Malaysia’s Perodua has entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with the QV-E, a subcompact crossover marking the nation’s first domestically developed zero-emission car. The vehicle itself starts at $19,400, but a key component – the battery – is not included and must be leased for an additional $67 per month under a nine-year contract.
Domestic Development and Investment
Unlike competitor Proton, which rebadges existing Geely models, Perodua invested 800 million ringgit ($194 million) into original research and engineering, beginning in 2023. The project evolved through several concept stages (EMO, EMO-I, EMO-II) before reaching the production QV-E model. This development represents a strategic push to build local EV capabilities rather than relying on foreign designs.
Design and Performance
The QV-E, measuring 4,170 mm in length, blends a compact footprint with coupe-like styling reminiscent of Toyota’s C-HR and Nissan’s Juke. It features sharp LED headlights, flush door handles, and a sloping rear with a full-width light bar. The interior includes dual 10.25-inch screens and basic safety features such as six airbags and an ADAS suite.
The vehicle is powered by a single 201 hp electric motor driving the front wheels, achieving 0–62 mph in 7.5 seconds. It uses a 52.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery supplied by CATL, claiming a range of up to 276 miles (NEDC cycle). The battery is not sold outright but leased through Perodua’s “Battery-as-a-Service” model, which the company claims will reduce customer anxiety about battery degradation.
Production and Market Goals
Perodua plans to begin local production with 500 units per month, scaling up to 3,000 by the third quarter of 2026. The company aims to increase local parts content from 50% in early 2026 to 70% by 2030. The launch aligns with the Malaysian government’s goal of achieving 15% EV sales by the end of the decade.
The Battery-as-a-Service model ensures a lifetime guarantee on the battery for our customers’ peace of mind, says Perodua CEO Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
This launch is significant because it shows Malaysia’s ambition to move beyond being an assembly hub for foreign automakers and establish itself as a manufacturer of original EV technology. The leasing model, while controversial, reflects a broader trend in the industry where battery costs are a major barrier to entry for consumers.
