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Perodua Unveils Malaysia's First Electric Vehicle: The EV-Nova

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. laysia-s-first-electric-vehicle-the-ev-nova.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 23:56 GMT by Free Malaysia Today

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Perodua Unveils Malaysia’s First Electric Vehicle: A New Era for the Country’s Auto Industry

On 1 December 2025, Perodua, Malaysia’s best‑selling automotive manufacturer, announced the launch of its first all‑electric vehicle (EV). The move marks a watershed moment for the nation’s automotive sector, which has long been dominated by internal‑combustion engines (ICE). The new model, dubbed the Perodua EV‑Nova, promises to blend Perodua’s hallmark affordability with cutting‑edge electric‑driving technology. Below is a comprehensive summary of the launch, the vehicle’s key features, and the broader implications for Malaysia’s drive toward electrification.

1. The Perodua EV‑Nova: Specs at a Glance

The EV‑Nova’s compact footprint and modest 24 kWh pack make it ideal for city driving and first‑time EV buyers. Perodua’s decision to offer a swappable battery—compatible with its earlier iE‑Car series—aims to reduce range anxiety and keep the vehicle’s daily cost of ownership low.

2. Production & Supply Chain

Perodua will produce the EV‑Nova at its existing Shah Alam plant, with a dedicated EV assembly line that began construction in July 2024. The company has secured a long‑term partnership with SK Battery Solutions (a joint venture between SK Innovation and Perodua) to supply 70 % of the vehicle’s battery cells. The remaining cells will come from Panasonic, ensuring a diversified supply chain that protects against silicon‑oxide shortages that have plagued other EV makers.

During the launch, Perodua highlighted the use of recycled aluminium and thermoplastic composites in the chassis to cut manufacturing costs and improve sustainability. The company claims a 12 % reduction in the vehicle’s carbon footprint relative to its ICE counterpart, the Perodua Axia.

3. Market Position & Target Segments

Perodua’s marketing strategy positions the EV‑Nova as an affordable, low‑maintenance commuter car for Malaysians in the 20‑30 kDa income bracket. The brand’s slogan, “Electric. Economic. Everyday.” underscores the dual promise of reduced operating costs and accessibility.

The launch article includes a reference to the Malaysian New Economic Policy (MNEP) incentives that were updated in 2024 to favor EV purchases. The Ministry of Finance announced a RM 10,000 rebate for first‑time EV buyers, which Perodua plans to apply to the EV‑Nova. The article links to a government portal that details the application process, thereby providing prospective buyers with a step‑by‑step guide.

4. Technology & Safety Features

The EV‑Nova boasts several safety and connectivity features that rival more premium competitors:

• Active safety suite: Adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane‑keeping assist (LKA), automatic emergency braking (AEB).
• Infotainment: 10‑inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 360‑degree camera.
• Smart‑charging: The vehicle’s on‑board diagnostics (OBD) can be monitored via a mobile app, allowing drivers to see real‑time battery health and charging status.

A link within the article directs readers to an interactive demo of the vehicle’s “Digital Cockpit,” which showcases a 3‑D model that lets users adjust interior lighting, view battery health, and simulate route‑based charging.

5. Broader Context: Malaysia’s EV Landscape

The Perodua launch occurs amid a national push for electrification. The article quotes Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Mohd Shamsul, who said, “Perodua’s entry into the EV arena is a pivotal step for Malaysia’s automotive industry. We are committed to expanding charging infrastructure, which the government will roll out to cover 90 % of the population by 2030.”

The launch article links to a recent National Electric Vehicle (NEV) Roadmap that outlines government plans to build 500 public fast‑charging stations across major highways. The roadmap also highlights a “Battery Swapping Initiative” that partners with Petronas and Sime Darby to create a nationwide swappable battery network—a strategy that dovetails with the EV‑Nova’s battery design.

6. Competitive Landscape

Perodua’s EV‑Nova will face competition from imported EVs such as the Toyota bZ4X, Nissan Leaf, and the Hyundai Kona Electric, as well as domestic attempts from companies like Honda Malaysia with its forthcoming Honda e‑Sport. However, the article points out that the EV‑Nova’s price—below RM 60,000—places it well below most competitors, positioning it as the “most accessible EV” in Malaysia. The article also references a recent market analysis from KPMG that projects a 28 % CAGR in Malaysia’s EV market from 2025 to 2030, largely driven by price‑sensitive consumers.

7. Consumer Reception & Sales Outlook

Pre‑orders for the EV‑Nova surpassed 3,000 units within the first week of the announcement, according to Perodua’s sales director, Ahmad Farid. He added, “Demand has outstripped our initial production estimates, and we plan to ramp up output to 5,000 units per month by Q4 2026.”

The launch article includes a link to a third‑party survey from Ipsos Malaysia that found that 68 % of respondents consider cost a key factor in EV adoption, while 57 % were concerned about charging availability. Perodua’s dual strategy—affordable pricing coupled with battery swapping—appears to address both pain points.

8. The Road Ahead

Perodua’s debut EV marks the beginning of a new chapter. The company plans to expand its EV lineup in 2026, with a midsize sedan and an SUV variant slated for the 2027 model year. The launch article highlights a partnership with Google Cloud to develop vehicle‑to‑grid (V2G) software that could enable the EV‑Nova to sell excess charge back to the grid during peak hours, creating a new revenue stream for owners.

The article concludes with a quote from Perodua’s CEO, Suharno Sulaiman: “We are not merely launching a car; we are launching a new mobility paradigm for Malaysia. Our commitment is to deliver clean, affordable, and reliable transportation to every Malaysian household.”

Key Takeaways

1. Affordable entry – The EV‑Nova is priced at RM 58,000, making it the cheapest EV in Malaysia.
2. Domestic production – Built in Shah Alam with a strong local battery supply chain.
3. Swappable battery – Addresses range anxiety and reduces long‑term ownership costs.
4. Government backing – RM 10,000 rebate and an expanding charging network support adoption.
5. Strategic roadmap – Perodua plans to broaden its EV lineup by 2027, integrating smart‑grid capabilities.

With this launch, Perodua positions itself as a pioneer in Malaysia’s electrified future, aligning commercial strategy with national sustainability goals. The EV‑Nova’s success will likely dictate the pace at which other domestic manufacturers follow suit, accelerating the country’s transition to cleaner mobility.