Perodua Unveils Its First EV Prototype

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) is making massive strides towards introducing its very first electric vehicle (EV) model. The company unveiled its first working prototype, the MyVI Conversion, at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024.

President and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the company is confident that it will be able to roll out its first EV model by the end of next year.

“We try to do it by the end of 2025, as the development is maybe less than three years. What I can say here is that the price will not be more than RM100,000 and no less than RM50,000. We have exciting plans in store that will be revealed in due time,” he told the press at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024.

The EV prototype, which comprised the power bench, power converter, and overall styling, is primarily made in Malaysia. On the other hand, the power conversion technology that the prototype utilises is a collaborative effort with an Australian company.

“The power bench development is done by us (Perodua) by partnering with three local universities – Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Kuala Lumpur and Universiti Putra Malaysia to fully understand this technology and make it our own,” he added.

Said collaboration began in September 2022, and saw Perodua work alongside the three universities to develop an EV powertrain from the ground up, thus enhancing their expertise and capabilities in the EV field.

In its quest to bring its first EV product to fruition, Perodua emphasizes the development of local vendors, anticipating the participation of over 60 of them to support mass production.

“Hopefully by then, they will be ready to take up all the EV-related product development, not only for Perodua but also with other original equipment manufacturers,” said Zainal Abidin.

The automaker is also contemplating on expanding its infrastructure to accommodate the production of its upcoming EV model, either by building a new factory or seeking partnerships with other capable entities.