Malaysia accelerates national electrification through Prasarana’s fleet upgrades and Perodua’s new QV-E launch.
Malaysia is pushing aggressively toward a cleaner transport future, pairing large-scale public transit electrification with the debut of its first fully homegrown electric vehicle. Together, Prasarana’s shift to electric buses and Perodua’s new QV-E model signal a pivotal transformation in the country’s mobility landscape.
Prasarana Accelerates Public Transport Electrification
Prasarana, Malaysia’s largest public transport operator, is rapidly modernizing its fleet. It currently runs 15 electric buses on the Sunway BRT and plans to deploy an additional 150 electric feeder buses for the LRT Shah Alam Line. The organisation expects to receive its final batch of diesel buses by March next year, marking a transition toward a fully electric fleet by 2037.
These efforts align with the National Energy Transition Roadmap, a federal strategy to scale electrified public transport and reduce national emissions. Prasarana also aims for a 45 percent reduction in operational carbon emissions by 2030, supported by solar installations, energy-efficiency measures and expanded electrification.
Sustainability Measures and Workforce Readiness
Solar panels have already been installed at the BRT Sunway station and six additional sites in 2023. Over the next three years, Prasarana will expand solar deployment to 75 rail and bus depots, hubs and stations.
Recognizing the importance of safety and technical competency, the operator is also upgrading its workforce. Training in EV handling, fire-safety procedures and operational readiness is being integrated into its “My Risk, My Responsibility” safety campaign. Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Nasir Ahmad emphasized that operations will only begin when teams are fully prepared, noting that competency is foundational for a successful transition.
Perodua Unveils Malaysia’s First Fully Homegrown EV
Meanwhile, the private vehicle market is undergoing its own transformation. Under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, Perodua was tasked with developing a national EV ecosystem and introducing a Malaysian-designed electric vehicle by 2025. The result is the QV-E, a compact B-segment coupé-styled SUV.
Built on a new platform co-developed with Magna Steyr, the QV-E supports both hybrid and range-extended applications. The SUV measures 4.17 metres in length and offers 320 litres of boot space, making it suitable for urban consumers seeking practicality in an electric model.
Performance, Charging and Safety Features
The QV-E’s front-wheel-drive setup is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 150 kW and 285 Nm of torque. With a 52.5 kWh CATL LFP battery, it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 7.5 seconds and offers a WLTP range of up to 370 kilometres.
Charging is modest. AC charging peaks at 6.6 kW with a full session requiring around eight hours, while DC charging reaches 60 kW, enabling a 30 to 80 percent charge in about 30 minutes. The vehicle also supports V2L functionality for powering external devices.
On safety, Perodua includes Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Brake, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist and more. Features such as Blind Spot Monitor, Child Presence Detection, dashcam and a 360-degree camera system enhance security for families and commuters.
Local Production and Battery-as-a-Service Model
Perodua manufactures the QV-E in Sungai Choh, Selangor, and aims to reach 50 percent parts localization by 2026 and 70 percent by 2030. The company currently works with 52 local suppliers, expecting to increase this to 70 as production scales.
The EV is offered through a Battery-as-a-Service program priced at 80,000 ringgit for the vehicle and 297 ringgit monthly for battery rental. Approximately 80,000 ringgit equals approx. 6,400 SGD. Standard equipment includes an advanced infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration and a six-way power driver’s seat.
Malaysia’s dual push in electrifying public transport and developing homegrown electric vehicles reflects a strategic leap toward cleaner urban mobility. These initiatives hold wide regional relevance, shaping future transport patterns for both Malaysian and Singaporean commuters while strengthening Southeast Asia’s broader sustainability transition.
Sources: Electrive (2025) , Electrive 2 (2025)
Keywords: Electric Buses Malaysia, QV E Launch, Prasarana Electrification, Perodua EV Ecosystem, Malaysia Green Transport
