After realizing that their electrification goals may be too ambitious, Mercedes is now allocating a significant portion of their budget to internal combustion engines.
According to an interview with the German media Wirtschaftswoche, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius stated that ICE (internal combustion engine) technology “will persist until after 2030”. Significant investments are needed to ensure that these engines continue to comply with increasingly stringent standards.
Källenius mentioned that the S-Class and its facelift are expected in 2026, stating, “We have invested significantly more in updating the S-Class model with combustion engines than we typically do for a facelift.”
Mercedes’ goal is to ensure that their conventional engines are at the “highest level of technology”. Without significant investment in petrol and diesel engines, the luxury brand “will abruptly halt combustion engine sales around 2027 or 2028”.
Mercedes realized the need to acknowledge that the transition to EVs was not progressing as planned. Three years ago, they mentioned that PHEV and EV vehicles would represent approximately 50 percent of annual sales by 2025.
However, it seems unlikely. At one point, Mercedes stated they would be fully electric by 2030 in some countries “if market conditions allow”.
Now, their new goal is for PHEV and EV to represent half of sales by the end of this decade (2030). However, according to Källenius, the objective for carbon neutrality by 2040 remains unchanged.
Several years ago, vehicle manufacturers presented their plans to transition their model lineups to electric vehicles (EVs). Some even set dates for phasing out the production of oil-based vehicles (diesel and petrol).
However, many are now reassessing the future. Sales are dwindling, customer interest is waning, and now nearly half of EV owners in America are considering switching back to petrol. What is happening?
According to a study by McKinsey & Co.’s 2024 Mobility Consumer Pulse, they found that 46 percent of EV owners in the United States want to revert back to petrol due to inadequate charging infrastructure.
This figure is significantly higher than the global average of 29 percent who want to switch back to fossil fuels. 35 percent of global respondents said public charging networks are not good enough.
34 percent said the ownership costs of EVs are still very high, and 32 percent said EVs heavily impact their long-distance driving habits. As of May, the U.S. had 183,000 EV public chargers, but it is still insufficient.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021 allocated a $5 billion grant to build fast chargers, but the implementation is taking too long.
Other reasons given by owners for switching back to petrol include the inability to charge at home (24 percent), concerns about charging (21 percent), and the need for charging mobility (16 percent).
Only 13 percent said they dislike the driving experience. Some drivers prefer combustion engine vehicles, such as 18 percent in the U.S. and 28 percent in Germany.
Interestingly, Americans are not the largest group considering a switch back to petrol, but Australia, with 49 percent of EV owners. On the other hand, Japan has the lowest percentage, with only 13 percent of EV owners willing to revert to petrol.
Other countries with low percentages include Italy (15 percent), France (18 percent), Germany (24 percent), and China (28 percent).
THE development of special number plates for electric vehicles (EVs) is in its final stages, awaiting technical finalisation before the official launch.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government is in the process of appointing a vendor to oversee the implementation.
Loke emphasised that while the adoption of these plates will initially be voluntary, new EVs will be required to bear them as a mandatory measure.
“For existing EV owners, they will have the option to switch to the new plates,” he said.
Previously, the Transport Ministry announced that all EVs across the country will eventually be issued special number plates beginning with ‘EV’ followed by the registered number and so forth (e.g. EV1, EV2).
The ministry also said the road tax pricing structure for EVs would undergo a thorough review.
The government intends to align its policies with the goal of promoting EV adoption in Malaysia as part of its sustainability objectives.
The special number plates are also said to incorporate RFID technology as an additional feature.
No specific timeline was given when these initiatives will be implemented.
TESLA has opened and activated a Supercharger station in Kuantan, Pahang. Located on the premises of the Kuantan City Council (MBK), it is the first Tesla Supercharger on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
According to Josh KY Chua, who shared some pictures on the Facebook’s Warga Kuantan page, the station can be used by the public 24 hours a day.
There are four charging bays at this location. Similar to other Supercharger stations throughout the country, the new station in Kuantan also has a charging rate of RM1.25 per kWh.
There is also an idle fee of RM4.00 per minute if the station is full.
Although Tesla has started rolling out Supercharger V4 networks in Malaysia, the MBK station, however, is equipped with Supercharger V3 technology.
The launch of this new Supercharger station aligns with the announcement made by Tesla’s Regional Director, Isabel Fan, in March, stating that the Kuantan Supercharger would be operational by the end of the second quarter of this year.
Other locations for the second quarter include the first Supercharger in Penang located in Prai.
THE first-ever electric air taxi service in the world will begin testing for transporting pilgrims between the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafah this year.
The launch was officiated by the Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Board of Directors Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser in Mecca.
The air taxi is a small commercial aircraft that operates short flights on demand. It is said to be the first of its kind in the world and is licensed by GACA.
The pilotless aircraft will be utilized during this year’s Hajj season, particularly for emergency services, as well as transporting goods and medical supplies to the pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics is also working on enhancing smart mobility initiatives and developing laws and regulations to enable the use of modern technology while providing an experimental environment to advance the adoption of various future transportation technologies.
Previously, Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) unveiled plans to operate flying taxis in the future to transport Hajj pilgrims between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and hotels in Mecca.
Saudia also intends to acquire around 100 aircraft for this service.
PROTON today introduced e.MAS as a sub-brand of their fully electric (EV) models. Before we proceed further, the pronunciation of e.MAS is “imas”, with the letter ‘e’ connected to the word ‘mas’. It stands for Electrifying Malaysia.
Proton also unveiled the e.MAS logo, featuring the display of a tiger’s head without confinement. According to Proton, it aligns with the current design trend for EV brands that lean towards cleaner and less complicated graphics.
“The unveiling of the e.MAS brand and logo today marks a significant step forward in Proton’s journey towards launching our own EV model,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton.
“We are aware that as a company tied to the industrialisation of Malaysia, we have a responsibility to provide mobility solutions relevant and within reach of all Malaysians.
“This is why Proton has been deliberate in its approach towards EVs, developing our knowledge base step by step to ensure we have a thorough understanding of the products, technology and user concerns before sales even begin,” he added.
Also announced at this event is the appointment of the first 17 Proton EV dealers who have signed their agreements earlier today.
“As Malaysia’s first automotive brand it is important for Proton to invest in infrastructure to offer a full range of services to EV buyers, instead of just selling product.
“Therefore, when Proton e.MAS models go on sale, customers can be reassured their every need will be taken care of just like it would be for buyers of the current Proton range,” added Dr Li Chunrong.
Proton also shared with the media practitioners that when the cooperation with Geely began in 2017, plans were made to introduce Proton EV models.
Despite delays during the pandemic, activities resumed with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Proton and smart on January 19, 2022.
This was followed by the signing of the General Distribution Agreement (GDA) between the two parties on August 18, and the establishment of PRO-NET on September 9 to oversee sales and distribution of smart vehicles and future EV offerings from Proton.
The next step was to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Gentari in October to collaborate on establishing charging infrastructure.
This was followed by sending 16 engineers to China in December 2022 for On-Job Training (OJT) in EVs and related fields such as charging and servicing.
In 2023, Proton appointed dealers for smart and recruited staff from various industries to strengthen the workforce to manage the brand.
Commenting on the new EV brand, Dr. Li Chunrong added, “The e.MAS brand and its products are an extension of Proton’s three core values: innovative technology, reliability, and international standards. This is the next step in the company’s evolution, and in the coming months, we will make new announcements to build brand recognition and product promotion ahead of the launch of the first Proton e.MAS EV in December this year.”
Announced officially last year, the Lotus Emeya is a powerful electric hyper-GT intended to challenge fast electric sedans such as the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, and Audi e-Tron GT.
With twin electric motors producing 905 hp/984 Nm, the Emeya is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds.
Did you know that not only is the Emeya swift in acceleration, but this hyper-GT is also capable of offering the fastest DC charging rate?
Based on tests conducted by the global consulting firm P3 Group, the Lotus Emeya set a record for the fastest 10-80 percent battery charging time, achieving it in just 14 minutes when using a 400 kW DC charger.
This is an impressive feat, as the Lotus Emeya managed to outperform leading EV models such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS, BMW i7, Tesla Model Y, Genesis G80, Xpeng G9, Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Nio ET5, and BYD Atto 3.
The P3 Group report also found that the Emeya is capable of reaching a peak charging power of 402 kW, with an average charging power of around 331 kW during the 10-80 percent charging period.
Coupled with an energy consumption rate of 18.7 kWh/100 km, the Lotus Emeya can offer a range of 310 km after just a 10-minute charging session—a time frame nearly equivalent to refueling a gasoline-powered car at a petrol station.
According to Lotus, the Emeya utilizes a cell-to-back battery structure, containing 20 percent more cell content that can be packed into the same space compared to a standard module design.
As standard, the 102 kWh battery pack provided with the Emeya allows the sedan to travel up to 600 km on a single full charge.
Similar to the Eletre, the Lotus Emeya also features an active aerodynamic system to reduce drag and at the same time acts as a cooling system for the battery and brakes.
IT is safe to say that the transition towards full electric (EV) is not progressing as some manufacturers expected. Several manufacturers have delayed their electrification goals.
Just last year, Volkswagen projected that EVs would account for up to 80 percent of vehicle sales in Europe by the end of this decade. However, the lukewarm reception of their ID models has led VW to reassess their strategy.
Of the 180 billion Euros (RM914 billion) budget allocated in 2023 for new-generation EVs, the German manufacturer will now use one-third of it for the development of combustion engines.
This announcement came from Arn Antlitz, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Volkswagen Group. “The company aims to spend approximately 60 billion Euros (RM304 billion) to ensure our combustion cars remain competitive.”
He added, “The future is electric, but the past has not yet ended.”
Last year, VW CEO Thomas Schäfer referred to ICE as “old technology” in the context of e-fuel. He stated that synthetic fuels were just “unnecessary noise,” even though Porsche, also part of the same group, is actively involved in synthetic fuels at its plant in Chile.
Another premium brand under VW is also researching how sustainable fuels can evolve. Bugatti plans to build fuel stations that can be installed at owners’ homes and filled with synthetic fuels.
Lamborghini believes combustion engines can be saved by making them run on fuels other than fossil oil. Bentley is also exploring fuels with almost zero carbon emissions.
It is clear that more car manufacturers are reassessing their EV strategies as consumers are not yet ready to let go of ICE engines.
Manufacturers are somewhat aggressive as emission standards become stricter, necessitating investment in cleaner-running petrol engines. At the same time, the influx of EVs from China is also concerning major manufacturers.
PERODUA is currently evaluating the construction of a new plant by 2025 to support the production of the new generation Myvi, as reported by Wapcar.
As you might have known, the new generation Myvi will also feature a fully electric (EV) variant.
At present, Perodua operates two plants located in Rawang. The first plant, Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PMSB), currently produces Alza, Aruz, and Myvi, along with the Toyota Veloz under contract.
The second plant, Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (PGMSB), currently manufactures Axia, Bezza, and Ativa. The third plant is referred to as the ‘BEV plant’ for electric battery vehicles.
At the same time, Perodua is exploring other options. An alternate plan is to collaborate with other manufacturers on a contract basis.
Speaking during the public unveiling of the Perodua EMO-1 concept last week, its President and CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, said, “I cannot disrupt the current plants. They are operating at over 300,000 units (per year).”
“As I mentioned earlier, our target is to produce around 340,000 to 350,000 units. This already exceeds our normal capacity.
“So, I cannot disrupt the current plants. This EV (battery) is something we have to consider to build a new plant, or seek a partner, who has the capability in Malaysia to enable us to carry out the installations,” he added.
The new generation Perodua BEV is being developed independently, without technical assistance from Daihatsu.
Starting from scratch, this project is being carried out in collaboration with three local universities and electric vehicle conversion experts from Australia, namely EV North.
Led by chief engineer, Puan Jehan Adnan, this project utilizes a prototype with support from 60 local vendors, ensuring that Malaysia has a supply chain for domestic EV production.
Based on the Myvi, this prototype is equipped with a 55.7kWh battery pack giving it a driving range of up to 350km.
It features a single electric motor at the front wheel with an output of 161hp and 220Nm of torque.
It is understood that the first Perodua EV model is planned to be launched by the end of 2025 with a price not exceeding RM100,000.
The BYD Qin L was launched at an event in Xi’an, China, with five variants priced between 99,800 Yuan (RM64,846) and 139,800 Yuan (RM90,836). Interestingly, its PHEV hybrid system can provide a driving range of up to 2,100km per tank.
The Qin L is part of BYD’s Dynasty lineup, featuring dragon face aesthetics, a symbol of China’s national animal. As a result, the Qin L boasts a new chrome bar character line, a large grille, and prominent side lines. Interestingly, it retains conventional door handles, rather than retractable or flush types.
The rear design showcases continuous illuminated lights from side to side, with graphics inspired by traditional Chinese knots.
In terms of dimensions, the BYD Qin L measures 4,830mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,495mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,790mm. It employs MacPherson suspension at the front and multi-link at the rear. The interior is also inspired by Chinese paintings and features numerous knot-shaped graphics.
There are physical buttons near the gear lever, along with a 15.6-inch rotating central screen and an 8.8-inch digital instrument display. Standard features include six airbags, NFC smart phone key, automatic air conditioning, and six speakers.
The high-spec model comes with a panoramic roof, DiPilot L2 system, power seats at the front, dashcam, 18-inch rims, an eight-speaker audio system, and seat heaters and coolers. The key to the 2,100km driving range lies in the new PHEV (plug-in hybrid) system, ensuring high efficiency operation of the engine and electric motor, with fuel consumption as low as 2.9 liters/100km.
The PHEV version utilizes a 1.5-liter engine delivering 99hp and 126Nm of torque. The lower variant has an electric driving range of 80km, using a 10.08kWh battery and a 160hp/210Nm electric motor.
The higher variant features a 15.874kWh battery providing an electric driving range of up to 120km. It utilizes a more powerful EHS160 motor generating 214hp and 260Nm of torque. This model is capable of achieving a range of up to 2,100km per petrol tank.
KIA continues to expand their lineup of electric vehicles (EVs) with the introduction of the EV3, a compact SUV. This model joins the existing lineup, including the EV5, EV6, and EV9.
The Kia EV3 is built on the E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) but does not feature the 800-volt architecture found in the EV6 and EV9. Instead, it comes with a 400-volt architecture similar to the EV5, enabling DC charging from 10 to 80 percent in 31 minutes.
With a full charge, it can be driven up to 600km based on WLTP cycle. This range applies to the Long Range model, while the Standard Range variant offers a slightly shorter distance.
Power is supplied by nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries, known for offering better power and longer lifespan.
Both variants are equipped with the same electric motor, mounted on the front axle. This motor has an output of 201hp and 283Nm of torque, allowing the EV3 to accelerate to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds. The maximum speed is limited to 170km/h.
The Kia EV3 is equipped with eDTVC (Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control) for optimal grip, as well as a new feature called i-Pedal 3.0, which functions as regenerative braking.
The EV3 offers a cargo space of 460 liters, and since it has no engine, it also has an additional 25 liters of space under the front hood.
In terms of appearance, the Kia EV3 features the ‘Tiger Face Star Map’, a result of the design of the DRL (Daytime Running Lights) and main headlights. The grille also comes in two different bumper design options, depending on the variant.
Despite its boxy and angular shape, the Kia EV3 maintains aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient as low as 0.263.
The cabin design showcases a minimalist concept. There is a single horizontal air vent, dividing the dashboard into two sections. Several physical buttons are located on the center console.
The screen on the dashboard is quite large, consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument display, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a 5-inch air conditioning panel.
Some parts of the cabin are made from recycled materials, with the option of Air, Earth, or Water trim.
Other features include the Harman Kardon audio system, AI assistance, Automotive Content Platform, and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).
With the abundance of affordable electric vehicles (EV) from China, European manufacturers are beginning to feel worried.
Renault took the initiative to collaborate with Volkswagen in this competition, but it seems unsuccessful. The jointly developed low-cost EV will not be continued.
Renault’s CEO, Luca de Meo, stated that the discussions between the two parties have ended. He described the project as a “lost opportunity,” but mentioned that Renault is still open to cooperation with other manufacturers: “Maybe there are others.”
VW declined to comment, but it is confirmed that the two automotive giants will not continue their collaboration. Meanwhile, Renault will continue to produce the new generation Twingo, expected to arrive in 2026.
The current generation Twingo is still available, with options for traditional engines and EV. The upcoming new generation model will only be offered as an EV, with an expected price of less than €20,000 (RM101,965). On VW’s front, their plans after concluding discussions with Renault are still unclear.
Currently, the German manufacturer has the compact EV ID.3. The successor to the e-up! is also in development, expected to arrive in 2027, possibly named ID.1.
VOLVO Buses, a part of the Volvo Group, together with Gemilang International Ltd, has launched a fully electric bus (EV).
The all-new Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range is a premium low-floor urban electric bus with two doors, the first of its kind assembled in the country (CKD) by Volvo.
The manufacturer has also collaborated with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd for the trial operation of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range.
The trial is set to commence in July 2024 and is expected to last for a minimum of six months to a year.
A Volvo electric bus will operate on Route 581, covering the journey from Desa Tasik to LRT Bandar Tasik Selatan.
The chassis and powertrain components with efficient energy from Volvo BZL have been engineered and built to the highest standards at Volvo’s manufacturing plant in Sweden.
This bus can accommodate up to 91 passengers with a capacity of 33 seats, including safety seats, seats for specific groups, foldable seats, and standing passenger space.
It features a completely flat and low floor design from the front to the back, providing stability and easier access for passengers.
An electric powertrain system with a power output of 540hp and immediate torque.
The EV bus is also equipped with various advanced braking technologies, including Volvo disc brakes, Electronic Brake System (EBS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Acceleration Slip Regulator (ASR), Brake Blending, Hill Assist System (HAS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Additionally, other safety features such as warning alerts, collision warnings, 360 cameras, and e-mirrors to assist the driver will be offered as options.
In the event of an unlikely breakdown, the battery cells and surrounding area are designed to ‘self-extinguish’ by automatically releasing temperature extinguishing agents to prevent nearby battery cells from damage. This feature has been proven effective through repeated testing.
The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range electric bus offers flexible charging through the OppCharge interface hardware for automatic high-power charging and CCS charging sockets.
The energy storage is placed on the roof, providing more spacious passenger areas and optimizing weight distribution.
PERODUA has unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV) prototype – known as the Myvi Conversion – which will serve as the foundation for the compact car manufacturer in developing its electric technology.
As the name suggests, the prototype is based on the Myvi but equipped with a 55.7kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of up to 350km. It features a single electric motor at the front wheel, delivering an output of 161hp and 220Nm of torque.
The EV prototype consists of three main components: the power bench, the power converter system, and the overall frame design, all made in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the development of the power conversion technology is carried out in collaboration with a company based in Australia. Perodua is also cooperating with three local universities for this project.
“The process of developing the power bench is carried out by Perodua in collaboration with three local universities, namely Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, and Universiti Putra Malaysia,” said Perodua’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
“This collaboration aims to fully understand the technology used.”
This collaboration, which began in September 2022, sees Perodua and the three universities working together to develop the EV power converter system from the basic stage.
The collaboration opens up opportunities for all parties to enhance their expertise and capabilities in the field of EV.
It is understood that Perodua’s first EV model is planned to be launched at the end of 2025 with a price not exceeding RM100,000.
“We chose the Perodua Myvi as the model of choice for this project because it is our car model that has won the hearts of most Malaysians,” said Zainal.
“Although the actual appearance of our EV is different from what is being showcased here, rest assured that Perodua’s electric car will make its presence in the market.
“Meanwhile, we invite the public to visit the Perodua booth at the Malaysia Auto Show 2024 to see the Perodua Myvi Conversion for themselves and participate in various attractive campaigns that we have prepared.
“We also welcome customers to interact with our staff here to obtain further information about Perodua, such as our newly implemented Standard Outlet aimed at providing a seamless experience to customers at our 3S center,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal.
Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Proton, has announced a competition for the people of Malaysia to name their first EV.
“The Proton EV brand naming contest signifies our readiness for the imminent launch of the first electric vehicle,” stated Proton in a press release today.
The grand prize winner stands a chance to win RM5,000 in cash, with RM1,500 for the second place and RM1,000 for the third place. The top five will also receive rewards, with each winner getting RM100 cash. Show your creativity and stand a chance to win exciting prizes.
Here are three easy steps for you to unleash your ideas for Proton’s first EV:
Step 1: Fill out the registration form at Proton EV contest website.
Step 2: Decode and rearrange the images or statements provided.
Step 3: Share the contest link with friends to participate.
Visit Proton EV contest website to decode and guess the name for your chance to win exciting prizes. The contest ends on June 5, 2024.
“Proton is grateful for the support we received from Malaysians over the past 41 years and aims to embark on this EV journey with people at the forefront of its vision,” said Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET.
MERCEDES is reported to be considering discontinuing the use of the ‘EQ’ name for future fully electric vehicle (EV) models. According to a report by AutoExpress, this step will be taken after the end of life of all current first-generation EVs.
The German manufacturer will return to using traditional naming structures for their non-EV models. Currently, almost all Mercedes EV models have ‘EQ’ in their names, from EQA to EQS.
An exception was made for the G-Class, which was launched in Beijing last month. It was not called EQG as expected, but instead was named G580 with EQ Technology. This signifies a new direction in the naming of the brand’s EV models.
“EQ is a technical beginning, Mercedes-Benz in the future will not become EQ,” said Mercedes’ product manager, Tobi Mantele. “EQ is a technical platform for us. Once you move towards full electrification, you don’t want to undermine a brand like the S-Class, for example,” added another Mercedes spokesperson.
This direction also indicates that Mercedes wants to normalize EV as a regular model line and will use naming conventions similar to petrol and diesel models.
At the same time, Mercedes will not only offer pure EVs, but their electrification will also include plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. “We don’t want to completely eliminate the opportunities with our existing ICE platforms. We have top-performing PHEVs in the range, and we will update them,” said the spokesperson.
The first Kia EV, the EV6, has been in the global market since 2021, and now over 210,000 units have been sold. Kia is now set to introduce the first update or facelift for this model.
It will still come in standard and GT Line options, with the GT Line featuring a new front light bar. Both variants will also showcase a new front bumper, along with the choice of 19- and 20-inch rims.
The cabin space doesn’t seem to have changed much, but upon closer inspection, the steering wheel now sports a new three-blade design, alongside a new dual-screen setup.
It will include fingerprint recognition, a 12-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The main update for this facelift is the larger battery.
The 2025 Kia EV6 will receive an 84kWh capacity pack, replacing the previous 77.4kWh. It can also be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, with a 350kW capacity.
The EV6 Long Range rear-wheel-drive variant also offers a longer driving range of 494km. Another update is in the unseen areas. The EV6 will be equipped with side airbags for rear passengers, as well as larger B-pillars for enhanced body rigidity.
The electric motor is said to be quieter, and comfort has been improved through new shock absorber tuning. Kia has also added sound insulation materials to the rear motor area.
Lastly, the OTA (over-the-air) updates can now cover more than just navigation functions, with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity becoming standard features.
Recently, smart Malaysia conducted a preview session for its latest model, the smart #3, exclusively at the Pro-Net headquarters. We had the opportunity to get a closer look and even test drive the smart #3 on the Proton test circuit in Shah Alam. But first, a little background.
Background
For those who are uninitiated, smart is now owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, focusing solely on producing fully electric vehicles (EVs) at the moment.
The smart #3 is not just a sportier coupe version of the #1; it comes with several technical differences. Firstly, it is built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform shared with the #1 and several models under the Geely group.
In broad terms, the smart #3 is longer and wider than the #1 but lower, with approximately an 80mm difference between the two. Therefore, theoretically, the smart #3 is expected to offer more stable handling, right? We’ll discuss this further.
Unique features of smart #3
One distinctive feature of the smart #3 is its curved coupe-style roof, unlike the straight roof of the #1. The roof of the smart #3 has unique color play on the A-pillar and C-pillar, giving it a ‘floating roof’ effect.
Other features include front and rear LED lights, flush door handles, frameless windows, and illuminated logos. The smart #3 is also more aerodynamic than the #1, with a drag coefficient of 0.27 (0.29 for the #1).
Specification details
The lineup offers variants similar to the smart #1: Pro, Premium, and Brabus. The Pro variant has a 49kWh battery, while the Premium and Brabus variants come with a 66kWh battery.
The Pro and Premium variants have a single rear electric motor with an output of 272hp and 343Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 acceleration in 5.8 seconds.
On the other hand, the smart #3 features two motors on the front and rear axles, delivering a total power of 428hp and 543Nm of torque.
As the #3 Brabus is an AWD vehicle, its 0-100 acceleration is much quicker, around 3.7 seconds. The maximum speed for all variants is 180km/h, with a driving range of approximately 455km for Pro and Premium, and 415km for Brabus.
Initial impressions
So, how was the initial drive of the smart #3? From our experience on Proton’s high-speed oval track, the smart #3 accelerates smoothly.
The Premium variant reaching 100km/h in 5.8 seconds is more than sufficient. Imagine cruising this smart #3 on the highway; a smooth acceleration means easier lane changes and smoother traffic flow. Agree?
We also tested the dynamics at Pro-Net’s provided dynamic section, including figure-8, slalom, and straight-line acceleration. The smart #3’s chassis felt sturdier and agile due to its stiffer springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars compared to the #1, giving it a sportier character.
The technical changes seem crucial and complement the sporty appearance of the #3. Turning in the figure-8 felt stable, with smooth torque delivery at low speeds.
This makes it suitable for everyday city driving by regular motorists. Among our experiences, the slalom tested the chassis stability, tire grip limits, and power delivery. The smart #3 easily reaches grip limits due to its rapid torque delivery, following your right foot’s commands.
However, the safety systems and strengthened chassis ensure the car remains in control and assists the driver in navigating through various situations. Body roll is noticeably reduced, making the smart #3 more nimble and agile when changing directions while accelerating and braking.
Overall, the smart #3 exhibits a distinct character compared to the #1, suitable for young buyers seeking an enjoyable EV for daily driving. Stay tuned for our extensive daily test drive report in both city and long-distance driving once we receive the smart #3 test unit shortly.
In the meantime, you can visit the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 from May 22 to May 26, 2024, as the smart #3 will make its debut appearance there. smart Malaysia representatives will be at Hall A2 (Premium Hall), MAEPS, Serdang.
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT has been chosen as the safety car for Formula E. Two of Porsche’s most powerful EV units will make their first public appearance at the Berlin race on the upcoming 11th and 12th of May.
Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, said: “Sustainability and electrification are crucial for Porsche, as evidenced through our motorsport activities – including the selection of the Taycan Turbo GT as the safety car.
“This is symbolic of what we learn from motorsport for various applications. In Formula E, it is crucial for electric sports cars, such as energy management.
“This is another reason why the Taycan has been enhanced in various aspects recently,” he said.
This new Taycan Turbo GT comes with more power and driving range, as well as faster charging capabilities. It has broken several records at the Nurburgring and Laguna Seca tracks.
With the Weissach package, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 305 km/h.
The Attack Mode unleashes up to 120 kW of additional power. This technology is derived from the Porsche 99X Electric, the Formula E car that won the recent championship.
For the first time, two versions of these EV cars will shoulder the safety car duties. The first car is the Taycan Turbo GT in Purple Sky Metallic, while the other is in Shade Green Metallic.
BYD Atto 3 can be considered a new electric vehicle (EV) model in the market. Sime Darby Motors, as the official distributor, has introduced the updated BYD Atto 3 2024.
The updates for the Atto 3 include its exterior aesthetics. This EV SUV has received a new black graphic on the D-pillar, and the BYD logo at the back replaces the previous “BUILD YOUR DREAMS” inscription.
Furthermore, the interior cabin can be chosen with two color themes, namely Black-Dark Blue or Dark Blue-Light Grey, according to your preference. A new Cosmos Black body color has also been added, in addition to the existing colors.
In terms of technology, the BYD Atto 3 2024 is equipped with wireless charging and a larger 15.6-inch screen (previously 12.8-inch) that is still rotatable. Connectivity to Android Auto and Apple Carplay is still offered as usual.
There are no changes to the power generation system. This means that the Atto 3 is still powered by a front electric motor with an output of 201hp and 310Nm, sufficient for acceleration from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The electric motor is powered by LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, providing a driving range of 345km (WLTP cycle).
The BYD Atto 3 supports AC 7kW and DC charging up to 70kW, in addition to V2L functionality.
This EV is offered in only one variant for 2024, priced at RM149,800. You can also choose from three warranty packages ranging from 6 years/150,000km to 8 years/150,000km.
