KUALA LUMPUR: The government will help facilitate Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd's (Perodua) efforts to produce Malaysia's first electric vehicle (EV) priced below RM100,000.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said he is optimistic about the development.
"We will facilitate and find ways to help Perodua because we want EV cars to be more affordable here," he said at the launch of JAC Motors here today.
Tengku Zafrul added that national car companies like Perodua will need the government's support to create an environment that will help it to achieve the target.
At the moment, an EV costs more than RM100,000 here. Hence, the ministry is encouraging Perodua and the other national carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd to produce an affordable EV at under RM100,00.
Tengku Zafrul said as at the end of September, 15,780 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered in Malaysia, compared to about 13,257 throughout 2023.
He is positive that the momentum will bring Malaysia closer to the target of 20 per cent of the total industry volume comprising EVs by 2030.
"As of end September, Malaysia has installed 3,171 public charging stations, with 26 per cent or 813 of them being fast chargers.
"In just three months, 565 new chargers have been added to the network. By the end of 2025, we are aiming to have 10,000 public chargers, reducing the charger-to-EV ratio to 1:9," he added.
Meanwhile, JAC Motors, one of the most innovative and versatile automobile manufacturers in China, marked its renewed commitment to Malaysia.
It is ready to meet the growing demand for advanced and sustainable mobility solutions, with an expanded lineup of light commercial EVs and the upcoming launch of the premium T9 pick-up series in January next year.
JAC Motors currently offers the widest range of light commercial EVs in Malaysia including the i40EV, i75EV and i90EV models.
The vehicles are distributed locally by JAC Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd.