Switching to EV: Is an Electric Vehicle the Right Choice for Your Malaysian Lifestyle?

Switching from your petrol-fueled car to an electric one might seem daunting, but it’s a shift that more and more Malaysians are seriously considering. Electric vehicle (EV) sales are surging globally, and the Malaysian market is no exception. In fact, 2022 saw a significant jump in EV adoption worldwide, and the trend is gaining momentum in our region too.

I was in the same boat just a few years ago, wondering if the move to electric would fit into my daily life. After some research and hands-on experience, I found that EVs are not just better for the environment, but can be more convenient and cost-effective in the long run.

Let’s break down the three main types of electric vehicles you might encounter:

1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) BEVs are fully electric, meaning there’s no backup petrol engine. They rely entirely on electricity stored in batteries. With Malaysia’s infrastructure gradually improving and more charging stations popping up, this option is increasingly practical for urban drivers. Think of models like the Tesla Model 3 or the Nissan Leaf, which are slowly making their way to our roads.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) If you’re not ready to commit fully to electric, a PHEV could be a great middle ground. These vehicles combine a smaller electric battery with a conventional petrol engine, giving you the flexibility to switch between electric and petrol power. For those longer drives to Penang or Johor, you’ll appreciate the flexibility of a PHEV.

3. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) HEVs aren’t plugged in but instead recharge their electric battery via braking and driving. They’re often more fuel-efficient than traditional cars and produce fewer emissions. These are ideal if you’re looking to ease into the EV world without worrying about charging points just yet.

Now, what’s the real difference? A BEV is ideal for someone who drives around town and has access to charging facilities at home or work. A PHEV might be more suitable for someone who often travels long distances, while an HEV is great for those looking to reduce emissions without fully committing to charging.

I was skeptical at first—after all, how many charging stations are there around Kuala Lumpur? But after digging into the details, I realized that the average Malaysian driver doesn’t travel far daily. Most EVs today have ranges of 150-300 kilometers on a single charge, which is more than enough for the average commute, whether you’re heading to work in Bangsar or running errands in Petaling Jaya.

Malaysia’s EV infrastructure is improving, with more charging stations appearing at petrol stations, shopping malls, and rest stops along highways. But if public charging isn’t your thing, home charging is a great option. If you’ve got a driveway or garage, setting up a home charger will save you even more time and money in the long run.

When I first looked into EVs, the upfront price tag caught my attention. But after crunching the numbers, I realized the savings on petrol, maintenance, and even government incentives could make up for it. Many electric vehicles in Malaysia are eligible for tax exemptions and government rebates, especially with the push to go green.

Unlike petrol cars, EVs don’t need oil changes, exhaust maintenance, or even regular brake pad replacements since regenerative braking takes care of a lot of the wear and tear. Plus, the cost per kilometer for electricity is significantly lower than petrol. Over time, the savings can be substantial, especially if you’re able to charge at home using an off-peak electricity tariff.

When it comes to maintaining a petrol-powered car, you’ve got a range of choices. You could visit an authorized service center from your car’s brand or just pop by a local mechanic shop. Regardless of the brand or model, finding someone to fix a petrol car is pretty straightforward.

Electric vehicles, though, are a different story. Being relatively new to the market, knowledge and replacement parts are not as readily available. For now, authorized service centers are your safest bet. Sure, EV owners get to skip some of the usual car maintenance tasks—like changing engine oil—but other parts, such as wiper blades and brake pads, still need regular attention. And let’s not forget the battery. This one’s the game-changer, often costing thousands of Ringgit and accounting for most of the upkeep cost of owning an EV.

Take the newer Atto 3, for instance—its more robust battery hasn’t had replacement prices revealed yet, so we’ll use the Nissan Leaf’s 40 kWh battery for comparison. The cost of a new Nissan Leaf battery could range from RM11,000 for the 24 kWh version to RM30,000 for the 40 kWh battery. Assuming your battery lasts a decade, the replacement cost might average RM3,000 annually for a 40 kWh battery—given you take proper care of it. If you don’t, you could be looking at a 6-year lifespan instead, with costs ballooning to RM5,000 annually for the 40 kWh battery or RM1,833 for the 24 kWh battery.

In contrast, a Myvi would need a new battery roughly every two years at a price point around RM200, depending on the brand. Plus, you’d need to service it every 10,000 kilometers or every six months. Over five years, the service cost of a Myvi is approximately RM3,260.50—excluding any additional services.

Here’s a direct comparison between the cost of maintaining a Nissan Leaf (with a full battery replacement every 10 years) and a Myvi over a five-year span at Perodua.

• Nissan Leaf (40 kWh):

  • Battery costs range from RM11,000 to RM30,000

  • If the battery lasts 10 years, the annual cost is RM3,000

  • If it lasts 6 years, the annual cost rises to RM5,000

• Nissan Leaf (24 kWh):

  • The replacement cost is RM11,000

  • Annual costs are RM1,833 if the battery lasts 6 years

• Myvi:

  • Requires a battery change every 2 years (~RM200)

  • Servicing every 10,000 km or every 6 months

  • 5-year service cost at Perodua totals RM3,260.50

One of the big concerns many Malaysians have is reliability—after all, electric cars are still relatively new to the market. However, data from countries that have had EVs for longer shows that these vehicles are impressively reliable. For example, Tesla’s Model 3 has reported fewer issues than many petrol cars. Other models like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona Electric also have high reliability scores, showing that when you go electric, you’re not sacrificing quality or dependability.

Imagine never having to queue up at a petrol station again. That’s one of the biggest perks of owning an EV! Most EV owners charge their cars at home overnight, so they start the day with a full battery. I installed a home charger, and it was a game-changer—plugging in at night became just as routine as turning off the lights.

If you’re worried about the cost of installing a charger, there are financing options available. Plus, it’s not as expensive as you might think—especially when you consider the savings on petrol over the years.

In Malaysia, the government is offering several incentives to encourage EV adoption, from tax breaks to subsidies for home chargers. Keep an eye out for these as they can make the transition to electric driving even more affordable.

If you’ve been on the fence about switching to an electric car, now’s the time to seriously consider it. Not only are EVs more sustainable and environmentally friendly, but they’re also becoming increasingly practical and affordable in Malaysia.

Think about it—no more trips to the petrol station, reduced maintenance costs, and the knowledge that you’re contributing to a greener future. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, start looking at which EV might fit your lifestyle best.

I can say with confidence that going electric has been one of the best decisions I’ve made—and if you’re considering it, you won’t regret making the switch either!

For more tips on choosing the right EV for your needs, feel free to explore our blog or drop us a message on social media!