The first Malaysian electric car was priced at $19,000, but the battery was not included

Malaysian Perodua has unveiled its first production electric vehicle — QV-E, short for Quest for Visionary Electric Vehicle. The novelty costs from 80,000 ringgit (approximately $19,400) excluding the battery. The fact is that the energy storage is provided by subscription and paid separately.

What is known

QV-E is a subcompact crossover and the first fully electric vehicle developed independently by the company. Unlike the competing Proton e.MAS 7 and e.MAS 5, which are renamed Geely models, Perodua relied on their own platform and invested 800 million ringgit (about $194 million) in development. Work began in 2023 with the EMO (Electric Motion Online) concept layout, followed by the EMO-I driveable prototype in 2024, and the EMO-II concept in December of the same year. By May 2025, the project had grown into a full-fledged prototype, which became the basis of the production QV-E.

The 4.1-meter-long crossover combines compact proportions with sporty accents. The front features split LED optics, a sculpted hood, and widened fenders. The profile resembles the previous generation Toyota C-HR and the current Nissan Juke, especially the window line. The front handles are recessed into the doors, while the rear ones are hidden in the pillars.

The rear sloping roof converges with a wide light strip and an integrated diffuser. The car is equipped with 18-inch wheels and is currently available only in two colors — Ice Blue and Caviar Gray.

In the interior, the focus is more on practicality. Two 10.25-inch panels — the instrument cluster and multimedia display — cover the basic needs without trying to impress. A floating central console, lighting, and 'aluminum-look' inserts add a bit of style, but the overall look remains minimalist. The equipment includes six airbags and a set of driver assistance systems.

Perodua QV-E is built on a modular platform developed with the participation of Magna Steyr. The front-mounted electric motor produces 204 hp (150 kW) and 285 Nm. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes 7.5 seconds.

The battery is a lithium iron phosphate type, manufactured by the Chinese company CATL, with a capacity of 52.5 kWh. The NEDC cycle claims a range of up to 445 km. However, the battery is not included in the price: it is offered by subscription for 275 ringgit ($67) per month under a nine-year contract. According to Perodua CEO Zainal Abidin Ahmad, the Battery-as-a-Service scheme provides 'lifetime warranty on the battery and reduces anxiety associated with owning an electric vehicle.'

Production will be organized in Malaysia: initially 500 cars per month, with plans to increase production to 3,000 by the third quarter of 2026. Bloomberg notes that by the beginning of 2026, the share of local components should reach 50 percent, and by 2030 — 70 percent.

Source: Bloomberg