVs) provide an eco-friendly transportation option by producing zero driving emissions. But before making the switch, there are a few considerations future EV owners should weigh regarding upfront costs, charging logistics, driving range, and maintenance needs.
Our team will outline the main factors to assess if an electric car fits your lifestyle.
Upfront and Ownership Costs
While EV sticker prices still exceed comparable petrol vehicles, the gap continues to narrow as battery costs fall. In Malaysia, electric vehicles priced from RM100k to RM200k are also available. You should also evaluate total ownership costs. While an EV may cost more than an average vehicle, its lower fueling and maintenance costs will pay off over time.
Home and Public Charging Considerations
Home Charging: Install a Type 2 charger to conveniently charge daily at your residence. Assess your electrical panel’s capacity to handle the added load.
Public Charging: Malaysia’s charging infrastructure is steadily growing. Apps like ChargEV help locate the nearest stations. Consider workplace and destination station access, too.
Charging Time: A full charge provides roughly 300+ km for affordable EVs. Expect 3-9 hour charge times depending on charger type.
Driving Range
Today’s EVs can reliably drive 200-400km between charges, which is quite suitable for most urban commuters’ daily needs. Those traversing longer distances should consider current EV ranges when purchasing. You should always monitor your energy consumption to maximise mileage range.
Maintenance Requirements
EVs have fewer mechanical parts requiring service than internal combustion vehicles. However, they still need tyre rotations, brake pad replacement, battery checks, and software updates. While pricier, EV battery pack replacements may not be needed during average ownership terms.
Advantages of Owning an Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles (EVs) provide drivers with an eco-friendly transportation option that produces zero emissions while offering lower operating costs than petrol vehicles. As EV technology continues advancing rapidly, the ownership benefits are accelerating, too. Let’s explore the expanding upside of driving electric.
Cleaner Urban Environments
As electric motors emit no exhaust fumes, widespread EV adoption improves air quality, which is especially helpful in dense city areas more affected by air pollution. According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy, EV usage through 2030 could collectively prevent 3 million tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
Lower Fueling & Maintenance Requirements
EVs prove more efficient than petrol engines at converting energy to power, making electricity cheaper per kilometre than fueling up. With fewer mechanical parts requiring service, EVs benefit from less long-term maintenance outside consumables like tires or wiper fluid. Oil changes become obsolete!
Government Incentives & EV Privileges
Malaysia encourages electric vehicle adoption by providing incentives such as import/excise duty exemptions and individual income tax relief of up to RM5,000. Additional EV owner perks include permitted use of bus lanes during rush hour, unique parking stalls, and toll discounts.
Leading-Edge Vehicle Technology
Modern EVs boast cutting-edge technology, delivering an enhanced driving experience through features like:
- Instant torque acceleration
- Available self-driving aids
- Over-the-air software updates
- Crisp touchscreen interfaces
The Takeaway
From Lower operating costs to reduced environmental impact, electric vehicles give Malaysian drivers clear advantages over traditional combustion engines. As battery range improves while sticker prices achieve parity with petrol variants, EVs make increasing sense for mainstream car buyers.
Disadvantages of Owning an Electric Vehicle
While electric vehicles (EVs) provide eco-friendly transportation with compelling ownership incentives, they currently come with tradeoffs that petrol vehicles do not.
As EV battery tech and charging networks continue maturing, these disadvantages diminish annually. But for now, factors like higher sticker prices, range limitations and charging logistics remain hurdles for some drivers.
Increased Upfront Costs
The main restriction keeping some buyers from EVs is their premium purchase prices, which are typically RM30k+ higher than comparable combustion engine vehicles. Larger battery packs required for adequate range are still expensive to produce. However, some automakers sell EVs equaling base model petrol variant pricing before incentives.
Range & Charging Considerations
Today’s affordable EVs average approximately 300km between charges, which is less than a typical petrol vehicle’s range. This reinforces range anxiety for some drivers. While daily commuting distances suit most EVs, road trippers may need to plan charging stops. Home installation of Type 2 chargers can conveniently offset this.
Public charging points expand outside urban hubs, but it is less rapidly than desired. Apps and online resources help locate stations, but rural owners still need additional infrastructure. In summary, charging an EV requires more patience than quick petrol fill-ups.
Battery Life Concerns
EV batteries gradually lose maximum charge capacity over their lifespan, which averages 8-10 years based on driving style. Heat exposure and frequent fast charging accelerates degradation. While replacement packs are costly, advancing battery chemistries improve longevity, so this may not occur during ownership terms.
In summary, EVs demand some adaptability from drivers, but the benefits greatly outweigh the current downsides as the technology matures. Test driving is the best way to gauge if range or charging needs to outpace an EV’s upsides.
Conclusion
As fuel prices and environmental awareness continue rising, electric vehicles quickly become a viable mainstream transportation option for more Malaysian drivers. Falling EV prices and significantly improved driving range have put options like the Neta V and Ora Good Cat within reach like never before.
While upfront costs exceed petrol vehicles for now, the total cost of ownership benefits like lower fueling and maintenance plus government incentives help offset more of the sticker price shock than ever. Test driving new affordable EV offerings provides the best way to gauge if freedom from the petrol pump outweighs considerations around the range, charging logistics, or model availability.
For urban commuters and suburban families needing reliable, efficient and fuss-free mobility, 2023 presents an unprecedented opportunity to switch to electric. Continued EV tech improvements and infrastructure expansion will only make adoption an easier decision moving forward. The electric mobility future has arrived, and drivers are beginning to realise its advantages.
Read More Related Article: The Cheapest Car in Malaysia
FAQ
What is an EV Car?
An electric vehicle (EV) uses an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. EVs run on electricity stored in large battery packs, which are charged by plugging the vehicle into an electric power source.
Will finding an EV car charging station in Malaysia be difficult?
As of 2023, Malaysia has over 1,000 public EV charging stations. However, infrastructure still needs to catch up compared to petrol stations. Apps like ChargEV help locate stations, but further expansion is needed for rural owners. Charging at home is the most convenient.
Does an EV Car need to pay road tax?
Yes, but at a lower rate than comparable petrol vehicles. EVs in Malaysia receive a 100% road tax exemption during the first year of ownership. Subsequent years are calculated at a reduced rate based on kW output.
How many kilometers can a fully charged EV go?
Today’s affordable EVs average about 300km between charges based on battery size and driving style. Entry-level options provide 200 km+, while pricier models stretch past 400km per full charge.
Is it worth buying an EV Car in Malaysia?
For the right consumer living in an urban area, EVs can save on fuel costs and reduce environmental impact. Improving range and more charging stations are making EVs practical for more Malaysians annually. Test driving is key to evaluating if an EV fits your needs.
