Cover image via New Straits Times
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Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) has officially entered the electric vehicle market with the launch of its first battery electric vehicle (EV), the QV-E
According to the New Straits Times, the car starts at a modest price of RM80,000, minus the battery, which is leased separately.
The QV-E, which stands for "Quest for Visionary Electric Vehicle", was developed with an investment of RM800 million and is manufactured at Perodua's new Smart Mobility Plant in Sungai Chih, Selangor.
Perodua President and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad announced that current production capacity stands at 500 units per month, with plans to ramp up to 3,000 units monthly by the third quarter of 2026.
The Perodua EV is packed with features
The vehicle is powered by a 52.5kW lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a driving range of up to 445km, depending on driving conditions.
The QV-E is equipped with advanced safety technology, including a child presence detection system. This feature monitors the rear seats and footwells for movement and vital signs (such as breathing), alerting the driver if a child or pet is left behind, even if a blanket covers them.
Zainal highlighted that the car is the result of Malaysian collaboration.
"Ultimately, this model is the outcome of Malaysians coming together to create something uniquely ours, from design to engineering," he said.
To address consumer concerns about battery longevity and cost, Perodua has introduced a "Battery as a Service" leasing concept
This means the car body is sold separately from the battery. The monthly subscription fee is RM297, including 8% SST. For convenience, this fee is bundled into a single payment together with your monthly car loan instalment.
For example, a nine-year loan tenure would result in a total monthly commitment of RM1,185, comprising the RM910 car instalment and the RM275 battery fee.
For shorter tenures, this total increases to RM1,395 over seven years and RM1,775 over five years.
Alternatively, for those who opt for a cash purchase, the only ongoing cost is the separate RM275 monthly subscription for the battery.
The battery rental arrangement with Perodua does not end when your hire purchase loan is fully paid off
Even after you own the car outright, the battery remains a leased component. Consequently, owners will need to continue making the monthly subscription payments indefinitely through Perodua's P-Circle app.
"This concept is our solution towards reducing owners' anxiety when owning a battery electric vehicle," Zainal explained.
"By offering this service, we will be able to offer a lifetime guarantee on the battery for our customers' peace of mind," he added.
The QV-E is available in two colours, Ice Blue and Caviar Grey, and can be purchased at selected Perodua outlets. It is targeted primarily at middle-income earners and those looking for a second vehicle for daily commutes or weekend trips.
