Malaysia-based Perodua has on Monday launched its first battery electric vehicle (EV) named QV-E as part of the national car company’s agenda to develop a sustainable EV
ecosystem.

The QV-E, which stands for “Quest for Visionary Electric Vehicle” took MYR 800 million ($194 million) to develop and is produced at Perodua’s newest manufacturing facility – the “Smart Mobility Plant”, Perodua said in a statement.

“For now, we are able to produce 500 units a month, but we would be able to offer 3,000 units a month by the third quarter of 2026,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

The QV-E uses a lithium iron phosphate battery (52.5kW) and has a range capacity of up to 445KM (NEDC) depending on driving style, temperature and road conditions.

“All the features within the QV-E were created with the latest functionality, advanced safety and comfort in mind based on a detailed study conducted by our research
and development (R&D) department,

“Ultimately, this model is the outcome of Malaysians coming together to create something uniquely ours, from design to engineering, the QV-E offers a path all of us can benefit from,” Zainal said.

In the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, which was unveiled by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on September 1, 2023, Perodua was appointed to champion and lead the local automotive manufacturers in developing the EV ecosystem.

Perodua said the firm is aggressively working with local vendors to localize the components to over 50 percent by early 2026 and to 70 percent by 2030.

So far, a total of 52 Malaysian companies supply auto components for QV-E and the compact car company is
looking to increase the number to 70 vendors within five years (by 2030).

Led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and supported by various ministries and government agencies, Perodua was able to produce an EV vehicle in 28 months.

“The support given to us by the government has been instrumental in revolutionizing the Malaysian EV ecosystem and at the same time placing great attention to quality,
reliability and the latest in digital technology,” Zainal said.

According to the statement, the main target buyers consist of middle-income earners and above, additional car buyer or replacement car buyer for daily use or weekend trips.

Perodua also introduces the battery leasing concept known as ‘Battery as a Service’ whereby the car’s body is sold separately from the battery.

“This concept is our solution towards reducing owner’s anxiety when owning a battery electric vehicle,

“By offering this service we will be able to offer a lifetime guarantee on the battery for our customers’ peace of mind,” Zainal said.

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