The Perodua QV-E marks Malaysia’s first fully homegrown electric vehicle, introducing a battery-subscription system
- Malaysia’s first locally developed EV starts from $19,400.
- Buyers must lease the 52.5-kWh battery for nine years.
- Electric motor makes 201 hp with 277 miles of range.
Malaysian automaker Perodua has introduced its first zero-emission model, dubbed QV-E (Quest for Visionary Electric Vehicle). The subcompact crossover is offered with a subscription-based scheme for the battery pack to reduce its starting price.
The Perodua QV-E is the first EV developed in Malaysia, as the already available e.MAS 7 SUV and e.MAS 5 hatchback models from rival brand Proton are rebadged versions of Geely products. The company has been working on the crossover since 2023, with an R&D cost of 800 million ringgit ($194 million).
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Everything started with a scale model of the EMO (Electric Motion Online) concept in May 2023, followed by the EMO-I hatchback mule in May 2024 and the EMO-II crossover concept in December 2024. The latter evolved into a cutaway prototype that debuted in May 2025, closely previewing the final design.
Compact Footprint, Coupe-SUV Looks
The QV-E measures 4,170 mm (164.2 inches) long with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm (105.5 inches) and a sporty crossover silhouette. It has a sharp nose with aggressive split LED headlights, a sculpted hood, and fenders.
Perodua
The windowline looks similar to the previous-generation Toyota C-HR and the current Nissan Juke. The front door handles are flush with the bodywork, while the rear ones are hidden on the C-pillars.
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At the back, the coupe-style roofline is joined by full-width taillights and an integrated diffuser. The QV-E rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and is available in only two shades – Ice Blue and Caviar Gray.
Inside, the rather generic dashboard features a 10.25-inch free-standing infotainment and a digital instrument cluster of the same size. There is also a floating center console, ambient lighting, and aluminum-style inserts. Safety equipment includes six airbags and an ADAS suite.
A Single Powertrain Option
The Perodua QV-E rides on a modular architecture that has been developed with input from Magna Steyr. Power comes from a single electric motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque. This moves the front wheels, allowing a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 7.5 seconds.
The lithium iron phosphate battery is sourced from CATL. It has a capacity of 52.5 kWh, promising up to 445 km (276 miles) of range according to the NEDC protocols. The only problem is that the battery is not included in the vehicle’s price.
Buy The Car, Lease The Battery
The Perodua QV-E starts from 80,000 ringgit ($19,400), but owners will have to pay an additional 275 ringgit ($67) per month for the battery as part of a nine-year lease contract.
According to Perodua CEO Zainal Abidin Ahmad, the goal of the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) scheme was to “offer a lifetime guarantee on the battery for our customers’ peace of mind”, describing it as their “solution toward reducing anxiety when owning a BEV”.
Production of the electric crossover will take place in Malaysia. Initially, Perodua will make 500 units per month, but hopes to increase the output to 3,000 units per month by the third quarter of 2026.
As reported by Bloomberg, the company wants to achieve over 50% localization of the EV’s components by early 2026, increasing the target to 70% by 2030. The popularity of EVs is growing in Malaysia, with the local government targeting a 15% share of new car sales by 2030.
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