Malaysia's Electric Vehicle Surge: A Local Challenge to Global Giants
April 1, 2025, 4:39 pm
The electric vehicle (EV) landscape in Malaysia is shifting. Local brands are stepping up to challenge the dominance of global giants like BYD and Tesla. Proton Holdings and Perodua are leading this charge, armed with affordable models that cater to the Malaysian market.
Proton's e.MAS 7 SUV is making waves. Launched in December 2024, it has already surpassed 1,000 units sold. This is no small feat. It has become the top EV in registrations, outpacing even BYD. Proton's CEO is keen on maintaining this momentum. The company is not just resting on its laurels; it plans to introduce more models this year.
The Malaysian government is backing this push. It encourages local automakers to create EVs priced below MYR 100,000 (USD 22,770). This is part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions. The goal is ambitious: 15% of new vehicle sales should be EVs or hybrids by 2030.
Proton's e.MAS 7 is based on Geely’s Galaxy E5. This partnership with Geely, a Chinese automotive giant, is strategic. Proton is currently importing its EVs from a Geely plant in China. However, plans are in motion to assemble these vehicles locally in Perak state. This shift will cut down on tariffs and transportation costs, making EVs even more affordable for Malaysians.
The e.MAS 7 comes in two versions: the Prime and the Premium. The Prime is priced at MYR 109,800 (USD 25,000), nearly 30% cheaper than BYD’s Atto 3. It offers a competitive size and horsepower, but its range of 345 kilometers falls short of the Atto 3’s 400 kilometers. It also lacks some tech features, like smartphone connectivity.
Perodua, Malaysia's top automaker, is also entering the EV fray. It plans to release its first EV between October and December 2025. This model will be sold without a battery, reducing initial costs. Instead, customers will lease the battery, making the vehicle itself more affordable at around MYR 80,000 (USD 18,215).
The Malaysian EV market is growing. In 2024, EV registrations surged by 80%, reaching 28,048. While this is just 3% of all vehicles, it shows a clear trend. EVs have even surpassed hybrids in popularity.
However, challenges remain. Building a robust EV charging network is crucial. Currently, gasoline-powered vehicles dominate the roads. The Malaysian automotive market is still recovering from the pandemic, with total sales reaching about 810,000 vehicles last year. Proton's sales dipped slightly, while Perodua saw an 8% increase.
The competition is fierce. BYD held a 31% market share in 2024, while Tesla captured 18%. Local brands must carve out their niche. Analysts note that Proton and Perodua are adopting different strategies. Proton is leveraging its partnership with Geely, but this may limit its ability to differentiate itself in export markets. Perodua, on the other hand, is taking a more measured approach, developing its own EV lineup.
The road ahead is fraught with obstacles. The success of these local brands hinges on their ability to scale production and maintain cost competitiveness. The Malaysian government’s support is vital, but it must also ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with EV growth.
As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, Malaysia is positioning itself as a player in the EV market. The local push against established giants like BYD and Tesla is not just about cars; it’s about national pride and economic resilience.
In the coming years, the Malaysian automotive landscape will evolve. With the right strategies and support, local brands can thrive. The e.MAS 7 and Perodua’s upcoming model are just the beginning. The future of Malaysian EVs is bright, but it requires careful navigation through the challenges ahead.
The journey is just starting. Local brands are ready to take the wheel. They aim to drive Malaysia into a new era of electric mobility. The race is on, and the stakes are high. Will they succeed? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the Malaysian EV market is revving up, and it’s ready to make its mark.
Proton's e.MAS 7 SUV is making waves. Launched in December 2024, it has already surpassed 1,000 units sold. This is no small feat. It has become the top EV in registrations, outpacing even BYD. Proton's CEO is keen on maintaining this momentum. The company is not just resting on its laurels; it plans to introduce more models this year.
The Malaysian government is backing this push. It encourages local automakers to create EVs priced below MYR 100,000 (USD 22,770). This is part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions. The goal is ambitious: 15% of new vehicle sales should be EVs or hybrids by 2030.
Proton's e.MAS 7 is based on Geely’s Galaxy E5. This partnership with Geely, a Chinese automotive giant, is strategic. Proton is currently importing its EVs from a Geely plant in China. However, plans are in motion to assemble these vehicles locally in Perak state. This shift will cut down on tariffs and transportation costs, making EVs even more affordable for Malaysians.
The e.MAS 7 comes in two versions: the Prime and the Premium. The Prime is priced at MYR 109,800 (USD 25,000), nearly 30% cheaper than BYD’s Atto 3. It offers a competitive size and horsepower, but its range of 345 kilometers falls short of the Atto 3’s 400 kilometers. It also lacks some tech features, like smartphone connectivity.
Perodua, Malaysia's top automaker, is also entering the EV fray. It plans to release its first EV between October and December 2025. This model will be sold without a battery, reducing initial costs. Instead, customers will lease the battery, making the vehicle itself more affordable at around MYR 80,000 (USD 18,215).
The Malaysian EV market is growing. In 2024, EV registrations surged by 80%, reaching 28,048. While this is just 3% of all vehicles, it shows a clear trend. EVs have even surpassed hybrids in popularity.
However, challenges remain. Building a robust EV charging network is crucial. Currently, gasoline-powered vehicles dominate the roads. The Malaysian automotive market is still recovering from the pandemic, with total sales reaching about 810,000 vehicles last year. Proton's sales dipped slightly, while Perodua saw an 8% increase.
The competition is fierce. BYD held a 31% market share in 2024, while Tesla captured 18%. Local brands must carve out their niche. Analysts note that Proton and Perodua are adopting different strategies. Proton is leveraging its partnership with Geely, but this may limit its ability to differentiate itself in export markets. Perodua, on the other hand, is taking a more measured approach, developing its own EV lineup.
The road ahead is fraught with obstacles. The success of these local brands hinges on their ability to scale production and maintain cost competitiveness. The Malaysian government’s support is vital, but it must also ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with EV growth.
As the world shifts towards sustainable transportation, Malaysia is positioning itself as a player in the EV market. The local push against established giants like BYD and Tesla is not just about cars; it’s about national pride and economic resilience.
In the coming years, the Malaysian automotive landscape will evolve. With the right strategies and support, local brands can thrive. The e.MAS 7 and Perodua’s upcoming model are just the beginning. The future of Malaysian EVs is bright, but it requires careful navigation through the challenges ahead.
The journey is just starting. Local brands are ready to take the wheel. They aim to drive Malaysia into a new era of electric mobility. The race is on, and the stakes are high. Will they succeed? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the Malaysian EV market is revving up, and it’s ready to make its mark.