In September 2021, Genesis was among the manufacturers that announced electrification plans, where every new model will receive a full electric version starting in 2025.
However, due to the weakening demand for EVs, the South Korean automotive manufacturer has conducted a review of their plans, with their current strategy being to launch as many hybrid vehicle models as possible.
In an interview with Top Gear, Genesis global boss Mike Song stated, “Many customers now prefer hybrids over EVs.”
He further expressed, “Electrification still remains our vision. We will have 100 percent electrified vehicles, but due to the market and customers leaning towards hybrids more than EVs, we will introduce more Genesis hybrid models as quickly as possible.”
Meanwhile, head of vehicle development unit Tyrone Johnson added, “We are constantly re-evaluating what we do, and sometimes you need to make slight adjustments.”
“As mentioned by Mike, the EV strategy remains strong, but you shouldn’t be rigid about specific things when the situation changes, you need to react, and that’s what should happen,” he continued.
In the interview, Mike Song did not disclose details about the specific hybrid powertrain that will be used in Genesis vehicles.
However, it is certain that in the future, Genesis customers will be presented with more options of hybrid vehicles to suit their individual needs, and not limited to purely battery electric vehicle (BEV) models.
China is one of the most essential markets for Volkswagen, and now the German manufacturer has officially launched the electric-powered SUV coupe named ID.UNYX.
Built on the MEB platform, this compact SUV features dimensions measuring 4,663 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, 1,610 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,766 mm.
Externally, the ID.UNYX showcases a pair of sharp matrix LED headlights consisting of 13 LED units connected by a crossbar LED.
Meanwhile, the rear end presents a sleeker appearance with thinner light structures complemented by a crossbar LED and a glowing VW logo.
The sharp design elements are also carried over to the front dashboard where you can spot the air vent intentionally crafted to resemble the ID.UNYX’s headlights.
Among the existing features are a 5.3-inch instrument panel screen for the driver, a 2K resolution 15-inch floating screen, an augmented reality head-up display (AR), and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Additionally, the ID.UNYX offers conveniences such as wireless device charging, a cup holder in the center console, AI assistance, 12-way adjustable seats, and support for Apple CarPlay, Baidu CarLife, and Huawei HiCar.
In China, the ID.UNYX is available with a choice of a single electric motor producing 227 hp or a dual electric motor variant with a combined power output of 335 hp.
The 82.4 kWh ternary lithium battery pack allows for a driving range of up to 621 km, or 565 km for the dual motor version.
The selling price ranges from 209,900 yuan to 249,900 yuan (RM135,000 to RM161,000) with three available variants: Pro, Ultra, and Max.
The premium electric mobility brand under Geely, Zeekr, has just unveiled a new model positioned to challenge the Tesla Model Y – the Zeekr 7X.
The 7X is a full-time electric SUV built on the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform, the same foundation used by the Zeekr 007 sedan.
Not many specification details have been disclosed at this time.
However, according to reports, the Zeekr 7X will be offered with two battery pack options – a 75 kWh LFP pack or a 100 kWh ternary NMC battery pack.
Two electric drive configurations are also offered, with the base version featuring a rear-wheel drive with 416 hp, while the dual electric motor variant can generate a power of up to 637 hp.
In terms of dimensions, the Zeekr 7X measures 4,825 mm in length, 1,930 mm wide, 1,666 mm high, with a wheelbase of approximately 2,925 mm.
Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Zeekr 7X is 75 mm longer, with a longer wheelbase than the Tesla (2,891 mm).
The exterior design of the 7X shares many elements with the 007 sedan, including the ‘Stargate’ front LED panel that can display text, followed by thin LED bars at the rear.
Based on the specifications of the 007 sedan in the Chinese market, the base level comes with a rear-wheel drive electric motor with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.4 seconds, while the all-wheel drive version can accelerate in just 2.84 seconds.
The Zeekr 007 sedan also offers a travel range of up to 688 km or up to 870 km based on CLTC data, in addition to supporting fast charging at 800 volts where owners can add 610 km of range in just 15 minutes.
Lastly, there is support for LiDAR sensors, 12 cameras, and Nvidia Orin-X processing chips for high-speed autonomous driving, which now covers the entire mainland China.
IN the past, buying a car used to be a simple affair. However, with the advancements in technology, the car purchasing process has become rather elaborate as Malaysians need to take into account plenty of factors before signing on the dotted line.
For instance, when it comes to engines, the options available today are not limited to just pure petrol or diesel. Depending on the make, potential buyers can now opt for hybrid powertrains if efficiency is what they aim for.
Or, if buyers no longer wish to use internal combustion engines in the name of the environment, they are encouraged to make the switch to EV, which will cost from as low as RM100,000.
In other words, car buyers now have multiple factors to mull over to make sure that the car they purchase actually meets their needs. Understanding the differences between hybrid and EV should be a good start.
Definition
Essentially, all hybrid cars have two power sources – an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor powered by a battery pack.
Depending on the type of hybrid system, the ICE and electric motor can propel the wheels together or separately. This depends on the vehicle’s speed, the remaining battery charge, and other factors.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) have a longer electric driving range because they come with a larger motor and battery. In addition to regenerative braking, the battery can be replenished from an external source, just like an EV.
Unlike hybrid cars, electric cars do not have conventional engines and rely solely on the electric motor to move.
Most EVs have one or two electric motors, along with a large battery pack located at the bottom of the chassis. EV batteries typically support both AC and DC charging.
Advantages of hybrid
In general, hybrid powertrains work well to reduce fuel consumption, with some systems also promising better acceleration performance.
Fuel savings vary based on the hybrid system. For example, a mild-hybrid system does not offer significant fuel savings compared to a PHEV largely due to the fact that it can’t operate solely in EV mode.
Although heavier than traditional ICE cars, hybrid cars generally have enough grunt to keep things fun. They may not be as fast as EVs, but hybrid powertrains can combine the power of the engine and electric motor to provide strong acceleration.
Additionally, hybrid users do not need to worry about charging the battery because a hybrid battery does not require charging. It can be recharged using regenerative braking. This, however, does not apply to PHEVs as their batteries still need to be plugged in for a full charge.
Advantages of EV
Obviously, EVs do not use any fuel at all, making them the right choice for those looking to reduce their monthly expenses, especially with the impending petrol subsidy rationalisation.
Of course, consumers still need to factor in charging costs, but at least they have the freedom choose charging stations that offer charging rates within their budget.
Speaking of budget, EV users in Malaysia have the opportunity reduce their ownership costs as road tax for EVs is free until the end of 2025.
Performance-wise, EVs are generally faster than hybrid cars due to the electric motor’s ability to generate maximum torque as soon as the accelerator is pressed.
The absence of an ICE also makes EVs much quieter and smoother on the road, giving passengers a sense of luxury.
Which one should I choose?
At the end of the day, understand your needs before making a decision. Hybrids are suitable if you want a daily that’s super reliable and fuel-efficient. They offer a longer driving range than EVs and charging not something to fret about.
Hybrids, or more precisely, PHEVs, are a good option for those who feel like they want to transition to EVs but are not ready to do so yet. This is because PHEVs come with an electric driving mode, while users also get to familiarise themselves with charging.
Driving an EV is fun, and its acceleration can be addictive, but it also has a limited range. Therefore, choose an EV only if you have more than one car and do not live far from work.
In addition to range and the anxiety that comes with it, you also need to consider the public charging infrastructure, which is far from ready. The number of charging stations is growing but there will be times where you come across a charging point that’s unusable due to some technical issues. So, the more, the merrier.
The best way to reduce your dependence on public chargers is by installing a home charger but this is only possible if you live in a landed property.
POLESTAR is among the many brands adding excitement to the Goodwood Festival of Speed with its latest lineup of vehicles.
In addition to production cars such as the Polestar 2, 3, and 4, the brand is also showcasing how far it can go when it comes to performance with the BST Concept.
The fully-electric roadster was developed based on the Polestar 6, but as you can see, it looks more far more ferocious thanks to a motorsport-inspired body kit.
The bodywork is further enhanced with a classic silver shade, muscular flared arches, extra wide track and 22-inch forged alloy wheels.
The aerodynamics are also emphasized through the vented bonnet, which is framed by an aggressive front splitter, as well as an extreme rear wing and bespoke racing-livery inspired graphics.
There are practically zero details regarding the powertrain, but rumours suggest the Concept BST could follow in the footsteps of the Polestar 6 by featuring a twin electric motor setup with 884 hp and 900 Nm.
If Polestar decides to put the BST Concept into production though, it could have significantly higher output, as seen in the Polestar 2 BST Edition 230 and 270.
The car it’s based on, the Polestar 6 will also make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It is built on the bespoke bonded aluminium Polestar Performance Architecture (PPA) platform, which is also used by the Polestar 5, a four-door electric sedan that will compete with Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW.
BYD has reportedly agreed to invest $1 billion in an assembly plant in Turkiye as part of its efforts to further expand its brand into the European region.
BYD’s Chairman Wang Chuanfu and Turkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir signed an investment deal in Istanbul, witnessed by President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Local media reports claim the manufacturing plant will have an annual production capacity of up to 150,000 vehicles and is expected to create around 5,000 job opportunities.
The plant is expected to commence operations by the end of 2026. However, the specific models to be assembled at the upcoming facility are currently unknown.
The deal comes hot on the heels of the European Union (EU) slapping extra provisional tariffs of up to 38% on EVs imported from China.
To make matters worse for the Chinese manufacturers, Turkiye had previously announced a 40% import tariff on all vehicles from China to protect its automotive industry.
But by establishing an assembly plant in Turkiye, BYD can now bring its cars into Europe without having to deal with the import tariffs, as Turkiye is part of EU’s Customs Union.
China is the world’s largest EV producer, and with the fierce price war in the country, Chinese EV makers have been aggressively exporting their cars overseas.
The influx of Chinese EVs has led several countries to impose high tariffs not only on EVs but also various goods from China to protect their economies.
One way to avoid these tariffs is by starting local assembly operations. BYD has started making its move in the Old Continent with the announcement of assembly plants in Hungary and Turkiye.
On top of that, the brand has recently launched an assembly plant in Rayong, Thailand, cementing its presence in the Southeast Asian region.
Pro-Net also announced several warranty packages during the launch, including:
22kWh smartCharge home charger worth RM3,200
Accessories package worth RM2,500
V2L adapter worth RM800
Complimentary 60GB internet data for 5 years
Standard warranty package
In addition, the standard warranty for the smart #3 includes a 4-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, an 8-year/150,000km high-voltage component warranty, an 8-year/200,000km battery warranty, and 24/7 roadside assistance.
In terms of specifications, the Pro variant has a 49kWh battery, while the Premium and Brabus variants have a 66kWh battery.
The Pro and Premium variants feature a single rear electric motor with an output of 272hp and 343Nm torque, allowing acceleration from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The smart #3 Brabus, on the other hand, has two motors on the front and rear axles, with a total power of 428hp and 543Nm torque. As the #3 Brabus is an AWD vehicle, its acceleration from 0-100km/h is much faster, around 3.7 seconds.
The maximum speed for all variants is 180km/h. The driving range is approximately 455km for the Pro and Premium, and 415km for the Brabus.
Both the BRABUS and Premium variants offer the best-in-segment 22kWh AC charger with the ability to charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in less than 3 hours.
Furthermore, the smart #3 also enhances the latest safety technology, with 23 high-precision sensors supporting 21 ADAS functions to ensure driver safety on the road.
Standard features of the smart #3 include a Panoramic Halo Roof, CyberSparksLED+ with adaptive lighting assistance, and an illuminated front grille.
For decades, the Malaysian automotive industry has been dominated by leading automotive brands from the East and West, such as the United States, Europe, and not forgetting the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan.
Not to be forgotten, the contributions of two national automotive brands such as Proton and Perodua, which have provided significant transportation benefits and job opportunities to the local population.
However, in recent years, we have witnessed several Chinese automotive brands entering the domestic market, offering a lineup of products that are able to capture attention at more affordable prices.
Below is a list of Chinese automotive brands that have already established a presence here, as well as some new brands that are set to make an appearance in the future:
BYD
Under the umbrella of Sime Darby Motors, BYD introduces a range of electric vehicles (EVs) such as Atto 3, Dolphin, and Seal.
BAIC
A new brand that recently entered the Malaysian market this year with two SUVs set to be launched soon, namely BJ40 Plus and X55.
It is understood that both SUVs will be offered in Completely Built-Up (CBU) versions before locally assembled (CKD) versions follow later.
Chery
Chery is among the Chinese automotive brands that have had a presence in Malaysia for some time.
The brand made a comeback in Malaysia in 2022, showcasing attractive models under specialized portfolios such as Jaecoo (J7), Jetour (X70 Plus, Dashing), Tiggo (7 Pro, 8 Pro), and Omoda (5, E5).
GAC
Under WTC Automotive, GAC entered the Malaysian market with the B-segment SUV model GS3 in 2022.
It then replaced the model with the second-generation GS3 Emzoom, followed by the introduction of the EV model GAC Aion Y Plus this year.
Great Wall Motors
Great Wall Motors has also long been established in Malaysia, before its operations were taken over by the subsidiary company, Great Wall Motors Malaysia.
Under GWM, there are several main sub-brands to take note of, such as Ora (Good Cat, 07), Tank (Tank 300), Haval (H6 Hybrid), and Cannon (Ultra).
Maxus
Maxus is a Chinese automotive brand that focuses heavily on commercial models like the T60 pickup truck, panel and window vans, electric-powered delivery van eDeliver 3, large MPV G10, and futuristic electric-powered MPV MIFA 9.
Neta
This EV brand made its official debut in Malaysia last year, under the management of the subsidiary company GoAuto Group.
So far, Neta Auto already offers two EV models, the hatchback Neta V and the SUV Neta X.
Leapmotor
Established in 2015, Leapmotor is a company that specializes in electric vehicles.
Now under Stellantis, the brand is expected to enter the Malaysian market in the fourth quarter of this year (Q4 2024) as an affordable EV brand.
Xpeng
Another Chinese EV brand set to enter Malaysia is Xpeng, after its distribution rights were acquired by Bermaz Auto.
At the moment, no specific launch date has been announced regarding the official debut of this brand in the local market.
Zeekr
A premium EV brand owned by Geely, Zeekr is expected to make its official debut this year, following a collaboration with Sentinel Automotive.
Two exciting models set to arrive in Malaysia are the electric SUV Zeekr X and the luxurious minivan Zeekr 009.
Lexus Malaysia recently announced the arrival of the all-new electric SUV, the Lexus RZ 450e 2024, for the local market, offered in a single Luxury variant only.
Reservations for this model are now open, with a starting selling price of RM429,888 on the road without insurance.
Here is a brief overview of the specifications of the Lexus RZ 450e Luxury electric SUV:
Dual electric motor configuration
The Lexus RZ 450e comes equipped with two electric motors as standard, comprising a front motor with 201 hp/266 Nm and a rear motor with 107 hp/169 Nm.
Altogether, the Lexus RZ 450e is capable of producing a power of up to 308 hp that drives all wheels through the DIRECT4 propulsion system. It includes three driving modes: Confidence, Control, and Comfort.
Range of 440 km
The Lexus RZ 450e comes with a 71.4 kWh battery pack allowing for a range of 440 km on a full charge (WLTP data). The lithium-ion battery can be charged using AC charging up to 11 kW, or rapid DC charging up to 150 kW.
“Seamless E-Motion” Design
Despite sharing the same e-TNGA platform as the Toyota bZ4X, Lexus has used its own design approach to make the RZ 450e model more premium in appearance. The powerful exterior character is the result of the “Seamless E-Motion” design concept inspired by the cheetah.
The iconic Spindle grille structure found on any Lexus vehicle has been replaced with the BEV Spindle Body for the RZ model. There are six color options offered for the Malaysian market, including Sonic Copper, Sonic Chrome, Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Quartz, Sonic Iridium, and the new Aether Metallic color.
Tazuna Concept Cabin Space
Similar to the latest Lexus models, the Lexus RZ 450e cabin also adopts the Tazuna concept where all driving control buttons are focused on the steering wheel. It features an 8-inch digital cluster screen, a 14.0-inch infotainment screen intentionally positioned towards the driver, a head-up display (HUD) screen, and the Mark Levinson Premium surround sound system with 13 speakers.
Among other features are the Lexus Climate Concierge, nanoe™ X air filtering system, 64-color cabin lighting, and a Tsuyasumi-designed center console that delivers a glossy charcoal effect. The Lexus RZ 450e also prioritizes the use of eco-friendly materials, for example, seats made of Sustainable Grayscale Utrasuede and door panel trims made of recycled PET material.
Lexus Safety System (LSS+)
As standard, the Lexus RZ 450e comes with the third-generation Lexus Safety System (LSS+) safety features, including various world-class functions, along with the Lexus Teammate Advance Park assistance, surround-view camera, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.
According to Lexus Malaysia, the Lexus RZ 450e Luxury will only be offered in limited units, with each owner being covered by a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty, as well as an eight-year unlimited mileage warranty for the battery system, extendable for two years.
VOLT Singapore, the electric vehicle (EV) charging arm of Keppel’s infrastructure division, announced that it has been awarded a contract to implement and operate a public EV fast-charging hub at Jalan Papan.
The contract was awarded by Setsco Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VICOM Ltd. Setsco will provide electrical infrastructure and facilities while Volt operate the fast-charging hub for up to 15 years.
According to Volt, it will be the largest public EV fast-charging hub in Southeast Asia. It will feature up to 80 DC charging points of 360 kW and 120 kW ratings to serve the general public, including electric buses, taxis, private hire cars, and other EVs.
The first phase, which is expected to be operational in the first half of 2026, will feature five 360 kW DC chargers that can accommodate up to 30 electric buses and EVs.
When fully operational, the facility can support concurrent charging for up to 80 electric buses, with charging time for electric cars as fast as 10 minutes.
“Volt looks forward to supporting the transition to EVs, especially for commercial fleets and electric buses to reduce emissions, promoting sustainable transportation,” said Lim Yong Wei, Executive Director of Volt.
This initiative is in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, supporting the nation’s electrification efforts by significantly enhancing the charging infrastructure for EVs.
From January to May this year, EVs accounted for about one in three new cars registered in the city, almost twice the figure recorded in 2023, which was 18.1%.
Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution inaugurated the opening of the first electric vehicle battery production plant in Indonesia last week.
With an annual battery cell capacity of 10 Gigawatt-hours (GWh), the plant is capable of supplying the battery packs needed for over 150,000 EV units, starting with the Kona Electric followed by various Hyundai and Kia models.
The opening of the plant is part of both parties’ commitment to invest up to $9.8 billion (RM46.14 billion) to develop the EV supply chain in the largest economy in Southeast Asia.
Hyundai and LGES are also prepared to develop the second phase of the plant involving a $2 billion (RM9.42 billion) investment to increase the annual battery cell capacity by 20 GWh.
Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, explained that the battery plant will strengthen Indonesia in the global EV supply chain.
“This is the first and largest EV battery cell plant in Southeast Asia, and I believe we will be able to compete with other countries due to the availability of nickel, bauxite, and copper resources here,” he said.
Indonesia has the world’s largest nickel reserves, where the country imposed a ban on raw nickel exports in 2020 to encourage investment in domestic metal processing.
IN an effort to promote the use of electric vehicles (EV), Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Nga Kor Ming said the government is considering waiving parking fees for EVs in cities.
According to a report by The Star, Nga said that the proposal is being mulled following the recent announcement to introduce “green plates” for EVs.
He added that his ministry is in discussions with the respective local councils to consider the feasibility of the proposal.
Nga cited London as an example, where a congestion fee of about RM90 per entry is imposed on non-EV cars into the city while EVs are exempted from parking fees.
In May, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, announced a new road tax structure for EVs that is up to 85% lower than the outgoing one.
It’s really nice to own an EV in Malaysia…
It is commendable that the government is always seeking ways to accelerate and promote the use of EVs among the public but as we know, all EVs in Malaysia are being sold above the RM100,000 mark, meaning those who can actually afford them are from the upper-middle to upper class.
So why does the government feel the need to give free parking to them? As far as this writer is concerned, parking fees have never been an issue for them.
It does feel like EV owners have been given enough privileges. Not only they are exempted from paying road tax until 2026, they can now park for free whenever they enter the city.
Instead of continuously giving away more benefits to just one group of people, it would be better if the government shifts its focus to bettering public transportation services so that they can be fully utilised by the rakyat.
In addition to smart, Proton’s wholly-owned subsidiary Pro-Net will take under its wing the Proton e.MAS EV brand, which was officially launched on June 12, 2024.
In an official statement, Pro-Net said it is tasked with the crucial responsibilities of establishing the e.MAS brand, enhancing its market presence, and preparing for upcoming product launches.
Pro-Net’s roles roles include recruiting a dedicated team, setting up a robust dealer network, and fostering partnerships with charging providers to ensure a seamless EV ecosystem.
With a proven track record from successfully launching the smart #1, currently a top contender in the premium SUV segment, and the impending introduction of the smart #3, the company is well-equipped to champion the e.MAS brand.
The Pro-Net team The team leverages its well-established networks, digital platforms, and expert personnel to ensure that e.MAS not only matches but surpasses the success seen with the smart models in the EV landscape.
Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton, expressed confidence in Pro-Net’s capabilities.
“The expertise Pro-Net has developed over the past two years positions us uniquely to elevate Proton e.MAS to the forefront of the EV industry.
“Our future customers will benefit from a holistic range of services that not only meet but exceed their expectations, similar to the premium experience provided to smart vehicle owners,” Dr. Li said.
The excitement surrounding the e.MAS brand was evident as over 25,000 participants entered the recent contest to guess the new brand name.. The winners are as follows:
Grand Prize of RM5,000 – Puteri Hanna Batrisha binti Ibrahim
Runner-up Prize of RM1,500 – Noor Hidayah Binti Mohd Rodzi
Third Prize of RM1,000 – Ahmad Norrizzuan Bin Noor Azhar
Pro-Net also announced that e.MAS’s official social media accounts are now live under the username “Proton e.MAS Cars” for Facebook and Xiaohongshu, and “@protonemasofficial” for Instagram and TikTok.
Suzuki is reported to be taking a drastic step by discontinuing the sales of four of its key models in the UK to make way for electric vehicle (EV) models.
The four vehicle models in question are the Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki Jimny LCV, Suzuki Swace, and Suzuki Swift Sport.
These four pure internal combustion engine (ICE) models will cease sales as early as 2025, or possibly sooner if distributor stocks run out.
This means that Suzuki will only have a lineup of hybrid models next year, consisting of the new generation Swift, Vitara, S-Cross, and Across PHEV, before the first EV emerges after the second half of 2025.
According to Dale Wyatt, the boss of Suzuki UK, “We will be exiting the ICE era with a focus on SUVs and the new Swift, and then starting in the second half of 2025, we’ll begin a period of EV growth.”
Previously, Suzuki showcased the eVX concept model almost the same size as the Grand Vitara SUV.
Electric power specifics were not disclosed, except for a 60 kWh battery capacity that allows a range of up to 550 km on a full charge.
Are you ready to welcome Suzuki’s EV offerings in the future?
A few weeks ago, Honda Motor Company and Mitsubishi Corporation announced the establishment of a new 50:50 joint venture company named ALTNA in Japan.
The primary goal of this new company is to help optimize the costs of electric vehicle (EV) usage, enhance battery life value, and circulation of resources in Japan, as well as to support the increasing demand for energy through the use of grid storage batteries.
ALTNA is set to introduce three main businesses in the future, namely EV battery leasing, battery recycling, and smart charging plans.
ALTNA will begin offering EV battery leasing plans through the Honda N-VAN e: model, where they will completely manage the leased battery ownership process and monitor usage levels throughout the lease period.
The data collected will be utilized for the purpose of improving reliability levels measured through various parameters.
Once these batteries reach the end of their lifecycle, they will be repurposed as grid storage batteries. ALTNA will also ensure that these batteries are recycled following correct procedures.
Through the smart charging business, ALTNA will offer plans that help users avoid peak charging times, thus reducing costs overall.
Furthermore, ALTNA’s charging plans will prioritize the use of renewable green energy for EV charging if there is surplus energy available on the power grid.
STELLANTIS-backed Chinese EV manufacturer Leapmotor has launched its latest product, a mid-size SUV known as the C16.
Exterior-wise, the C16 follows in the footsteps of the automaker’s first global model, the C10, with its full-width headlights and tail lamps, and flush door handles.
However, the new model is slightly larger, measuring 4,915 mm in length (+176 mm), 1,905 mm in width (+ 5mm), and 1,770 mm in height (+90 mm). The wheelbase, which measures in at 2,825 mm, is identical to that of the C10.
Inside, the C16 continues the minimalist design seen in the C10. Right in front of the driver is a 10.25-inch instrument panel, while sitting atop the clean dashboard is a 14.6-inch touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8925 chip.
Here, the C16 can be distinguished by the 2-2-2 seating configuration. The second row features electrically adjustable captain chairs, which, in addition to having heating and ventilation functions, can recline up to 145 degrees.
Meanwhile, the third-row seats can recline up to 10 degrees and have armrests with a width of 120 mm. Leapmotor claims that the headroom in the final row is 947 mm.
Other niceties include a rear seat entertainment system with a ceiling-mounted 15.6-inch screen, a premium audio system with 21 speakers, dual-zone air conditioning (three zones for higher variants), and a 15W wireless charger.
For safety, the C16 is equipped with the Pilot Intelligent Driving Assistance System, encompassing 30 sensors to achieve level 3 autonomous driving.
Like the C10, the C16 is available in fully electric or range-extender hybrid guises. The EV version is equipped with a 67.7 kWh LFP battery offering a range of up to 520 km.
It also has an electric motor generating 292 PS and 360 Nm, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.
Meanwhile, the range-extender hybrid version features a combination of a 1.5-litre engine, a 28.4 kWh battery pack, and a rear-axle electric motor with 231 PS and 320 Nm. It has a range of up to 200 km on electric power alone or up to 1,095 km with engine assistance.
In China, the C16 is offered in a total of six variants (three for the EV, three more for the range extender) with prices ranging from 155,800 to 185,800 yuan (RM101,067-RM120,528).
The Polestar 3 has been launched in the European market, and the manufacturer has now confirmed that they will offer a single electric motor version that is more affordable.
This variant will be an addition to the Long Range Dual Motor and Long Range Dual Motor Performance models, both of which are all-wheel-drive models. The new RWD single electric motor variant will provide lower power but potentially more driving range.
With only one motor at the rear, the Polestar 3 RWD has 295hp and 490Nm of torque, which is lower compared to the 483hp of the regular Dual Motor and 510hp of the Dual Motor Performance. The supplied battery remains the same, at 107kWh with DC charging capability at a rate of 250kW.
Official figures are not yet available, but Polestar has stated that this single motor version can be driven over 640km, exceeding the range of the dual motor models.
Despite having ‘only’ one motor, the features and equipment on this RWD model are similar to the dual motor models. There are six color options, four wheel choices including a new 21-inch alloy set, and several cabin trims available.
The price is also lower compared to the dual motor models. It will be interesting to see the comparison between this Polestar 3 RWD and the Tesla Model Y RWD Single Motor.
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.
HYUNDAI has introduced the Inster, its subcompact electric vehicle (EV) that is set to compete in the A-segment market.
Developed based on the Korea-only Casper, the Inster will be offered in two versions, namely Standard and Long Range.
The former features a single electric motor with 97 PS and 147 Nm, along with a 42 kWh battery pack promising a range of up to 300 km on a full charge based on the WLTP cycle.
Meanwhile, the latter is also fitted with a single electric motor but with a higher power output of 115 PS. Its battery capacity is also larger at 49 kWh, allowing the Inster to cover a distance of up to 355 km.
Hyundai claimed that the Inster can complete the 0-100 km/h 11.7 seconds for the Standard and 10.6 seconds for the Long Range. The maximum speeds are limited to 140 km/h and 150 km/h, respectively.
The Inster supports DC fast charging with a capacity of up to 120 kW, which takes 30 minutes to recharge the battery from 10% to 80%.
It also comes with an 11-kW AC charger that can fully charge the battery in 4 hours for the Standard version and 4 hours 35 minutes for the Long Range. A Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature is also onboard.
In terms of dimensions, the Inster measures 3,825 mm in length, 1,610 mm in width, 1,575 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,580 mm.
Regarding its exterior design, it is not far off from the Casper, but evidently, the Inster has more unique LED daytime running lights with pixel-graphic turn signals and rear lights. The wheels are available in 15-inch (steel or alloy) or 17-inch (alloy), depending on the specification.
Exterior colour choices include Atlas White, Tomboy Khaki, Bijarim Khaki Matte, Unbleached Ivory, Sienna Orange Metallic, Aero Silver Matte, Dusk Blue Matte, Buttercream Yellow Pearl, and Abyss Black Pearl.
Inside, the Inster focuses on technology and convenience through a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system screen, and a wireless charger on the centre console. Customers can choose between black, Khaki Brown, or Newtro Beige two-tone colours with full cloth trim.
On the practicality side of things, all seats, including the driver’s seat, can be folded flat. The second-row seats are split 50/50 and slide and recline. The trunk capacity is 280 litres, expandable up to 351 liters by sliding the rear seats forward.
Hyundai said both the exterior and interior of the Inster utilise sustainable materials. For example, the black high-gloss finish is painted using recycled paint, while for the cabin, the automaker used recycled PET bottles and bio-polypropylene material extracted from sugarcane.
Safety-wise, there’s a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite that includes features like Surround View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear, Blind-spot View Monitor, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Safety Exit Warning, Highway Driving Assist 1.5, and more.
Unlike the Casper, which is only available in South Korea, the Inster will enter the European, Middle Eastern, and Asia Pacific markets.
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.
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
