KUALA LUMPUR: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) today launches its first battery electric vehicle (EV) named QV-E priced at RM80,000 (without insurance and battery not included).

This is part of the national car company's agenda to develop a sustainable EV ecosystem.

The QV-E, which stands for "Quest for Visionary Electric Vehicle", took RM800 million to develop and is produced at Perodua's newest manufacturing facility – the "Smart Mobility Plant" in Sungai Chih, Selangor.

"For now, we are able to produce 500 units a month, but we would be able to offer 3,000 units a month by the third quarter of 2026," Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

The QV-E uses a lithium iron phosphate battery (52.5kW) and has a range capacity of up to 445km depending on driving style, temperature and road conditions.


This model hosts the latest in safety features including a child presence detection system.

This system will alert the driver if there is a child or even pets in the car as it can detect and track movements as well as vital signs (such as breathing) in the second-row seat and within the footwell area of the car.

The system can also detect movement even under fabric coverings.

"All the features within the QV-E were created with the latest functionality, advanced safety and comfort in mind based on a detailed study conducted by our research and development department.

"Ultimately, this model is the outcome of Malaysians coming together to create something uniquely ours, from design to engineering, the QV-E offers a path all of us can benefit from," Zainal said.

In the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 unveiled by Prime MinisterDatuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 1 2023, Perodua was appointed to champion and lead the local automotive manufacturers in developing the EV ecosystem.

Perodua is working with local vendors to localise the components to over 50 per cent by early 2026 and to 70 per cent by 2030.

So far, a total of 52 Malaysian companies supply auto components for QV-E and the compact car company is looking to increase the number to 70 vendors within five years.

Led by Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry and supported by various ministries and government agencies, Perodua was able to produce the EV in 28 months.

"The support given to us by the government has been instrumental in revolutionising the Malaysian EV ecosystem and at the same time placing great attention to quality, reliability and the latest in digital technology," Zainal said.

The QV-E main target buyers consist of middle-income earners and above, additional car buyer or replacement car buyer for daily use or weekend trips.

Perodua also introduces the battery leasing concept known as "Battery as a Service"whereby the car's body is sold separately from the battery.

"This concept is our solution towards reducing owner's anxiety when owning abattery electric vehicle.

"By offering this service we will be able to offer a lifetimeguarantee on the battery for our customers' peace of mind," Zainal said.

The QV-E is in two colours, "Ice Blue" and Caviar Grey" and is only available at selected Perodua outlets.

Battery renting is rm275/month.
Battery warranty is 108month.
Will change a new battery for you foc if within 108months, when the health is below 70%. Changing process took about 30m.