Perodua EV launched with a unique separate battery subscription

So the Perodua QV-E has launched and it will cost RM80,000 before insurance and a battery subscription service. It is very good looking compared to the competition at its Rm80k price but once you head over to the nearest showroom bear in mind that it comes with a separate battery monthly installment to think about. New. Unique. Surprising. 

Details in how much it costs will be shared later but this us essentially Perodua's take on the battery EV. It has over 439km estimated range, looks good and packed with features like all cars coming into 2026 needs to be. 

The unique feature for me is that this is fully a Perodua with an outside partner that isn't part of the Toyota ecosystem. The car is fully a Perodua venture so kudos to them for the initiative. If everything is successful, there is a probability that it would be adopted by the group for regional sales like how the Perodua Myvi was adopted for Indonesia as an example. 

So there are people who will question why it costs so much versus their competitor Proton. Well, this, is a whole new car designed and built by Perodua. The eMAS 5 is a Geely rebadge and essentially a China car, where they are somehow able to keep costs down. Or some sort if magical way with numbers. 

Much like the Perodua Nautica. The first RM80k vehicle by them was basically an experiment in gauging the market reception. This QV-E is just that. A first time EV effort and a first time sales test for EV adoption by the brand. Knowing Perodua, test or not, the car will be of a certain high quality that we have been used to see in their vehicles so expect it to be good from that point of view.

Press release 

Perodua launches its first Battery Electric Vehicle (EV) named QV-E priced at RM80,000 (retail price, without insurance & battery not included), 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 RM800 million to develop and is produced at Perodua’s newest manufacturing facility – the “Smart Mobility Plant”.

“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, Dato’ Sri 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.

This model hosts the latest in safety features including a Child Presence Detection (CPD) system.

This system will alert the driver if there is a child or even pets in the car as it can

detect and track movements as well as vital signs (such as breathing) in the

second-row seat and within the footwell area of the car. The system can also detect

movement even under fabric coverings.

(An illustration of how this system works is included with this media release).

“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,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

In the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, which was unveiled by the Prime Minister

Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on 1 September 2023, Perodua was appointed to

champion and lead the local automotive manufacturers in developing the EV

ecosystem.

Perodua is aggressively working with local vendors to localise the components to

over 50% by early 2026 and to 70% 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 5 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 revolutionising the Malaysian EV ecosystem and at the same time placing great attention to quality, reliability and the latest in digital technology,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

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,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.

The QV-E is in two colours, “Ice Blue” and Caviar Grey” and is only available at

selected Perodua outlets (listing available together with this media release).

A full list of the vehicle’s specifications and leasing battery explanation are available

together with this media release (down below).

 

Kia Malaysia to be a principal led brand in Malaysia come 1st January 2026

Kia Corporation (Kia) and Bermaz Auto Berhad (Bermaz), have announced on the 28th of November, they have mutually concluded their strategic partnership after  four years. Bermaz, through its subsidiary, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, was previously the sole distributor of new and pre-owned Kia vehicles and spare parts for the brand in Malaysia. Now, with the signing of the agreement by Kia and Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, the return of operations to Kia marks a new beginning in this next chapter of growth for the Korean brand in Malaysia. 

Kia will be a direct principal-led brand in Malaysia effective 1 January 2026. This strategic move places Kia in the driver’s seat to fully lead the brand’s presence, marketing, sales, customer experience and training across Malaysia. The transition also lends a multiplier effect beyond Malaysian borders as it sets the tone for Kia’s future growth in the ASEAN region. In short, Kia, managed by Kia, here in Malaysia.

“Kia is excited to reinvigorate our brand presence in Malaysia. We believe our innovation- and customer-centric strategy will enhance how fans experience the brand as we continue to support the growth of Malaysia’s economy and automotive industry. We are here to stay and, aligned to our ‘Movement That Inspires’ brand vision, we are dedicated to building a future that inspires new experiences and sustainable mobility,” said Kia Asia Pacific President and CEO, Ki Seok Ahn.

Among the milestones the automotive industry and fans of the brand can anticipate from the new principal-led move include enhancements to the Kia dealer network, investments in aftersales service, and new model launches.

Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd will be led by Hyung Ho Kim as its President and CEO effective January 2026, and Emily Lek, as Managing Director -  right and left respectively in the main photo above. 

Transitioning from Bermaz to Kia Malaysia 

Throughout the transition period, Kia customers are assured of continued peace of mind in terms of after-sales care at all authorised Kia Service Centres across the network. Existing bookings for vehicles made before 30 November will continue to be fulfilled. Meanwhile, new bookings will temporarily be paused from 1st to 31st December 2025 to make way for the transition to principal-led operations. Customers can look forward to making bookings for new vehicles beginning January 2026.

“We thank Bermaz Group for their dedication to the Kia brand over the past four years and the seamless handover during this transition period. The return of Kia operations to a principal-led model is timely as the market remains hungry for new experiences and value from automotive brands. We are grateful to our loyal fans for staying with us through the years and look forward to curating an inspiring ownership experience that proves why a Kia is designed to meet the unique lifestyle needs of both existing and new fans alike,” said Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd President and CEO, Hyung Ho Kim.

To re-engage the market and fans, Kia will embark on a new brand campaign, as the leading Korean marque looks to inspire confidence by answering a simple question, ‘Why a Kia? (‘Kenapa Pilih Kia?’)

For sales and servicing inquiries or immediate 24-hour roadside assistance, contact Kia Malaysia's Customer Support at 1300 88 0133 or email customersupport@kia-my.com.

All new 2026 Proton Saga launched. Super specs at super affordable prices

The new 2026 Proton Saga sedan has been launched and it's loaded with equipment at very affordable prices too. It is still a great starter car and prices start from RM37,990 inclusive of launch rebate worth RM1,000. 

Proton has also stated that deliveries to early booking customers to begin immediately after its launch. 

iCAUR V23 SUV launched with prices from RM119,800 onwards

The iCAUR V23 has been launched. Prices seem reasonable and starts from RM119,800 for the 2WD and RM132,800 for the feature packed all wheel drive (iWD) variant. 

Video: 2026 iCAUR (iCAR) V23 iWD (AWD) off road test drive

 

I am actually away on holiday folks. However, I have got this video test drive of the upcoming iCAUR V23 iWD or awd variant here for you to watch. 

All our Proton X50 videos to date - Pre and Facelifted ones

 I just thought it would be convenient to put all the Proton X50 SUV videos since I believe I only did two of the Facelifted one and four of the pre-facelift model.  Let's start with the latest one below - Trip to Melaka

Next is the first preview test drive of the Proton X50 Facelift at the Proton test track....

UMW Toyota Brings Mobility for All – and Movement TO YOU – to the Pickleball Court ..i.e, Toyota has a pickleball competition

Suzuki Fronx SUV launched in Malaysia

Naza Eastern Motors Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Suzuki cars here in Malaysia, has launched the all-new Suzuki Fronx Hybrid. This B segment crossover SUV was first launched in 2023 and is based on the Suzuki Baleno platform and was developed from the idea to create an SUV that is widely accepted by most markets.Here in Malaysia, only one variant is offered, the mild hybrid 1.5liter petrol engine with a price from RM147,888 before insurance.

VIDEO: 2025/2026 Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV skid test and handling test drive at the Sepang Handling Circuit

 Good day peeps. We have a new video out on our driving experience testing out the new 2025/26 Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV and Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV. These hybrid SUV models were launched in October of this year and are the latest variants of the popular Tiggo mid sized SUVs here. These are plug in hybrids so you can drive it for about 80km or so on full electric mode and it also has an estimated combined range of around 1,200km. So if you don't like refueling, this is the cars for you.