Tag Archives: bev

UMW Toyota forms strategic partnership with MOT, delivers five electrified vehicles for evaluation

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has forged a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT) to drive green mobility initiatives.

As a show of strong support, UMWT has delivered five electrified vehicles, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) such as the Toyota Alphard, Camry, and Corolla Cross, as well as two battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ.

Through this initiative, the MOT has the opportunity to assess the true capabilities of these vehicles concerning suitability, performance, and benefits for daily use.

Additionally, UMWT will provide comprehensive hands-on learning opportunities for MOT officials, covering aspects from infrastructure readiness, user experience to operational efficiency across various platforms.

According to Datuk Ravindran K, President of UMW Toyota Motor, “Malaysia’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is not just an empty vision, but a collective mission that demands close collaboration across all sectors.”

“Through the ‘Multipathway Toyota’ approach, electrification is not merely viewed as an innovation, but is also adapted in an inclusive and pragmatic manner according to the needs, readiness, and capabilities of various segments of society.”

“With this approach, every layer of society is given the opportunity to move forward together towards a greener and more sustainable future—no one will be left behind, no one will be marginalized,” he further stated.

While full electrification remains a long-term aspiration for the country, hybrid technology emerges as an effective solution to minimize carbon emissions without requiring drastic changes to existing infrastructure or consumer habits.

According to Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, Executive Director of UMW Toyota Motor, “Hybrid technology continues to be a key driver in Toyota’s electrification plan, particularly in the context of markets like Malaysia.”

“Its ability to reduce carbon emissions immediately without necessitating major changes to the supporting ecosystem makes it the most ideal option.”

“It not only offers practical solutions but also builds confidence among mainstream consumers while paving a smoother and more progressive path towards a fully electric mobility future.”

Volvo Car Malaysia sold 1,953 vehicles in 2024, 30 percent consists of BEVs

Volvo Car Malaysia wrapped up the year 2024 with a record sales figure of 1,953 vehicles. Of this total, 30 percent were battery electric vehicle (BEV) models, representing an 18 percent increase compared to 2023.

Overall, BEV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models accounted for 83 percent of total sales for the year 2024, up from 71 percent the previous year.

This achievement aligns with the brand’s ambition to sell between 90 to 100 percent electric vehicles by 2030.

Less than 20 percent of Volvo Car Malaysia’s total sales were comprised of mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV), down from one-third recorded in 2023.

Globally, Volvo Cars reported total sales of 763,389 vehicles, marking an 8 percent increase.

There was a growth in sales within the electric vehicle segment, with 175,194 BEVs and 177,593 PHEV models sold, representing increases of 54 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

In total, 46 percent of Volvo’s global sales were electric vehicles, while BEV sales alone accounted for 23 percent, up from 16 percent in 2023.

For 2025, Volvo Car Malaysia plans to launch another BEV model, the Volvo EX90, a luxurious seven-seater SUV.

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.

Tesla Supercharger now in Kuantan, first in East Coast

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.

Perodua might need a third factory for its EV production

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.

“Let’s keep on making engines” – Toyota Chairman

The world’s largest car manufacturer, Toyota, is determined not to concede in the internal combustion engine race. The company aims to uphold this commitment, driven by the direction of its chairman and car enthusiast, Akio Toyoda.

He is adamant about safeguarding millions of jobs in Japan while simultaneously offering choices to future car buyers.

“To those who have been producing engines from the past until now, let’s continue to develop engines,” Toyoda stated during the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 (TAS2024) event.

“As car enthusiasts, we are tasked with shaping the future. My desire to enjoy cars leads me to want to explore various technologies. This is something I take seriously,” he added.

Highlighting that over 5.5 million workers are involved in engine manufacturing in Japan, Toyoda emphasized the importance of retaining these jobs.

He outlined Toyota’s multifaceted plan for future mobility, stating, “The approach to carbon neutrality depends on the country and region. However, shouldn’t we consider the desires for cars that we need?”

Toyoda noted that outside of the country, Toyota has numerous colleagues with similar interests and desires. He expressed that Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are not the sole means to achieve carbon neutrality, as Toyota has been developing hydrogen technology for the past three years.

“Last year, we tested liquid hydrogen and drove it at Le Mans. There is still work to be done in engine technology to achieve carbon neutrality. So, let’s refine engine technology. Let’s start that project,” Toyoda concluded.