KUALA LUMPUR: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) has taken a decisive step into Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the QV-E, the nation’s first homegrown battery electric vehicle (BEV), signalling the company’s commitment to a fully integrated, localised EV ecosystem.
Describing it as “a significant learning process for the company and the industry”, president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the QV-E is as much about building human capital and industry capability as it is about producing vehicles.
“We are very proud to present an electric car made by Malaysian hands. This model represents the culmination of collaboration between our engineers, local vendors and academic partners, all working together to build something uniquely Malaysian,” he said during the launch today.
Zainal Abidin highlighted that the project reflects more than just a product launch, saying that the EV development involved close collaboration with local universities, including Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Kuala Lumpur and Universiti Tenaga Nasional, to cultivate technical expertise in EV and battery technologies.
On the supply side, 52 local vendors are currently involved in producing components for the QV-E, a figure that Zainal Abidin expects to grow to 70 by 2030.
The company is targeting 50% component localisation by early 2026, rising to 70% by the end of the decade, in line with its strategy to strengthen Malaysia’s domestic automotive ecosystem.
“This initiative not only reduces reliance on imports but also opens opportunities for local investment and improves workforce capabilities,” Zainal Abidin said. “Since Perodua’s establishment, we have spent RM119 billion on local components, including RM11 billion this year alone, underscoring the scale of impact our EV programme will have.”
The QV-E, which carries a retail price of RM80,000 excluding insurance and battery, was developed at the company’s Smart Mobility Plant over 28 months.
Acknowledging that battery costs and longevity are major concerns for EV owners, Zainal Abidin unveiled Perodua’s Battery-as-a-Service model, which separates the vehicle body from the battery and offers a lifetime battery guarantee.
“This concept is our solution to reduce owner anxiety. We are also introducing a battery passport system to track battery composition and usage, as well as an end-of-life programme to recycle or repurpose batteries safely,” he said.
A digital ecosystem supports the QV-E through the Perodua Secure mobile application, offering connectivity, mobility-as-a-service functionality, and monitoring features.
Zainal Abidin emphasised that these systems are critical for integrating the QV-E into a wider EV ecosystem, beyond just the vehicle itself.
Perodua has incorporated advanced safety features, including the Child Presence Detection System, which monitors vital signs and movement in the second-row seat and footwell area, even under fabric covers.
“Every feature in the QV-E has been created with advanced safety, comfort, and functionality in mind,” Zainal Abidin said. “It is a product of detailed research and a commitment to quality, representing the Malaysian industry at its best.”
Zainal Abidin outlined a clear long-term EV strategy for Perodua, targeting 20% of total sales by 2030 with eventual expansion to 80%, supported by ongoing government collaboration.
He stressed that the launch of the QV-E is symbolic of a broader transformation: “From Malaysian hands comes Malaysian mobility. Our goal is not just to build a car, but to develop a comprehensive EV ecosystem, one that supports local vendors, generates new skills, and strengthens the national economy.”
With production starting at 500 units per month and plans to ramp up to 3,000 units by the third quarter of 2026, Perodua is poised to make a tangible impact on the local automotive industry and set a blueprint for homegrown EV success in Southeast Asia, Zainal Abidin said.
He concluded by emphasising the importance of cooperation and long-term commitment from all stakeholders.
“This achievement is the result of strong strategic collaboration between Perodua, the government, local vendors, universities and partners. Let us continue to work together to strengthen Malaysia’s EV ecosystem, advance green mobility and build a sustainable future for the country,” he said.
