As Malaysia embraces the global shift towards sustainable transportation, electric vehicles, also known as EVs for short, are gaining traction as an eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional petrol-powered cars. In this beginner's guide, let’s go over the basics of electric vehicles and how they are making their mark on Malaysia's automotive landscape.

1. What Are EVs And How Do They Work?

So what exactly is an EV? Electric vehicles are cars powered by electric motors that run on a large rechargeable battery pack, usually lithium-ion batteries. Instead of an internal combustion engine like in traditional petrol cars, electric cars have an electric motor. When the driver presses the accelerator, electricity from the battery is sent to the electric motor, which then propels the vehicle forward.

To recharge the battery, EV owners can plug their vehicle into a power source, such as a wall outlet at home or a public charging station. There are different types of charging speeds available, from standard charging that takes several hours, to fast charging which can recharge the battery to a significant extent in a matter of minutes.

2. What Types Of EVs Are There In Malaysia?

Battery EVs (BEVs):

Battery EVs or all-electric EVs, are EVs fully powered by electricity, with no petrol or gas consumption involved. Without any combustion needed to power the vehicle, the car doesn’t emit carbon monoxide, making it an environmentally friendly option. It is also cheaper to maintain, as it does not have a gearbox or require engine oil, gear oil, or any other common wear & tear maintenance.

Hybrid EVs (HEVs)

Hybrid EVs, as the name suggests, are a hybrid of both petrol and electric cars, with both a fuel engine and an electric battery. The engine is powered by fuel like in a traditional petrol car while being assisted by the electric battery to make the car go. As the vehicle does not have a charging socket, the electric battery cannot be recharged by plugging it into an outlet. Instead, it is powered by regenerative braking, which is when the vehicle slows down the vehicle by converting its kinetic energy back into the battery. With less fuel consumption from the engine, the fuel cost is halved compared to a pure internal combustion engine of the same engine capacity.

Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs)

A plug-in hybrid vehicle is similar to a hybrid EV but with a larger battery and a charging socket, which means the battery is recharged by plugging it into a power outlet or a public charging station and can be used to power the vehicle on its own. Once the battery is depleted, you will have to run on the fuel engine until you can stop to recharge it. Overall, this means you can use the electric battery for short commutes while relying on petrol for longer distances.

3. What Are The Benefits of Electric Cars?

Electric cars bring a variety of benefits when compared to traditional petrol cars, including:

Environmental benefits: Fully electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, while hybrid vehicles also produce lower fuel emissions compared to traditional petrol cars. This helps reduce air pollution in urban areas and contributes to a healthier environment. Additionally, fully electric cars don't release greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide, playing a crucial role in combating climate change.

Cost-saving benefits: Despite the vehicle itself costing more initially, electric vehicles generally incur lower fuel and maintenance costs over the vehicle’s lifespan compared to traditional petrol cars, as EVs require less frequent servicing and are generally cheaper to maintain. For comparison, petrol rates are RM2.05 per litre for RON95, while the recharging rate for EVs at a public recharging station is 60 sen per kilowatt.

Technological benefits: EVs generally possess advanced features and enhanced performance compared to petrol cars. Some of these features may include auto-driving, safety systems, instant torque and smooth acceleration, all of which provide a more enjoyable and convenient driving experience.

4. EV Initiatives and Infrastructure In Malaysia

In August 2023, the Malaysian government launched the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which outlined various goals and initiatives towards environmental sustainability, such as aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, along with incentives such as tax rebates for EV owners.

As of the time of writing, according to the Malaysia EV Charging Network (MEVnet) dashboard, there are currently 2020 EV charging bays installed throughout Malaysia at 750 different locations, with most of the EV charging infrastructure in Malaysia centred around the Klang Valley area of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

As Malaysia moves towards sustainable transportation, electric vehicles stand out as a promising solution. With their environmental benefits and cost savings, EVs offer a compelling alternative for Malaysian drivers. By understanding the basics of how electric cars work and staying updated on the latest developments and government incentives, Malaysians can do their part to contribute to a cleaner, greener future on the roads. Whether you're an EV enthusiast or just curious, let's embark on this journey towards a more sustainable tomorrow! If you’re interested in purchasing an electric car, browse our range of EVs at MG Cars Malaysia today!

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