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.
Fisker may not be widely recognized by the younger generation today, but the company is among the earliest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers alongside Tesla.
However, recently, Fisker has filed for bankruptcy through Chapter 11 protection. This makes them the second EV company to do so after Lordstown Motors.
This news comes less than two weeks after Fisker issued a recall for nearly all 6,864 units of its Ocean SUV, related to an issue with the Motor Control Unit (MCU).
“Like other companies in the electric vehicle industry, we have faced various market and macroeconomic headwinds that have impacted our ability to operate efficiently,” Fisker wrote in a statement.
“After evaluating all options for our business, we determined that proceeding with a sale of our assets under Chapter 11 is the most viable path forward for the company.”
According to Fisker’s statement, the previously announced cessation of production operations will continue until further notice.
The company hopes to resume operations on a smaller scale, including paying employee salaries and benefits, maintaining some customer programs while selling assets, and restructuring debts.
Fisker was launched in Manhattan Beach, California in 2016 by automotive designer Henrik Fisker, who has since become the company’s chairman and CEO.
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.
Xpeng, the Chinese EV brand that will soon enter the Malaysian market, has introduced its first model under the MONA series, the M03.
MONA is a series that stands for ‘Made Of New AI’ and it will reportedly focus on new technology and intelligent driving.
According to CarNewsChina, the M03 was developed by Xpeng in cooperation with Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi. Xpeng is responsible for the supply chain and manufacturing, while Didi is tasked to come up with the design and sales operation.
In a previous interview, Xpeng’s chairman, He Xiaopeng, indicated that the M03 will be built on the Fuyao platform. This means it will also come with the Xpeng Navigation Guided Pilot (XNGP) system and the X-EEA 3.0 electrical architecture.
The battery will be supplied by BYD, with a promised range of over 500 km based on the CLTC cycle.
Like the P7, the M03 will be assembled at Xpeng’s factory in Guangdong. It is expected to be officially introduced in June and will enter the market in the third quarter of this year at a price below 200,000 yuan (RM130,385).
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.”
ZEEKR, the luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand under the Geely Group, has reportedly signed a cooperation agreement with Sentinel Automotive Sdn. Bhd. for the distribution of its EVs in Malaysia.
According to CarNewsChina (CNC), the agreement was signed on June 8. Zeekr also signed a similar agreement with a company from Indonesia, PT Premium Auto Prima.
The automotive portal from China also reported that the brand will open its first store in Kuala Lumpur, with other stores in Selangor and Penang expected to commence construction later this year.
The first models to be introduced to Malaysia and Indonesia will be the X and 009. Previously, CNC reported that the first right-hand drive versions of the X have rolled off the the production line in China with overseas deliveries expected to begin in the third quarter of this year.
The X is a compact all-electric SUV built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform, which also underpins other Zeekr models.
Based on technical data obtained from Zeekr’s website, the X measures 4,432 mm in length, 1,836 mm in width, 1,566 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.
It is available in RWD and AWD versions. The former features a single electric motor at the rear axle generating 272 hp and 343 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.
Meanwhile, the AWD version with a twin-motor setup delivers 428 hp and 543 Nm. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 180 km/h, the same as the RWD model.
Both versions are equipped with a 69 kWh battery, providing a WLTP range of 440 km for the RWD and 400 km for the AWD.
On the other hand, the 009 is a luxury MPV measuring 5,209 mm in length, 2,024 mm in width and 1,848 mm in height. The people mover has a rather sizeable wheelbase of 3,205 mm.
The 009 is powered by two electric motors generating a total power of 544 PS, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
As for the battery, the 009 is said to be the first vehicle in the world equipped with a 140 kWh CATL battery, which promises a driving range of up to 822 km based on the CLTC cycle.
DINAMIKJAYA Motors has launched its latest battery electric vehicle (BEV), the Kia EV9. The model is now available for booking and test drives at any Kia showrooms nationwide.
Since its debut in March 2023, the EV9 has already garnered prestigious awards like the 2024 World Car of The Year and the Best of the Best Award in Cars and Motorcycle category by Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024.
For the Malaysian market, the EV9 is offered in the GT-Line AWD variant with a choice of six or seven seats. Save for the seating configuration, both versions have the same exact specifications.
Pricing (OTR without insurance) starts at RM374,668 for the six-seater variant and RM369,668 for the seven-seater variant. The EV9 is fully imported from South Korea.
In terms of performance, the EV9 is powered by two electric motors that combine to produce a total power of 380 hp and 700 Nm. This allows the electric SUV to accelerate up to 200 km/h.
As for the battery, the electric SUV employs a 99.8 kWh unit that offers a driving range of up to 505 km on a full charge.
The EV9 supports DC fast charging of up to 350 kW, allowing it to replenish the battery from 10 to 80% in 24 minutes. It is also equipped with an 11 kW AC charger, which takes approximately 10.5 hours for a full charge.
Similar to the EV6, the EV9 is built using the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). It has a rather large footprint, measuring 5,015 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, 1,780 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm.
Its exterior design features the Digital Tiger Face, which includes the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, vertical LED lights, and Star Map Lighting on the daytime running lights and taillights. Both variants come with 21-inch wheels.
There are five colours to choose from, namely Ocean Blue, Snow White Pearl, Pebble Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, and Iceberg Green.
Inside, you’ll find a dual screen setup, each measuring 12.3 inches, and a five-inch segment display that enables control of the vehicle’s functionality while ensuring physical buttons are kept to a minimum.
Look closely and you’ll find that the EV9 lacks conventional side mirrors. Instead, the SUV is fitted with exterior cameras that provide live feeds through two small screens located on the left and right door panels.
Other niceties include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, USB-C charging ports in the front, middle, and rear, ambient lighting, and a Meridian audio system with 14 speakers.
With the flexible Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) charging system, the EV9 also has a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function that can supply power up to 3.6 kWh to charge various electronic devices.
In terms of safety and driver assistance, the EV9 is equipped with the following features:
High Beam Assist (HBA)
Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA)
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist (RCCA)
Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA2)
Lane Following Assist (LFA2)
Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
Dinamikjaya Motors offers a manufacturer’s warranty for five years/150,000 km and a battery warranty for eight years/160,000 km.
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.
CHINA has reportedly granted permission to nine vehicle manufacturers to test Level 3 autonomous driving systems on public roads.
This move comes about eight months after the Chinese government issued guidelines and began accepting applications from companies interested in testing their autonomous driving technology.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China has confirmed that approvals have been granted to Nio, BYD, Changan Auto, GAC, SAIC, BAIC BluePark, China FAW Group, SAIC Hongyan, and Yutong Bus.
These companies will be allowed to test autonomous vehicles on limited roads, with drivers permitted to release their hands from the steering wheel.
Level 3 semi-autonomous vehicles are not yet being sold in the Chinese market, but this testing will pave the way for such systems to be launched for individual buyers and fleet operators.
According to Reuters, at least 10 car manufacturers in China are offering vehicles with Level 2 autonomous driving systems, including Huawei and Xpeng.
The testing program will be supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and the Ministry of Public Security.
The new legislation also allows Tesla to start offering its semi-autonomous driving system in the country.
Previously, Elon Musk hinted that the brand might launch a robotaxi equipped with Full Self-Driving technology before introducing it to privately-owned cars. Chinese representatives were reportedly open to this idea.
However, before this can happen, Tesla needs approval to collect and transfer the necessary data for its autonomous system.
The Model 3 and Model Y are now permitted to enter specific areas in China after previously being restricted due to data safety concerns. This permission was granted after a leading Chinese automotive association confirmed that Tesla complies with data safety regulations.
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.
Toyota is currently testing the battery-electric Hilux BEV to assess its performance as it prepares to commence the production of the truck in Thailand by the end of 2025.
According to Reuters, Thailand is a critical market for Toyota, with pickup trucksmaking up more than half of total vehicle sales. The company also has a large manufacturing plant in the country.
“Our intention is to be producing the Hilux BEV over here,” Pras Ganesh, executive vice president of Toyota Motor Asia told Reuters.
Ganesh did not provide any details on pricing or production volume for the Hilux BEV, which would be Toyota’s first electric pickup truck offering.
He added that the pickup truck will be primarily targeted at the Thai domestic market but Toyota will also consider exporting the model.
The Japanese automaker is testing the Hilux BEV for various use cases in different road and temperature conditions.
“The more range I have to put on it, the more battery I have to put on it, which means the weight of the vehicle also becomes significantly heavier, which means the loading can be much less,” Ganesh said.
“So ‘Is it going to meet the customer’s usage needs?’ is always our biggest issue. We are always trying to understand what they do,” he added.
Meanwhile, Toyota’s closest rival Isuzu Motors also plans to assemble its electric D-Max pickup truck in Thailand.
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).
NETA, distributed by Intro Synergy Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of GoAuto Group, has introduced their second EV for the Malaysian market, namely the Neta X.
According to the company, the Neta X will be officially launched in the second quarter of this year. There are three variants to choose from, namely 400 Comfort, 400 Luxury, and 500 Luxury, with estimated prices ranging from RM119,900 to RM139,900.
All three variants feature an electric motor on the front axle generating 161 hp (120 kW) and 210 Nm. Neta Malaysia claims that this model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under 9.5 seconds, with a maximum speed exceeding 150 km/h.
Regarding the batteries, the 400 variants use a 52.49 kWh battery offering a range of up to 401 km based on the NEDC cycle. The 500 Luxury variant is equipped with a 64.14 kWh battery providing a range of up to 480 km on a full charge.
The Neta X comes with an onboard 6.6-kW AC charger capable of charging from 0 to 100% in nine hours. It also has DC fast charging that takes 30 minutes for a 30-80% charge but the capacity is not specified.
Size-wise, the Neta X is larger than its two closest competitors, the BYD Atto 3 and Chery Omoda 5, measuring 4,619 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, 1,628 mm in height, with a 2,770 mm wheelbase.
Other niceties include an 8.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch HD display powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155. It also has Apple CarPlay and wireless charging.
Additionally, the 400 and 500 Luxury variants are equipped with Level 2 ADAS, encompassing Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and Intelligent Cruise Assistance (ICA), to name a few.
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