Category Archives: EV

Xiaomi YU7 offers 760 km range, a better alternative to the Tesla Model Y?

A few weeks ago, Xiaomi unveiled its second electric vehicle (EV) model set to launch this year, known as the YU7.

This electric SUV is expected to pose a strong challenge to the popular Tesla Model Y.

According to data obtained from Chinese government ministry websites, the Xiaomi YU7 measures 4,999 mm in length, 1,996 mm in width, 1,600 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,000 mm, making it larger than the Model Y.

The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Xiaomi YU7, boasting 691 PS, will be offered with range options of 670 km, 750 km, and 760 km.

Currently, Xiaomi has not yet disclosed the range for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant (320 PS) or the capacity of the NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery pack that will be available for each variant.

The selling price has also yet to be finalized, but local media suggest that the Xiaomi YU7 will start at around RMB 250,000 (RM 151,958), making it significantly cheaper than the Tesla Model Y, which starts at RMB 263,500 (RM 160,163).

2025 BYD Atto 3 spotted in China with new look, upgraded ADAS

The 2025 model year BYD Atto 3 has been spotted undergoing road tests in China, where it is sold as the Yuan Plus.

According to CarNewsChina, the new Atto 3 will feature an updated exterior and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It is expected to be launched in the country around the second quarter of this year.

This is not the first time the world has seen the 2025 Atto 3 – the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China had previously revealed the full design of the electric SUV, which is why only a small portion of the car remains covered in camouflage.

As can be seen, the Atto 3 now boasts a fresher front fascia thanks to a sportier bumper design and larger trapezoidal air intakes.

The side profile showcases new chrome trim on the C-pillars and the lower body. At the rear, the bumper has been given a redesign to keep it fresh but what stands out more is the new roof spoiler that incorporates a pair of vertical brake lights.

For 2025, the Atto 3 will be available in a new shade of beige while existing colour options—including white, black, purple, blue, green, and grey—are expected to be retained.

Additionally, the new Atto 3 appears to have a new camera on the front bumper, indicating that its ADAS has been enhanced.

There are no changes to the powertrain. In Malaysia, the Atto 3 is available in a single Extended Range variant equipped with a front axle electric motor producing 204 PS/310 Nm, and a Blade LFP battery with a capacity of 60.48 kWh, offering a range of up to 480 km (NEDC).

MG4 XPower is blazingly fast but is it the pick of the bunch? – Test Drive

The MG4 XPower was launched in Malaysia nearly ago as the most affordable vehicle capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Say what you want about EVs, but there’s no denying that said performance is absolutely remarkable—years ago, achieving such speeds was the realm of sports cars and supercars costing hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of ringgit.

Now, thanks to technological advancements in EVs, you can experience the same thrilling sensation for just under RM160,000.

Of course, there are a few other EV models that can reach 100 km/h a touch faster, like the Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Performance (3.6 seconds) and the Smart #3 Brabus (3.7 seconds), but both of these come with a price tag exceeding RM200,000.

But does the MG4 XPower’s advantage lie solely in its speed? What about other aspects such as design, comfort, range, and technology? Read on to find out.

Design

The MG4 is a five-door hatchback with somewhat unique proportions. To the eye, it appears fairly large, yet it is actually 3 mm shorter than the cutesy BYD Dolphin. Comparatively, it is 17 mm longer than the Smart #1, but its wheelbase is 45 mm shorter.

What stands out, however, is that the MG4 is noticeably lower and wider than both models, giving it a more aggressive stance and an aerodynamic edge.

Its sporty appearance is complemented by its very sharp front-end design, a double roof spoiler, and striking orange brake caliper covers emblazoned with ‘XPower.’

It’s a bit odd, though, that apart from the brake calipers, there’s no other part of the car adorned with the XPower logo. Were this vehicle crafted by BMW or Mercedes-Benz, you’d no doubt find M and AMG badges scattered across the bodywork.

Interior

Unlike its exterior, the cabin design of the MG4 offers a more understated aesthetic. Those hoping for a modern, futuristic design might find themselves a bit disappointed, as nothing particularly cutting-edge stands out.

However, this isn’t necessarily a downside. A simple layout is easier to the eyes and can actually facilitate the transition from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles to EVs.

What’s available is just what you need for everyday driving – a touchscreen complemented by a row of physical buttons beneath it, a floating centre console housing the gear knob and a wireless charger, steering wheel controls on either side, and a digital instrument panel.

Much like other EVs on the market, most features are accessed via the touchscreen. However, fear not—the MG4’s steering wheel comes equipped with star (shortcut) buttons, which can be configured for various functions such as climate control, energy recuperation, and driving modes.

One aspect that I found less appealing was the overly generous use of hard plastic for the dashboard and door panels. Not only that, but the gear knob also feels somewhat loose but I’d take this over having to select gears via the touchscreen any day.

Practicality and comfort

Hatchbacks generally offer limited cabin space, but with the MG4, you needn’t fret if you’re carting around extra passengers, as the interior feels rather spacious for its size.

It boasts ample storage in the centre console and each door, and the boot holds a decent capacity of 363 litres, which can expand further with the rear seats folded flat if the boot isn’t quite large enough.

Speaking of the back seats, I found them quite comfortable and not overly upright. Legroom and headroom are adequate for those of average build, though it would have been nice if MG had considered air vents for rear passengers.

Performance

As mentioned, the MG4 excels in acceleration. This is a welcome trait if you find yourself challenged by the car next to you at traffic lights, but to be honest, such ‘mad’ performance can become a bit exhausting.

This is because the car accelerates effortlessly, without the drama typically experienced in ICE vehicles. While this isn’t an issue on the motorway, in urban environments, the body movement due to inertia when accelerating (and braking) can leave you feeling worn out after some time.

To overcome this, I found using the ECO mode offered a more controlled acceleration.

In terms of range, the XPower variant isn’t the best choice if driving range is your top priority. It comes equipped with a 64 kWh battery that delivers a WLTP range of 385 km on a full charge.

While this is reasonable for city driving, it’s essential to remember that range can also depend on driving style and other factors. If your right foot tends to be heavy, that number will plummet significantly.

For peace of mind, you might opt for the Lux Extended Range variant, which sports a larger 77 kWh battery, promising a range of up to 520 km. That should be enough for four to five days, depending on your usage.

Conclusion

In summary, the MG4 XPower offers incredible value for money for EV enthusiasts craving performance without breaking the bank.

However, personally, I see the Lux Extended Range variant as a more rounded choice overall. It is RM10,000 cheaper, and with a century sprint of 6.1 seconds, it’s still plenty quick for most drivers out there. Moreover, with a larger battery, range anxiety won’t be something to lose sleep over.

MG4 XPower Specifications

Price: RM159,629
Power: 435 PS (320 kW)
Torque: 600 Nm
Battery: 64 kWj
Range: 385 km (WLTP)

Alfa Romeo ditches 2027 EV-only target

It appears that more manufacturers are recognising that an all-EV approach may not be the best long-term strategy.

Recently, Alfa Romeo has reportedly made a U-turn regarding its intention to sell only EVs by 2027.

The Italian manufacturer joins brands such as Audi, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volvo in backpedaling its EV-only plans, following a decline in demand and tight competition from Chinese brands.

Speaking to Automotive News, Alfa Romeo’s North America chief Chris Feuell, acknowledged that it is challenging for Alfa Romeo’s 110-strong dealer network in the United States to survive with a portfolio consisting solely of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

As an alternative, Alfa Romeo will adopt a recently finalised “multi-power” strategy. This strategy includes a combination of petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrains.

“The biggest thing in our product and technology roadmap is transitioning from what was a BEV-only strategy for Alfa to one that us multi-energy,” Feuell said.

30% charging discounts for Proton eMAS 7, smart owners

To ring in the Lunar New Year and celebrate the delivery of the first Proton e.MAS 7 to our customers, Pro-Net is offering a 30% discount on public charging fees.

From January 25 to February 3, Proton e.MAS and smart owners can enjoy this special offer at over 80% of public charging stations.

Just use the Proton e.MAS or Hello smart apps to start your charging session, and the discount will be applied automatically.

Proton e.MAS is all about making EV ownership easy and enjoyable with smart features like live charging station availability and route planning based on your car’s battery level.

This would be a significant expansion of its charging map coverage as the charging network operated by Shell Recharge includes High-Performance Charging Stations along major highways, with most of the stations can deliver 180kW of charging power.

Plus, thanks to Pro-Net’s partnership with Shell Recharge, the company is adding even more charging points across highways and city hotspots, including high-speed chargers for quicker stops.

This highly anticipated addition follows the recent integration of the ChargeSini Network, which was also the first in Malaysia to be accessible via a roaming arrangement.

Currently, the charging networks accessible on both Proton e.MAS and Hello smart apps include Gentari, Jomcharge, chargEV, DC Handal, CarputZap, and ChargeSini.

Audi Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept comes with portal axles

Who would have thought that the premium-looking Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron electric SUV could transform into a more serious off-road vehicle?

That’s what Audi aims to showcase with the Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept, featuring a higher ground clearance and a wider body dimension.

Audi has also hinted that this model is ready to be realized as a production vehicle.

In terms of power, the Q6 e-tron Offroad is equipped with two electric motors producing 510 hp, driving all four wheels.

With an increased track width of 250 mm and a ground clearance raised by 160 mm, thanks to the use of four portal axles directly connected to the wheel hubs, this SUV is designed for enhanced off-road performance.

The newly designed portal axles allow this SUV to increase wheel torque by 50% compared to the 20 to 30% achieved with conventional designs.

As a result, the torque at all four wheels can reach 13,400 Nm, though the top speed is limited to just 175 km/h.

Overall, these upgrades enable this off-road SUV to tackle steep slopes with angles of up to 45 degrees.

The original design of the Q6 Sportback e-tron has been retained, but the front bumper has been fitted with extra LED lighting units, and the wheel arches have been enlarged to accommodate off-road tires.

Audi has previously unveiled several off-road concept models, such as the Activesphere and the AI:Trail Quattro, and they also participated in the 2024 Dakar Rally using the RS Q e-tron.

Deepal S07 previewed in Malaysia by Bermaz, to be launched this year

In addition to the Xpeng X9 MPV, Bermaz Auto also showcased another electric crossover model, the Deepal S07.

In the Chinese market, Deepal is a subsidiary owned by Changan Automobile, and the S07 model was developed in collaboration with Huawei and CATL.

In terms of dimensions, the Deepal S07 measures 4,750 mm in length, 1,930 mm in width, 1,625 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,900 mm.

This makes the size of the Deepal S07 comparable to the Xpeng G6 electric crossover, which is also sold by Bermaz.

In the Chinese market, the Deepal S07 is offered with single electric motor options producing either 218 hp or 258 hp.

There are two battery pack options available, featuring NMC chemistry: one with a 66.8 kWh capacity that offers a range of 520 km, and another with a 79.97 kWh capacity that reaches a range of up to 620 km (CLTC data).

The exterior design of the Deepal S07 presents an aggressive image, with a sporty front bumper, headlight units with a three-petal flower pattern at both the front and rear, a floating roof design, and 20-inch rims.

Inside, the cabin features a single 15.6-inch screen at the center of a minimalist dashboard, a two-spoke steering wheel, a high center console, and separate air conditioning controls for second-row passengers.

Similar to the Xpeng X9, Bermaz has yet to reveal detailed specifications, launch dates, and the pricing for the Deepal S07.

Bermaz previews the Xpeng X9 electric MPV, competitor to Denza D9 and Zeekr 009

Bermaz Auto has showcased its new electric vehicle (EV) model, the Xpeng X9, which is set to launch this year.

The second EV model after the Xpeng G6, the Xpeng X9 is an all-electric minivan that offers a three-row seating configuration and is poised to compete with electric MPVs such as the Denza D9 and Zeekr 009.

In terms of dimensions, the Xpeng X9 measures 5,293 mm in length, 1,988 mm in width, 1,785 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,160 mm.

Currently, Bermaz has yet to finalize the specifications that will be offered for the Malaysian market.

However, the Xpeng X9 will be available in a front-wheel-drive version with an output of 315 hp, or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with an output of 500 hp.

There are two battery pack options: a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) 84.5 kWh battery with a range of 610 km (CLTC data), or a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) 101.5 kWh battery with a range of up to 702 km.

The Xpeng X9 platform also supports 800V fast charging, allowing for an addition of 300 km of range in just 10 minutes of charging.

Interior features include a 12.3-inch digital cluster display, a 17.3-inch infotainment screen, a 21.4-inch rear passenger screen, and rear passenger seats equipped with zero-gravity technology, heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

On the exterior, this electric MPV showcases a unique design, with a rear section featuring sharper and more angular shapes compared to most MPVs currently available on the market.

Denza D9 bookings open in Malaysia

Paultan.org reports that the Denza D9 is now available for order in the Malaysian market.

Specifications and pricing have yet to be announced; however, we expect the luxury MPV to arrive in an electric version, as seen in Hong Kong and Thailand.

In addition to the electric variant, the D9 is also available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain in China. The electric D9 will position itself as a close competitor to the Zeekr 009 and the Maxus Mifa 9.

In terms of size, the D9 measures 5,250 mm in length, 1,960 mm in width, 1,920 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 3,110 mm. This makes it longer than the 009, but its wheelbase is 95 mm shorter than that of its nearest competitor.

The D9 EV is available in two powertrain configurations: front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The FWD variant features a single electric motor producing 313 PS (230 kW) and 360 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.

Meanwhile, the AWD variant with dual electric motors offers 374 PS (275 kW) and 470 Nm, enabling it to achieve 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 6.9 seconds.

Both variants are equipped with a 103 kWh LFP battery, offering a WLTP range of 520 km for the FWD and 480 km for the AWD.

The battery electric MPV can accommodate up to seven passengers (with a height of up to 180 cm) in a 2-2-3 seating configuration, featuring sliding captain’s chairs in the second row.

The cargo space is said to be capable of holding seven 20-inch suitcases and seven backpacks.

In China, the D9 EV is priced between 379,800 yuan and 469,800 yuan (approximately RM233,648 to RM289,015). For comparison, the price of the Zeekr 009 in the Malaysian market starts at RM349,800.

Lotus Eletre wins two categories at the 2024 Malaysia Car of the Year Awards

The year 2024 marks a significant period for Lotus Cars Malaysia.

Over the past 12 months, Lotus Malaysia has successfully sold more than 200 units of the Lotus Eletre electric SUV, along with 20 units of the Lotus Emira sports car.

Not only that, the Lotus Eletre has triumphed in not one, but two categories at the 2024 Malaysia Car of the Year Awards, namely SUV of the Year (above RM500,000) and xEV of the Year 2024 (above RM300,000).

Officially launched in the Malaysian market in 2023, the Lotus Eletre is the brand’s first electric SUV, delivering a remarkable performance with up to 905 hp and 985 Nm of torque.

With a 112 kWh battery pack, the Lotus Eletre can achieve a driving range of 600 km, or 490 km for the Eletre R.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia offers luxury private terminal transfer service using EQS, S-Class sedans

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced a strategic partnership with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the owner of Malaysia Airlines, to offer a luxury private terminal transfer service at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Starting from January 16, this service will be available to eligible ticket holders using two luxury sedans, the Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC and the S 580 e Plug-in Hybrid.

This 24-hour daily service will further facilitate customer transfers from Terminal 1 KLIA to the surrounding satellite building.

In addition, this collaboration also offers special rewards through #MyMercedesRewards for selected electric and PHEV models to Enrich Platinum and Gold members, along with the chance to participate in a trip to Germany to enjoy a unique Mercedes-Benz experience.

Enrich Platinum and Gold members will also enjoy access to exclusive events hosted by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, while Mercedes-Benz customers will have opportunities to participate in exclusive Malaysia Airlines Enrich events.

Beginning March 1, 2025, customers who purchase a Mercedes-Benz vehicle will enjoy complimentary private terminal transfer service for one year when flying with Malaysia Airlines.

According to Amanda Zhang, CEO and President of MBM, “At Mercedes-Benz, our mission is to create extraordinary experiences—what we call Mercedes Moments—where cutting-edge technology meets timeless elegance to make every journey unforgettable.”

“Through our collaboration with MAG, we are able to enhance the luxury travel experience for our customers and Enrich members, setting a new benchmark in exclusivity and sophistication.”

Honda admits that the Civic Type R EV project is not easy

In recent years, rumors have circulated that the Civic Type R FL5 will be the last pure internal combustion engine (ICE) hot hatch model from Honda.

What is the future of the Civic Type R? Will it become an electric-powered hot hatch?

The unfortunate news is that Honda is indeed exploring the process of creating an EV Type R.

However, this process is not as simple as Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda’s BEV development unit, admitted when unveiling two 0 Series prototypes at CES Las Vegas this month.

“An electric motor and battery have different characteristics, so we cannot produce something that is the same as before.

“As an EV, how can we offer the joy of driving? Of course, we have not given up, but it is not just about sheer power. It’s about sound, vibrations, acceleration, and human experience.

“All of these are part of the joy of driving,” he added.

While showcasing the large sedan and mid-size SUV prototypes, Honda has no plans to offer the 0 Series EV, even though the electric motor setup can achieve around 480 hp.

For comparison, the Honda Civic Type R FL5 is a pure ICE hot hatch with a 2.0-liter turbo engine capable of generating up to 329 hp.

Perodua, UTM join forces to develop xEV in Malaysia

Perodua and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop the country’s next generation of electric vehicles (xEV).

The MoU includes a comprehensive package that would cover educating and training future engineers in developing new technologies relating to xEV.

“We look forward to exploring a future where Malaysia can develop its own xEV technology and its benefits be shared with our future generation,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

“With this MoU, Perodua is taking a step further from our original mandate from being a vehicle for technological transfer to becoming an entity that drives technological development,” he said.

Perodua was established in 1993 to provide Malaysian with high-quality yet affordable cars while at the same time act as a company that can transfer technology into Malaysia.

This technology transfer was aimed at developing the national automotive ecosystem as well as improving technical and technological knowledge of Malaysians.

Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), highlighted the collaboration’s potential to drive sustainable mobility in Malaysia.

“This collaboration’s underscores the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry that can empower graduates with the skills and knowledge” he said.

The collaboration will empower UTM students and researchers while serving as a model for academia-industry partnerships, ensuring Malaysia remains competitive in the global automotive sector.

The MoU highlights six key elements, including enhancing UTM’s academic curriculum, establishing a satellite lab at UTM’s main campus, exchange of knowledge in automotive technology, exposure to xEV technology for academicians and engineers, collaboration in the field of academia and R&D, as well as development of talent and training programmes.

The MoU also offers both parties other areas of cooperation that are mutually beneficial to them.

Shell Malaysia, Visa enhance payment convenience at Shell Recharge across Klang Valley

Shell Malaysia and ParkEasy have announced a new collaboration with Visa to improve payment facilities at Shell Recharge stations around the Klang Valley.

The aim of this new collaboration is to provide a smoother payment platform, making it easier for all electric vehicle (EV) owners to make payments using credit or debit cards.

For information, ParkEasy is an innovative parking solution provider wholly owned by Shell, which operates Shell Recharge facilities in Malaysia.

Card terminals are now available at four Shell Recharge locations: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, and Pavilion Damansara Heights, for both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging.

EV owners can park their vehicles at the selected charging spots and must enter the parking number at the terminal before making a payment. A pre-authorization charge of RM150 will be applied for each charging session.

In conjunction with this latest collaboration, EV owners can enjoy a 10% cashback when making payments with a Visa card from January 15 to June 30, 2025, limited to RM5 for each session.

Additionally, a 10% credit rebate is offered when owners top up 50 credits into their ParkEasy account using a Visa card, limited to 5 credits for each rebate.

Two RM10,000 rebate options for Leapmotor C10 in celebration of Chinese New Year

Leapmotor Malaysia has announced a special promotion in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration for Malaysians looking to own the Leapmotor C10 model.

For a limited time until February 28, 2025, Leapmotor customers will be offered two rebate options, each worth RM10,000, as follows:

Option 1

  • Wall charger (RM3,000)
  • Charging credit (RM2,000)
  • Insurance support (RM5,000)

Option 2

  • Cash rebate of RM10,000

In addition, Leapmotor Malaysia encourages the public to visit their showrooms from January 17 to February 9, 2025 to test drive and book the C10 electric SUV, while also enjoying various exciting activities that have been organized.

The Leapmotor C10 is powered by a 214 hp electric motor paired with a 69.9 kWh LFP battery pack, offering a range of up to 424 km (WLTP data).

In addition to its spacious cabin, the Leapmotor C10 features premium OEKO-Tex upholstery materials that are more baby-friendly, as well as safety features that have earned this SUV a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

The Leapmotor C10 is priced at RM159,000, complete with a comprehensive warranty of six years or a mileage limit of 150,000 km, along with an eight-year warranty or a mileage limit of 160,000 km for the battery components.

Hyundai unveils IONIQ 5 N DK Edition at 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon

At the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, Hyundai unveiled a unique collaboration in the form of the high-performance electric crossover, the IONIQ 5 N DK Edition.

As the name suggests, the IONIQ 5 N DK Edition is a result of a partnership with Keiichi Tsuchiya, known as the Drift King, along with Hyundai N and accessory manufacturer Autobacs.

The DK Edition is offered as an upgrade package that allows IONIQ 5 N owners to enjoy a more exhilarating driving experience both on the road and on the track.

Among the high-performance components included are a set of lightweight 21-inch wheels, six-piston monoblock brake calipers, and springs that lower the vehicle’s height by 15 mm.

The appearance of this fast crossover is enhanced with specially designed aerodynamic components such as a front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear wing, all made from carbon fiber.

According to Hyundai, the DK Edition package provides improved cornering performance, more stable driving and handling, as well as enhanced stopping power.

No details have been revealed regarding the tuning made to the IONIQ 5 N’s electric powertrain. Therefore, it is safe to assume that this fast crossover still retains its power of 601 hp and 740 Nm from the two electric motors.

It is reported that the DK Edition package will first be available in the Japanese and Korean markets by the end of 2025, with other markets expected to follow later.

Power Pack package, RM4,000 rebate for Proton e.MAS 7 now extended to additional 3,000 customers

Proton, through its subsidiary Pro-Net, has extended the Power Pack package offered for the Proton e.MAS 7 electric SUV to an additional 3,000 customers, along with a rebate of RM4,000.

For your information, the Power Pack launch package includes:

  • Power Home: Free 7kW Home Charger worth RM1,500
  • Power Plus: Free V2L Adapter worth RM500
  • Power Online: 5-Year Unlimited Internet Data worth RM1,800
  • Power Thru: Unlimited Vehicle Warranty for 6 years and Battery and High-Voltage Component Warranty for 8 years / 160,000 km
  • Power Exchange: Exclusive RM1,200 Rebate for Proton Owners trading in their vehicles

Officially launched in mid-December, the Proton e.MAS 7 is powered by a single electric motor producing 215 hp and 320 Nm of torque, with a range of up to 345 km for the Prime variant and up to 410 km for the Premium variant.

The selling price of the Proton e.MAS 7 starts at RM105,800.

According to Pro-Net’s CEO, Zhang Qiang, “Due to exceptional demand, we are pleased to extend this offer so that more Malaysians can experience the Proton e.MAS 7 and the benefits of owning an EV.”

“This achievement reflects our customers’ trust in us as well as their commitment to moving towards a greener future.”

Kia EV9 wins Electric Car of the Year award

The Kia EV9 has successfully clinched two awards at the recently held Star Carsifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2024.

The electric SUV, featuring three rows of seating, won the award for Electric Car of the Year and Best Electric Luxury 3-Row Seating Vehicle.

According to Dato Wong Kin Foo, Managing Director of Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, “We remain committed to closely collaborating with Kia to select the models that best suit the Malaysian market.”

The Kia EV9 officially debuted in the Malaysian market in May 2024, showcasing features such as a dual electric motor setup with 380 hp and 700 Nm of torque, as well as a 99.8 kWh battery pack that offers a driving range of up to 505 km.

This electric SUV is built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and follows the Opposites United design philosophy, which integrates elements such as the Digital Tiger Face, Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, vertical lighting units, and the LED Star Map lighting system.

The cabin of the Kia EV9 offers a spacious and comfortable configuration for either six or seven passengers, complemented by a minimalist dashboard layout featuring dual 12.3-inch touchscreen displays and sustainable materials.

The starting price for the Kia EV9 is RM368,888 for the 7-seater version and RM373,888 for the 6-seater variant.

2025 Volvo EX30 CKD now available for booking, price starting from RM209k

Volvo Car Malaysia has officially opened bookings for the locally assembled (CKD) electric SUV model, the Volvo EX30.

For the 2025 model year, the Volvo EX30 is available in two variants: Ultra (RM208,888) and Ultra Twin Performance (RM228,888). It comes in three color options: Cloud Blue, Vapour Grey, and Crystal White.

The first unit deliveries are expected in the second week of January 2025.

In terms of specifications, the Volvo EX30 Ultra is powered by a single electric motor producing 272 PS and 343 Nm of torque, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.

In contrast, the Volvo EX30 Ultra Twin Performance features a dual electric motor setup delivering 428 PS and 543 Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 3.6 seconds.

Both variants are equipped with a 69 kWh NMC battery pack, offering a driving range of 450 km for the Ultra Twin Performance version and up to 476 km for the Ultra version.

The vehicle supports fast DC charging at 175 kW, allowing the battery pack to be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 28 minutes.

Each Volvo EX30 comes with a five-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, alongside an 8-year/160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty.

Volvo Car Malaysia also provides the Volvo Service Package (VSP), which covers essential services such as cabin air filter replacement, brake fluid inspections, windshield wiper replacement, and software updates for up to five years or 100,000 km. This package also includes components like brake pads and discs to ensure peace of mind for owners.

Customers will also be protected by a 24-hour roadside assistance program for five years, guaranteeing towing services to the nearest authorized Volvo service center.

BYD sold 4.27 million cars in 2024, up 41.3% compared to 2023

BYD concluded 2024 on a high note, achieving a remarkable milestone by selling over 4 million vehicles within a single year for the first time.

According to the company, a total of 514,809 new energy vehicles (NEVs) were sold in December alone, bringing the total sales for 2024 to 4,272,145 units—a 41.3% increase compared to the 3 million units recorded in 2023.

Of this total, 1,764,992 units were passenger battery electric vehicles (BEVs), 2,485,378 units were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), while the remaining 21,775 units were commercial vehicles.

Compared to the performance in 2023, BEV sales for 2024 increased by 12% from 1.6 million units, while PHEV sales rose by a whopping 72.8% from 1.4 million units. BEVs accounted for 41.5% of BYD’s total sales last year, while PHEVs made up 58.5%.

BYD’s export market also experienced encouraging growth, with 57,154 units sold in December, marking a 58% increase compared to the same month last year. This brought the total number of vehicles exported for 2024 to 417,204 units, a 71.9% rise compared to 2023.

In addition to manufacturing vehicles, BYD is also the second-largest battery supplier in China. Among its notable clients are big names such as Tesla, Toyota, and Nio.

Overall, the company installed 23.5 GWh of battery capacity in December (32% higher than in 2023) or a total of 194.7 GWh throughout 2024 (an increase of 29% compared to 2023). This includes batteries installed in electric vehicles (EVs) and stationary energy storage units.