Malaysia's First Electric Vehicle Priced at $19,000 with Batteries Sold Separately | Carscoops

Malaysia's First Electric Vehicle Priced at $19,000 with Batteries Sold Separately | Carscoops

      The Perodua QV-E is Malaysia’s first entirely locally produced electric vehicle, featuring a battery subscription service.

       9 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       by Thanos Pappas

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      This locally developed EV starts at $19,400.

      Purchasers are required to lease the 52.5-kWh battery for a nine-year period.

      The electric motor produces 201 hp and offers a range of 277 miles.

      

      Malaysian car manufacturer Perodua has made its initial significant move towards electrification with the release of the QV-E, which stands for Quest for Visionary Electric Vehicle.

      

      

      This subcompact crossover represents the brand’s first model that emits no emissions and includes a subscription-based battery option that lowers the initial cost, although it’s not a true saving as the vehicle cannot operate without the leased component.

      More: This Country Can’t Stop Snatching High-End Cars And Exotics Off Its Streets

      The QV-E also uniquely stands as Malaysia’s first electric car developed domestically. In contrast, rival Proton’s e.MAS 7 SUV and e.MAS 5 hatchback are rebranded versions of Geely products, while Perodua has invested significantly in creating something original. Development commenced in 2023, involving research and engineering expenses totaling 800 million ringgit (approximately $194 million).

      

      

      The journey began with a scale model of the EMO (Electric Motion Online) concept in May 2023, followed by the EMO-I hatchback prototype a year later and the EMO-II crossover design unveiled in December 2024. By May 2025, the design evolved into a functioning prototype, offering the public a first glimpse of what would ultimately be the production QV-E.

      Compact Size, Coupe-SUV Features

      

      

      

      Perodua

      With a length of 4,170 mm (164.2 inches) and a 2,680 mm (105.5-inch) wheelbase, the QV-E combines compact proportions with a sporty appearance. It showcases sharp split LED headlights, a sculptured hood, and robust wheel arches at the front.

      The profile resembles the previous-generation Toyota C-HR and the current Nissan Juke, especially around the window line. The front door handles are integrated into the bodywork, while the rear handles are concealed on the C-pillars.

      

      

      More: Dodge Won’t Sell You One, So A Tiny Automaker Made This Hemi V8 Coupe

      At the rear, the sloping roofline integrates with a full-width light bar and a built-in diffuser. The crossover is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and is currently available in two colors: Ice Blue and Caviar Gray.

      Basic Interior

      

      

      Inside, the dashboard prioritizes practicality over inspiration. Two 10.25-inch screens, one for infotainment and the other for instrumentation, cover essential functions without offering innovative features.

      

      

      The floating center console, ambient lighting, and aluminum-style trim attempt to enhance the atmosphere, but the overall feel remains more economical than state-of-the-art. Safety features are comprehensive, including six airbags and a complete ADAS package.

      Single Powertrain Choice

      The Perodua QV-E is built on a modular platform developed with help from Magna Steyr. It is powered by a single electric motor that delivers 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque, propelling the front wheels and achieving 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 7.5 seconds.

      The lithium iron phosphate battery, provided by China’s CATL, has a capacity of 52.5 kWh, claiming up to 445 km (276 miles) of range under the optimistic NEDC testing cycle. However, the catch is that this crucial component is not included in the vehicle's purchase price.

      Purchase the Vehicle, Lease the Battery

      The Perodua QV-E is priced starting at 80,000 ringgit (equivalent to $19,400 at current exchange rates), but buyers will need to pay an additional 275 ringgit ($67) monthly for the battery under a nine-year lease agreement.

      Perodua CEO Zainal Abidin Ahmad states that the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model offers “a lifetime guarantee on the battery for our customers’ peace of mind,” describing it as a method to lessen the ownership concerns often associated with electric vehicles.

      Production is set to occur locally in Malaysia, beginning with 500 units per month and aiming to increase to 3,000 by the third quarter of 2026. Bloomberg reports that Perodua aims for 50 percent local parts content by early 2026, rising to 70 percent by 2030.

      The adoption of electric vehicles in Malaysia is

Malaysia's First Electric Vehicle Priced at $19,000 with Batteries Sold Separately | Carscoops

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Malaysia's First Electric Vehicle Priced at $19,000 with Batteries Sold Separately | Carscoops

The Perodua QV-E signifies Malaysia's inaugural entirely locally produced electric vehicle, presenting a battery subscription model.