Malaysia has officially entered a new chapter in its electric mobility journey with the launch of the Perodua QV-E, the brand’s first fully homegrown EV and arguably one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by the company.
Unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Perodua QV-E is more than just a new model—it represents Perodua’s attempt to build a national electric vehicle from the ground up, at a time when EV development in Japan and its partner Daihatsu was not aligned with Malaysia’s immediate goals.
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A Clean-Sheet EV Built Under Pressure
Perodua has admitted that an EV of this scale wasn’t even in its product pipeline a few years ago. But when the government publicly announced a 2025 deadline for a locally developed electric car, the company was forced to pivot rapidly. With no donor model from Daihatsu or Toyota and limited early guidance, Perodua spent more than RM800 million and clocked 266,000 R&D hours to bring the project to life.
The result is the Perodua QV-E, a car Perodua says it “built with our hands,” complete with its own intellectual property—including its platform. Some of the world’s best names were brought in where necessary, most notably Magna Steyr, the Austrian engineering powerhouse behind models such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Jaguar I-Pace.
Magna acted as a high-level consultant, helping Perodua develop a modular architecture intended to support future A- and B-segment EVs.
For a company known for compact, value-driven ICE cars, this is a dramatic step into a much larger arena.
Pricing and a Different Ownership Philosophy
The Perodua QV-E starts at RM80,000, but Perodua is breaking convention by offering the battery on a subscription basis rather than bundling it into the vehicle price. Under the brand’s new Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, owners pay RM275 monthly (RM297 with SST) for the pack, regardless of whether the vehicle is financed or bought outright.
Perodua argues that this approach tackles the biggest barrier to EV adoption—battery longevity, replacement cost, and long-term depreciation. Since the battery remains Perodua’s responsibility, owners essentially enjoy a lifetime warranty as long as the subscription is active. If the battery’s health drops below 70%, it is replaced without extra charges.
This structure also ensures proper battery disposal—an often overlooked part of the EV ecosystem—and makes resale easier because subsequent owners simply start a new lease contract.
It’s an unconventional approach, but one that could make long-term EV ownership far less intimidating for first-time buyers.
A Lifestyle EV With Sporty Proportions
Despite early speculation that the Perodua QV-E might be large, the production model is actually closer in size to a premium hatchback. At 4,170 mm long and 1,800 mm wide, it’s notably bigger than a Myvi but smaller than many mainstream crossovers. Its low roofline and tapering rear give it a “Sportback” stance—more athletic, less family-focused.
Inside, Perodua has clearly prioritized style over maximal cabin space. The rear quarters feel tighter than rivals such as the BYD Dolphin and Proton eMas 5. This is intentional: the Perodua QV-E targets young, urban M40–T20 buyers seeking a fashionable commuter rather than a family workhorse.
It’s a rare move from Perodua—designing a car not around practicality, but around aspiration.
Performance: The Fastest Perodua Ever
Under the sleek exterior lies a surprisingly punchy powertrain. The front-mounted motor delivers 204 PS and 285 Nm, making this the most powerful Perodua in history. The company claims a 0–100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds, quicker than many conventional compact SUVs.
A 52.5 kWh CATL LFP battery supplies energy, offering:
- 445 km NEDC range (roughly 380 km WLTP-equivalent)
- 60 kW DC charging (30% to 80% in 30 minutes)
- 6.6 kW AC charging (full charge in 8 hours)
Perodua’s decision to use durable LFP chemistry aligns with its focus on affordability and long-term reliability—two values the brand has built its identity on.
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Features: A Long List of ‘Firsts’ for Perodua
In keeping with its role as a technology showcase, the Perodua QV-E debuts several features never before seen on a Perodua model:
- Digital rear-view mirror for improved visibility
- Powered driver’s seat
- Ambient interior lighting
- 10.25-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Wireless charging
- Soft-touch dashboard trim
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- No spare tyre (replaced with a repair kit)
One of its standout safety features is Child Presence Detection (CPD), which uses millimetre-wave radar to detect breathing or movement in the rear seats—even under a blanket. If a child or pet is left behind in a parked car, the vehicle triggers multiple alerts, including horn, lights, app notifications, and SMS messages.
The Perodua QV-E has also earned a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating, scoring strongly across adult and child protection categories.
A Complete Ecosystem: Charging, Apps, and Services
Perodua isn’t stopping at the car itself. The company has launched a full suite of supporting tools:
- P-Circle app for remote monitoring and payments
- Home wallbox charger with CCTV and touchscreen controls
- P-Go smartwatch for connected features
- P-Charge Mobile, a concept portable DC charger for deployment during peak travel seasons
- Future charging trucks aimed at long-distance support
These additions show that Perodua understands the EV transition isn’t just about delivering a car—it’s about giving buyers confidence in daily usability.
A National EV Project With Long-Term Goals
Perodua views the QV-E as an investment in Malaysia’s automotive future, not just a commercial product. Under the country’s industrial roadmap, the brand aims to build a local EV ecosystem with 50% local content by 2026 and 70% by 2030. More than 50 Malaysian suppliers are already involved, with more expected to join as production scales.
The company has started manufacturing at its new Smart Mobility Plant in Rawang and will use additional capacity at Tan Chong’s Serendah facility. Initial production targets are 500 units per month, rising to 3,000 units monthly by late 2026.
Sales and servicing will be handled through designated EV outlets across Peninsular Malaysia, including Klang Valley, Penang, Johor Bahru, and the East Coast.
Conclusion: A Brave and Forward-Looking EV
The Perodua QV-E is not the cheapest EV in its class, nor the most spacious. But it does something far more significant: it signals that Malaysia can engineer and manufacture an electric vehicle tailored to its own needs, without relying entirely on foreign partners.
With strong performance, innovative battery leasing, an expanding local ecosystem, and a clear national strategy behind it, the Perodua QV-E stands as an ambitious—and surprisingly mature—first step in Perodua’s electric future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on technical data, specifications and information officially presented by Perodua during the QV-E launch, along with insights shared publicly by company representatives. All analysis and opinions in this report are independent and prepared solely for news and informational purposes. This content is not promotional, financial advice, or an endorsement of any brand or product.
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Hello! I’m Raj Prajapati — Computer Science Engineer by degree and automobile content writer by passion. With 3+ years of experience in content writing, I currently serve as a senior writer at AutoMasala.in. I love breaking down automotive news, features, and launches into easy-to-read articles for auto lovers and curious readers.