Tag Archives: EV

Engear Volt, NEWS

10 best EVs launched in Malaysia in 2023 – Part 1

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THE curtains have closed on the year 2023, which seemed like a busy period for the Malaysian electric vehicle market, thanks to the influx of new offerings coming on to the local EV scene.

So without further ado, let’s revisit the 10 most exciting EVs launched in our market throughout last year. Note that the cars in this list is not sorted in order.

Lotus Eletre

There are many reasons to like the Eletre, whether or not you are a fan of Lotus. Firstly, it is the first production SUV for the brand known for its small and lightweight sports cars.

It may be an electric SUV, but the Eletre has what it takes to blow the existing ICE Lotus vehicles out of the water with a total system output of 905 hp and 985 Nm in its most powerful version, the R.

Its rather aggressive exterior design may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the Eletre’s space-age cabin should leave youe in awe.

Smart #1

After months of teasers, the smart #1 was finally launched last November, offering three variants with selling prices ranging from RM189,000 to RM249,000.

The prices may seem a tad steep but with the #1, you truly get what you pay for. In other words, the #1 is a premium EV with a wide variety of features.

The Pro and Premium variants are equally impressive, with acceleration performance of 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and a range of 440 km. If that’s not enough, the Brabus variant offers a sportier look with red trims and two electric motors.

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin is the Chinese EV manufacturer’s second model to arrive in Malaysia, following the Atto 3. With a starting price below of RM100,000, it is also one of the most affordable EVs in the market.

True to its name, the Dolphin’s exterior design is rather adorable, enhanced by attractive LED signature lights at the front and rear. Its interior space looks unique with a funky dashboard design and vibrant color theme.

In addition to the impressive driving range (410 km to 490 km, NEDC), what’s appealing about the Dolphin is the amount of standard equipment buyers get, which include wireless Apple CarPlay, a 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen, and ADAS, to name a few.

Rolls-Royce Spectre

This ultra-luxurious electric coupe arrived in Malaysia last September as the most expensive EV in the country,  with a price starting from RM2 million excluding options.

If V12-powered cars like the Ghost and Dawn are sometimes described as “eerily silent”, imagine a Rolls-Royce without an internal combustion engine.

With a 102-kWh battery, the Spectre can drive up to 520 km on a full charge. Charging from 10% to 80% can be achieved in just 34 minutes via a 195 kW DC charger. Interestingly, the Spectre is the first two-door coupe Rolls-Royce to come with 23-inch wheels in almost 100 years.

BMW iX M60

The first electric SAV model in the BMW M portfolio is powered by two electric motors producing a total power of 619 PS and 1,015 Nm.

If that torque figure isn’t high enough, the Launch Control function will boost it to 1,100 Nm to enable the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The maximum speed is capped at 250 km/h.

A 105.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides a driving range of up to 561 km, but with the bonkers ouput, it seems that not many drivers will be able to reach 500 km on a single charge.

Engear Volt

Gachaco opens public battery sharing service for EV scooters in Japan

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JAPAN’S Big Four Companies (Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Honda) and the energy company Eneos have formed Gachaco, a electric scooter battery swapping service in the Japanese market.

Initially, Gachaco was targeted for business and delivery use only and could only be used for certain models of Honda electric scooters, such as Benly e:, Gyro e:, Gyro Canopy e:, and EM1 e:.

Only the EM1 e: model is available for public purchase, where interested individuals can subscribe to Gachaco’s battery swapping service.

By reclassifying the battery as a service and excluding it from the selling price, Honda customers can obtain the EM1 e: scooter at a lower cost, approximately 97,200 yen (RM3,167).

What they need to do is subscribe to Gachaco’s battery swapping service based on their current usage. For example, the basic plan starts at about 1,078 yen per month (RM35 per month), while the standard plan costs 2,805 yen per month (RM91.39 per month).

Gachaco also offers a pay-per-use option for each usage, priced at 180 yen per kWh (RM5.86 per kWh).

At present, the Gachaco battery swapping service, which utilizes the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: unit, is only available in Japan.

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Huawei-Seres joint-venture to build Aito M9 with BMW X7 size and 630km range

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Due to the relatively large size of the Chinese market, it is not surprising to see various cooperative efforts between major names such as Geely-Baidu, as well as several leading smart device manufacturers like Huawei.

The new Huawei-Seres cooperative company has recently launched the Aito M9 flagship six-seater SUV, featuring the latest Huawei technology.

It boasts dimensions larger than the BMW X7, with a length of 5,230 mm, width of 1,999 mm, height of 1,800 mm, wheelbase of 3,110 mm, and a drag coefficient as low as 0.264 Cd!

The M9 offers two powertrain options. The full electric version features two powerful electric motors delivering 523 hp, and a CATL 97.7 kWh battery pack providing a range of 630 km on a single full charge.

Meanwhile, the range extender version includes a 1.5-liter turbo engine acting as a power generator for two 490 hp electric motors and a CATL battery pack with a choice of 42 or 52 kWh capacity.

The range extender setup allows the M9 to travel between 1,362 and 1,402 km with a full battery charge and fuel tank.

An unique feature of the M9 model is the front-mounted projector, capable of transforming any flat surface into a 100-inch display, along with a cabin-mounted laser projector with a 32-inch panel.

The M9’s dashboard hosts three screens: a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a 15.6-inch center screen, and a 16-inch front passenger display, as well as a 75-inch head-up display and a 2,080-watt audio system with 25 speakers and active noise reduction technology.

Additionally, there are four additional display tablets for rear passengers, all operated on the HarmonyOS 4 Huawei operating system.

All six seats in the M9 cabin have electronically adjustable lumbar support, heating and ventilation functions, and can be configured as needed. In terms of safety, the Aito M9 is equipped with the Huawei ADS 2.0 system and 27 sensors.

In the Chinese market, the Aito M9 is available for order at prices ranging from 469,800 yuan to 569,800 yuan (RM304,481-RM369,292).

Engear Volt

This Decathlon e-bike has an aluminum frame and will offer 160km range

I’m sure we are all familiar with Decathlon brand. A variety of sports goods and recreational activities can be found at the store, with affordable prices.

Don’t be unaware, Decathlon is now also starting to offer electric bicycle products under the brand Van Rysel. The bicycle, called the Van Rysel E-EDR AF Apex, is Decathlon’s first attempt in the ultra-light electric road bike segment using an aluminum frame weighing only about 14 kg.

Not only that, in addition to aluminum, this bicycle uses a front fork component made of carbon for a more agile handling.

It uses a 250W (0.34 hp) Mahle X35 electric motor with 250 Nm torque and three assistance levels, coupled with a Sram APEX 12-speed gearing system, assisted by the Sram APEX hydraulic brake system.

The 250Wh 36-volt battery pack allows for a range of up to 160 km on a full charge. According to Decathlon, this new e-bike has undergone thorough real-world testing for six months.

Decathlon has priced the Van Rysel E-EDR AF Apex starting from 2,800 euros (RM14,318).

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Pre-production of the Volvo ES90 electric sedan begins, to launch in May 2024?

The Swedish publication, Teknikens Värld, reports that Volvo has now commenced the pre-production of their first electric sedan.

This is based on secret images successfully obtained from the Cixi factory, Zhejiang Province, along with internal memos detailing the initial specifications of the electric sedan.

The EV with the internal codename V551 will be officially named the ES90 and shares the same SPA2 platform as the EX90 SUV model.

The Volvo ES90 measures 4,990 mm in length, 1,945 mm in width, 1,547 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,102 mm.

This positions the Volvo ES90 in direct competition with electric sedans in its segment such as the BMW i5, Mercedes-Benz EQE, and Audi A6 e-tron.

Furthermore, the electric sedan weighs approximately 2,600 kg for the dual-motor AWD version and 2,500 kg for the single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) version. The large 111 kWh battery pack offers a range of up to 600 km for the single-motor electric version.

According to the report, the serial production of the electric sedan is slated to commence in May 2024.

Engear Volt

Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV convoy completes ASEAN tour – 3,197km in 11 days

After 11 days and 3,197km, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy has finally succeeded in completing their zero-emission journey across the ASEAN region.

They commenced their expedition in Singapore, then traversed through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and concluded in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on November 30, 2023.

This expedition marks the most extensive cross-country tour by electric vehicles (EVs) within ASEAN. Furthermore, the total distance of 3,197km exceeded the original estimate by 446km.

The purpose of this journey was to showcase the Ioniq 5’s capabilities for long-distance travel and its environmentally friendly nature, particularly in a region where the capabilities of EVs are still a matter of skepticism.

Additionally, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 demonstrated cost savings, with an average expenditure of only USD116 (RM537.60) for the entire journey. This represents approximately half the typical fuel expenses for a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

Youngtack Lee, President of Hyundai Motor ASEAN, stated, “Our dedication to making EVs more accessible as a clean transportation solution has successfully propelled us forward.

“With the success of the Ioniq 5 expedition, we are excited to further accelerate our innovations in developing EV infrastructure and ecosystems in this region. While this journey may have concluded, the excitement for electrification has only just begun,” he added.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy consisted of five vehicles, two of which were deployed in Indonesia and the remaining three in Singapore.

Engear Volt

The first Xiaomi EV will be able to travel up to 800 km!

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The Chinese smart device manufacturer, Xiaomi, is expected to launch its first electric car model, the SU7, in the near future. According to information from the CNEVPost website, the coupe sedan is said to have a range of up to 800 km.

The Xiaomi SU7 is available with two battery pack sizes, namely 73.6 kWh (BYD) with two driving range options, spanning 628 km and 668 km, and a 101 kWh capacity (CATL) offering a range of 750 km and 800 km.

In terms of dimensions, the Xiaomi SU7 is a mid-size sedan model with the following measurements: 4,997 mm in length, 1,963 mm in width, 1,440 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3,000 mm.

In the Chinese market, the size of the SU7 is much larger compared to the Tesla Model 3 and Nio ET5 sedans.

It is understood that there will be three main variants offered to consumers, namely the SU7, SU7 Pro, and SU7 Max.

In terms of dimensions, the Xiaomi SU7 is a mid-size sedan model with the following measurements. The basic variant, SU7, will be equipped with a lithium-ion phosphate battery pack supplied by BYD, and it will feature a single electric motor.

Meanwhile, the other two variants (SU7 Pro & Max) will have ternary lithium-ion batteries from CATL, with both variants set to receive dual electric motor configurations.

In the same report, Xiaomi is set to launch two additional models in the coming year, following the launch of the SU7, which is better known by its internal code name Modenat.

The second model (internally coded as Lemang) is also an electric battery vehicle (BEV) similar to Modenat, while the third model (coded as Kunlun) is a hybrid vehicle.

NEWS

Alfa Romeo promises to maintain the offering of sedans in the era of EVs

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Good news for fans of the Alfa Romeo brand, as the manufacturer is expected to maintain the offering of classic sedan body styles for the upcoming Giulia model expected to debut in 2026.

The Giulia EV is one of the two D-segment cars from Alfa Romeo that will be launched later, with the other being a replacement for the Stelvio.

Speaking to Autocar at the preview event for the new Milano crossover, its CEO Jean Philippe Imparato emphasized that the successor to the Giulia will still maintain the traditional sedan form, despite being aware of the shrinking segment.

He said, “the sedan body shape will make a comeback. I don’t want Alfa Romeo to become an SUV brand.”

The Giulia EV is also likely to bring a profile that combines sedan and wagon elements, similar to the Genesis G70 and Mercedes CLA shooting brake models.

“I don’t want to give up on the sedan market. It is Alfa’s DNA to have a sporty sedan. However, I also acknowledge there are proposals to produce a station wagon (estate) version of the Giulia.”

Alfa Romeo also hints at the revival of the iconic GTV and Duetto models in the EV era.

“The next step we are taking is: what is the answer for the GTV model, and what is the answer for the Duetto model? However, it is not definitive yet, and I don’t want to comment on it.”

NEWS

Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid named the 2023 Malaysia Car of the Year

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THE 19th Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) recently concluded, and the prestigious title of Overall Car of the Year was awarded to the Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid.

The annual program which serves as a platform for automotive enthusiasts and experts to recognize and celebrate the best new cars in Malaysia, unanimously picked the Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid for its technology which eliminates power-robbing gearboxes, whether CVT or hydraulic, and for providing the best energy regeneration of all current hybrids in Malaysia.

With 121 new cars nominated for this year’s award, the competition was fierce and represented a diverse range of vehicles. The judging panel consisted of 10 esteemed automotive journalists and two professionals from the legal and medical fields.

These judges evaluated the cars based on several criteria, including design, technology, safety, and value for money. As a result of their analysis, the 121 nominated cars were divided into seven main categories, with 13 winners emerging as the best in their respective segments.

One interesting aspect of the MCOTY program is the People’s Choice award, which is determined through online polling using smartphone to implement one person one vote from a list of 25 cars nominated by the judges and a team from the Malaysia Automotive Robotics IoT Institute.

This year, the Perodua Axia E took home the People’s Choice award in the mass market category, while the BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport won the hearts of the public in the premium market. Interesting to see that Malaysians selected an EV in the premium market segment.

In addition to the winners, the judges also made Honourable Mentions of three outstanding cars that defied convention.

The Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 V6 petrol twin turbo was acknowledged for its outstanding performance, being described as a supercar in pick-up guise.

The Perodua Axia 1.0 E received recognition for its affordability, with its price tag of RM22,000 making it one of the best value-for-money cars in the world. Despite criticism regarding its safety standards, the judges argued that the Axia E is still much safer than motorcycles.

Third, the Chery Omoda 5 was commended for its warranty, as it was launched with an unprecedented 1 million km warranty for the first 3,000 buyers. This imaginative brand-building exercise caught the attention of the judging panel.

Winners of the 19th Malaysia Car of the Year Awards:

A) Sedan and Hatchback:

Below: RM110,000: Toyota Vios 1.5G
RM111,000 to RM249,000: Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid
Above RM250,000: Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line

B) Crossover

Below RM200,000: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8
Above RM200,000: Mazda CX-8 2.2D 2WD

C) Electric Vehicles (EV)

Below RM200,000: BYD Dolphin Premium Extended
Above RM200,000: Volvo C40

D) Hybrids

Below RM 250,000: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 1.8
Above RM 250,000: Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 Ultimate.

E) SUV

Below RM250,000: Kia Sorento 2.2 diesel AWD
Above RM250,000: Lexus RX 350 Luxury 2.4 T

F) Trucks

Ford Ranger 2.0 XLT Plus Double Cab 4×4 WildTrak

G) MPV

Kia Carnival 2.2D 11-seater

H) Overall Car of the Year

Honda Civic e-HEV RS Hybrid

I) People’s Choice

Mass Market: Perodua Axia
Premium market: BMW iX1 xDrive30 M Sport

J) Honourable Mentions

Performance: Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0 petrol twin-turbo V6
Affordability: Perodua Axia 1.0 E (manual)
Warranty: The Chery Omoda 5

K) Charge Point Operator of the Year

Gentari

L) Person of the Year

Ahmad Hadri Haris

NEWS

20 percent of vehicles sold in Malaysia are EV as of 2030 – Tengku Zafrul

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The government has set a national target where 20 percent of Malaysia’s annual new car sales will consist of electric vehicles (EV) by 2030, 50 percent by 2040, and 80 percent by 2050.

According to the Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, this is to accelerate the National Automotive Transition Plan (NETP) launched in August this year.

“MITI’s commitment to propel Malaysia forward in the electric vehicle revolution can be seen through the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP2020).

“NAP2020 provides the local automotive industry with a clear direction for future readiness, through the development of next-generation vehicles including energy-efficient and environmentally friendly EVs,” Zafrul said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia has recorded strong growth in EV sales every year, and the government is optimistic that this positive momentum will continue until the end of 2023, according to Zafrul.

So far, Malaysia has registered over 100,000 electric vehicles.

“More than 12,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have been registered since 2011, with the number of BEVs registered just this year alone exceeding 9,000 units,” he said in his speech at the early launch of the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 (MAS 2024) recently.

For the first 10 months of 2023, Malaysia’s vehicle sales recorded strong growth, increasing by 11.6 percent to nearly 647,000 units.

Tengku Zafrul said he believed that electric vehicles would be a catalyst for Malaysia’s manufacturing industry exports.

“Therefore, there is great potential in next-generation vehicles that require more components, for example, semiconductor composites, chip components in today’s cars, and even hybrid cars contain around 1,500 chips in a single car,” he said.

Engear Volt, NEWS

MINI Cooper SE now available with John Cooper Works Trim package

OWNERS of the new MINI Cooper SE looking to give their car a more menacing look will be happy to know that the automaker is now offering a John Cooper Works Trim package for the electric vehicle.

However, this package is limited to aesthetic changes, which means the Cooper SE retains the single electric motor setup with 208 PS and 330 Nm just like the standard version.

Well, not that it is in dire need of additional power as even with a rather modest output, the car only needs 6.7 seconds to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint.

Needless to say, the 54.2-kWh battery is also retained to give the Cooper SE a range of up to 402 km on a single charge. The battery pack that can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes via 95-kW DC fast charging.

Nevertheless, the JCW Trim package does make the Cooper SE look more aggressive on the road. At the front, you’ll find a high-gloss block finish on the radiator grille surround and logo as well as JCW-specific individual light signatures featuring two horizontal stripes as daytime running lights.

Also included are 18-inch wheels in Lap Spoke two-tone design with ten spokes, red JCW brake calipers, front and rear diffusers, hood stripes, as well as Chilli Red accents on the roof and side mirrors.

 

Similarly, the interior gets racing-inspired cues which include a black and red theme, JCW seats upholstered in synthetic leather with multi-coloured knitted material in the shoulder section, and 2d-knit on the door and the dashboard.

The central OLED display now has a JCW-inspired Go-Kart mode, which colours the display and interior lighting anthracite red and pumps go-kart sound into the cabin. This mode also optimises throttle response of the accelerator pedal.

NEWS

Toyota is developing a manual transmission for EVs, up to 14 gears!

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TOYOTA will introduce a simulated (virtual) manual gearbox for its electric vehicles (EVs). However, it appears it will be quite fun, as it will not be limited to just six or seven speeds.

In a patent application published a few days ago, it shows that there is no limit to how many gears the transmission can have. Images published with the technical document show it could have up to 14 gears. But how does it work? Toyota has also provided an explanation.

The patent reveals many details about this system. In simple terms, drivers will be able to select how many gear ratios they want.

“The number of virtual gear stages may be six or more, or less than six,” the document states. “Drivers will be able to select the desired form according to their preferences.”

However, Toyota does not explain any electro-mechanical system that will make up the physical gear setup. Instead, there will be a fixed number of gears, possibly six, but Toyota uses four as an example. Gears are selected as with a regular manual, although the gear button will return to its original position after use.

When the driver shifts gears, the virtual pathway shape changes to the next ratio. So if there is a pattern of six gears and the sixth gear is selected, a display will change the ratio to allow the driver to shift to gear seven and beyond, or down to gear five in the same set.

Confusing? In fact, this arrangement is similar to the manual gear setup of a truck trailer, so off-road enthusiasts will likely understand easily.

In any case, there must be a reason why car makers do not offer manual gears with too many gear ratios. A 14-speed gearbox is not practical with an internal combustion engine.

But for EVs, it’s a different story. Toyota believes there’s no harm in offering more options to buyers.

NEWS

smart #1 bookings reach 1,000 units in two weeks

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THE first electric vehicle (EV) introduced by smart Malaysia, the smart #1, has received 1,000 bookings within about two weeks of its launch.

“The success of smart #1 reflects not only the excellence of our product but also our dedication to providing a seamless and enjoyable ownership experience.

The comprehensive warranty coverage, complimentary packages, and the smartCharge Home Charger offer are a testament to our commitment to customer satisfaction,” said Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of smart Malaysia.

Zhang added that delivery is also a pivotal aspect, and his team is diligently working to ensure timely delivery of cars to customers.

For the Malaysian market, the smart #1 is offered in three variants, namely Pro, Premium, and Brabus, with prices ranging from RM189,000 to RM249,000.

The car comes with an eight-year/200,000 km high-voltage battery warranty, an eight-year/150,000 km high-voltage component warranty, a four-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, and a two-year unlimited mileage spare parts warranty. Customers also benefit from 24/7 roadside service assistance.

Other perks include a complimentary accessories package worth RM2,000, a five-year Internet data plan of a total of 60GB, and a limited-time offer of a complimentary smartCharge Home Charger valued at RM3,200. This special offer is valid until 31 December 2023.

NEWS

Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV now in Malaysia – RM458,888

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FOLLOWING the EQS SUV, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has now further expanded its electric vehicle range with the launch of EQS’ smaller sibiling, the all-new EQE SUV.

It is offered in a single variant, the EQE 500 4Matic SUV, with a starting price of RM458,888 (on-the-road without insurance, with 10% sales tax).

Exterior-wise, standard equipment includes the AMG Line package, 21-inch aerodynamically-optimised light alloy wheels, Digital Light headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, aluminum-look running boards, and the signature three-pointed Mercedes star pattern on the grille.

Being the smaller sibling, the EQE SUV has a smaller footprint, measuring 4,863 mm in length, 1,940 mm in width, 1,685 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,030 mm.

Inside, the futuristic Hyperscreen found in the EQS and EQS SUV makes way for a more conventional OLED central display and digital driver display setup, along with a head-up display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging, and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.

Other features include the AMG Line package, ambient lighting, sports seats, AMG floor mats, Nappa leather wrapping on the steering wheel, black/gray leather upholstery, magnolia wood trim, aluminum inlays, Keyless-Go Comfort package, Thermotronic climate control, among others.

Powering the EQE 500 is  a pair of electric motors generating a total output of 408 PS and 858 Nm of torque. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h.

With a 90.6 kWh battery, it offers a driving range of 552 km on a full charge (based on WLTP cycle). The battery supports 22 kW AC charging, which takes four hours and 45 minutes for a 0-100% charge.

Alternatively, it can also take DC fast charging with capacities up to 170 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in 32 just minutes.

The EQE 500 SUV comes equipped with Airmatic air suspension with adaptive ADS+ dampers that can be varied fully automatically at each individual wheel in both the compression and rebound stages.

To increase ground clearance, the vehicle level can be raised by up to 30 mm, which is possible up to a speed
of 80 km/h. It also features rear-axle steering to reduce the turning radius from 12.3 meters to 10.5 meters.

Safety and system package comprises the Driving Assistance Package Plus, Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Pre-Safe, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, a 360-degree camera, and transparent bonnet.

TEST DRIVE

Audi e-tron GT feels at home in Sepang – Test Drive

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IF you were a wealthy individual looking to own an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll be delighted to see the wide range of options you have. Naturally, at a higher price range, most of the choices are tempting to say the last but dare I say that none stand out like the Audi e-tron GT.

At first glance, you know that the e-tron GT is an EV designed specifically for elegant and well-to-do individuals like yourself.

People around you will be saying you should’ve bought the Porsche Taycan because it’s a Porsche and it’s much faster. True, on paper, its Zuffenhausen twin is faster, but it won’t make you feel like Tony Stark with its space-age design.

Great looks aside, as a four-door sedan with a driving range of 458 km on a full charge, the e-tron GT can serve as a daily, whether you are single or happily married with kids.

However, you should also know that this car is always ready to perform on the track. Recently, this writer was invited by Audi Malaysia to experience the e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT’s on-track capabilities at the Sepang International Circuit.

The Audi Driving Experience event was limited to the souther section of the circuit (South Paddock). The driving activities were divided into two parts: a drive around the circuit and an acceleration test on the straight after Turn 14.

For the first round, I was given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an e-tron GT quattro, the entry-level variant equipped with two electric motors producing a total output of 476 PS and 630 Nm.

As soon as it left the pit, a firm step on the throttle pedal brought the car to life and from that point, it accelerated like a true track weapon. My head was pushed back slightly against the headrest, indicating the e-tron’s strong pulling power.

The brochure says this model only takes 4.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill but it definitely felt much faster than that. Not that it matters to most buyers but it’s certainly good to know that your EV is capable of doing earth-shattering accelerations.

One of the advantages of driving an EV is that torque is always readily available. In a high-speed circuit like Sepang, this comes in very handy as it allows you to exit corners quickly. And what’s amazing is that this can be done repeatedly.

In addition, Audi’s proprietary quattro all-wheel drive system plays a crucial role in providing high levels of grip on the tarmac, especially when facing chicanes at Turn 12 and Turn 13.

Next, the writer had the opportunity to try the RS e-tron GT, which is essentially a more powerful variant of the e-tron that also comes with higher equipment levels.

Like the base version, it also has an electric motor on each axle, but the power output is higher at 598 PS and 830 Nm. The difference in power can be felt clearly, and for tis writer, this variant feels more ‘wild’ when unleashed on the circuit.

However, it comes with several additional features that make it more formidable dynamically compared to the base version.

First up is the air suspension system. With adaptive dampers at the front and rear axles, the system is capable of lowering the car by 10 mm at 90 km/h and another 12 mm when the car is traveling at speeds of 180 km/h and above.

Not only that, the RS e-tron GT is also equipped with a rear-wheel steering system. At around 50 km/h, this system will turn the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front wheels to provide a smaller turning radius.

At 80 km/h, the rear wheels will turn in the same direction as the front wheels, which in turn makes the car more stable, especially when taking corners at high speeds.

Another advantage of the RS version is the differential lock on the rear axle. In the context of circuit driving, this component uses torque vectoring to make the car more agile when entering sharp corners in addition to increasing the grip when exiting.

For the acceleration test session, the writer only did it with the RS e-tron GT. Here, the overboost function plays a significant role as it increases power to 646 PS for a temporary period to allow the car to come off the line as quickly as possible.

On paper, the RS model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.3 seconds, but the writer managed to do it in 3.2 seconds, based on the acceleration gauge displayed on the instrument panel.

In fact, some media members were able to achieve this acceleration in just 3.1 seconds, showing that in certain conditions, the RS e-tron GT is actually faster than what’s claimed.

Conclusion

Nobody buys an EV for track driving but if you happen to purchase an Audi e-tron GT or RS e-tron GT, keep in mind that you have a versatile, track-capable EV at your disposal.

You might be wondering if driving range pose a hindrance for spirited driving on the track. For an EV that can be driven for over 400 km on a single charge, I think it’s safe to say that a track day session at a racetrack is definitely doable. Taking into account the length of the Sepang circuit, which is 5.543 km, you can actually drive the e-tron GT for dozens of laps before the battery charge comes down to an alarming level.

Audi e-tron GT quattro Specifications

Price: RM588,790
Power: 476 PS (530 PS with overboost)
Torque: 630 Nm (64o Nm with overboost)
Battery: 93.4 kWh

Audi RS e-tron GT Specifications

Price: RM793,790
Power: 598 PS (646 PS with overboost)
Torque: 830 Nm
Battery: 93.4 kWh

TEST DRIVE

iX3 is a ‘traditional’ BMW EV being RWD – Test drive

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BMW is one of the manufacturers in Malaysia that offers a wide range of electric vehicle (EV) models, including the i4, i7, iX1, iX3, and iX. This time, Engear was given the opportunity by BMW Malaysia to spend the weekend with the iX3.

There is a secret, although the iX3 is a relatively new, futuristic, and state-of-the-art EV model, it possesses the characteristics of a traditional BMW. Why? Because it is a true rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Yes, the BMW M3 now has all-wheel drive with the xDrive system, but the iX3, an EV SUV, is rear-wheel drive. Truly, it’s a strange world we live in now.

RWD Configuration

The BMW iX3 has a rear-wheel-drive configuration because it is powered by a single electric motor installed on the rear axle, with an output of 282hp and 400Nm of torque. This motor draws power from a 73.8kWh battery that gives the iX3 a driving range of up to 453km.

We insist on talking about RWD; why is it so important? Perhaps most drivers don’t care. It’s an interesting fact because when the front tires don’t need to deliver power and only bear the responsibility of steering, it results in a very precise and direct steering feel.

So, does this mean the car is fast? Not necessarily. It just means that the iX3 has the “feel” or sensation of a true sports car; 100% power at the rear tires, 100% steering by the front tires. When was the last time you drove a car like this?

But to say this BMW iX3 is slow, not quite. The performance is still solid. Despite weighing 2,200kg, it’s still capable of accelerating to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, faster than most cars. The maximum speed is capped at “only” 180km/h, as is common with EVs.

However, it’s true that throughout the writer’s experience driving the BMW iX3, handling in corners was quite balanced and satisfying. Its weight is centered, the steering provides plenty of feedback, and the 400Nm of torque is accessible most of the time.

Driving at night is accompanied by BMW Laser Light, which not only looks sophisticated but also provides strong visibility for the driver. Indirectly, this also adds to the safety aspect.

Luxurious and practical for everyday use

The BMW iX3 we drove is an M Sport Impressive variant, so it gets a sporty body kit despite the presence of blue EV elements.

The blue elements can be seen on the closed grille, air intakes on the front bumper, and rear diffuser. However, the sporty elements dominate the exterior design of this iX3 M Sport, such as the 20-inch rims, aggressive side bumpers, and prominent rear diffuser design, in addition to the roof spoiler.

The side profile of the BMW iX3 is still classic SUV, and resembles the X3, signaling its familial aspect with other models. It should also be noted that the lower floor of this iX3 is nearly flat like a sports car, and it works in conjunction with the rear diffuser.

Only the overall cabin area feels ordinary and not too special. Its dashboard displays a design that we are already familiar with, not bad, just perhaps a bit dated.

However, if you diligently delve into its central screen, there is a lot of exclusive content for the electric model. This includes power distribution menus, regenerative mode, and charging planning.

The writer quite likes the 464-watt Harman Kardon audio system in this iX3, which can make you enjoy driving this car because it can play your favorite songs with a very pleasant sound. Even if your spouse asks you to buy a packet of sugar, you will be eager to drive the BMW iX3 even for short distances.

Space is not an issue for the iX3, it is quite spacious with sufficient leg and headroom for five adults.

Travel data

Well, now we shouldn’t forget the fact that the BMW iX3 is an EV, so how about its performance and daily practicality? Is 453km sufficient? In all honesty, when we got the car, its battery was at 95 percent with only 313km of driving range. Oh dear! How did that happen?

It should be noted that the EV car’s range reading is calculated based on the previous driving behavior. Perhaps the previous driver of the iX3 didn’t hold back, enjoying the 400Nm torque it offers.

From the writer’s experience, despite the displayed range being 313km, the writer managed to drive over 350km with 25km of range left when returning the iX3. How so? The writer did a lot of city driving at speeds below 120km/h, with frequent stop-and-go situations.

So, the car’s 2.2-ton weight gave momentum for the regenerative system to replenish energy back into the battery every time the writer slowed down. It can be said that in 90 percent of the writer’s driving situations, the brake pedal wasn’t pressed; simply lifting the foot off the accelerator pedal, and the iX3 used regen to stop, rather than the disc brakes.

Its regen system can also be adjusted at various levels, depending on the conditions and suitability. From the writer’s experience, you can use maximum regen in the city and for slow driving, while minimum regen for faster highway driving.

So, the writer didn’t run out of battery over several days of driving the iX3 around Kuala Lumpur, which is a good thing, isn’t it? But for your information, the iX3 will take seven and a half hours for a full charge if using AC. If using fast DC charging, it supports up to 150kW, meaning 80 percent of the battery can be reached in just 32 minutes.

Should I buy it?

The EV market in Malaysia has indeed been disrupted by the presence of Tesla, offering models with a driving range of over 500km at prices below RM200,000.

So, how about the BMW iX3? The M Sport Inspiring variant starts at RM307,160, while the M Sport Impressive variant that we tested is priced at RM328,160.

In the writer’s opinion, true car enthusiasts don’t mind all that, especially BMW enthusiasts. The iX3 is suitable for BMW owners who want EV technology after having a 5-Series or X3 at home.

The iX3 will be a practical EV for urban use, while maintaining a sporty image and appeal to “petrolheads”. In fact, it doesn’t immediately look like an EV at first glance, if that’s what you prefer.

Specifications of BMW iX3 M Sport Impressive

Price: RM328,160
Battery: 73.8kWh
Power: 282hp
Torque: 400Nm

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy embarks on ASEAN tour journey

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THE Hyundai Ioniq 5 convoy has commenced their ASEAN journey, making a stop at Hyundai Ara Damansara today before continuing their travels.

The journey commenced on November 20, 2023 from the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) before arriving in Malaysia.

Following a flag-off session this morning, the convoy will proceed on a three-day journey through Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Batu Ferringhi.

After Malaysia, they will enter Thailand for a four-day stretch, with stops in Hat Yai, Chumphon, Wat Phra Boromthat, Klai Kangwon Palace, and Bangkok.

From there, they will travel to Cambodia for three days, passing through Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Banteay Srei, before journeying to Vietnam and concluding in Ho Chi Minh City on November 30.

The three-car convoy from HMGICS is also accompanied by two units from Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI).

These cars are driven by 24 participants representing Hyundai, club members, local influencers from ASEAN, and Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) from Indonesia and Thailand.

This 2,751km journey is an initiative of “Go Far with Zero Worries,” showcasing the long-distance capabilities of the Ioniq 5 in addition to its eco-friendly nature.

“Our aspiration for this expedition is to demonstrate the capabilities of the Ioniq 5, in efforts to alleviate user skepticism and concerns about EVs, especially in this region,” said Youngtack Lee, President of Hyundai Motor ASEAN.

“This journey not only makes history among many stakeholders but also demonstrates smooth cross-border relations and cooperation. The expedition serves as a catalyst for positive change and technological innovation,” Hyundai stated in a press release.

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Chery Omoda E5 electric SUV arrives on Malaysian shores with 450 km range

CHERY Malaysia has announced that the Omoda E5 electric vehicle has arrived at Port Klang in Kuala Lumpur, marking the introduction of a new lineup in Malaysia’s smart and green mobility market.

The company plans to hold an exclusive media preview event in a snap, allowing numerous media representatives to experience the capabilities of the Chery Omoda E5 firsthand.

Speaking of capabilities, the Omoda E5 is equipped with a 61-kWh lithium-ion battery and a front-mounted eletric motor with 221 hp on tap, enabling it to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.

With an ultra-low energy consumption of only 15 kWh/100 km, the crossover offers an impressive range of up to 450 km on a full charge.

The automaker also claims that the Omoda E5’s fast charging technology can charge the battery from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

On the safety front, the Omoda E5 comes with a new generation Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that includes 16 functions such as blind-spot monitoring, reverse warning, and automatic emergency braking capable of recognizing pedestrians and cyclists.

Design-wise, the Omoda E5 sets itself apart from its combustion-engined sibling with a covered grille and aerodynamically-enhanced wheels. It will be offered with a choice of seven exterior colours and three interior colours.

The official pricing of the Omoda E5 has yet to be confirmed by Chery Malaysia but this writer expects it to hover around the RM170,000 mark.