Perodua QV-E Launches: Malaysia’s First Homegrown EV Starts at RM80,000

Today marks the launch of the much-anticipated Perodua QV-E, which stands for “Quest for Visionary Electric Vehicle,” making it the nation’s first fully homegrown battery electric vehicle (BEV). Developed at a cost of RM800 million, the QV-E is set to challenge the current EV landscape with its strategic pricing and unique ownership model.

The Perodua QV-E is positioned as an affordable, locally-developed compact EV aimed squarely at middle-income earners looking for a primary or replacement vehicle for daily use and weekend trips. The car is priced at RM80,000 (without insurance), but this figure comes with a crucial caveat: the battery is not included in the vehicle’s retail cost.

The QV-E is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 150kW of power and 285Nm of torque. This unit is paired with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery unit with a capacity of 52.5kWh. The combination results in surprisingly brisk performance for the segment, with the 0kph – 100kph sprint taking a quick 7.5 seconds in Sport mode. Top speed is capped at 165kph.

The 52.5kWh setup provides a claimed range capacity of up to 445 KM (NEDC). When it comes to charging, the QV-E supports 6.6kW AC charging, requiring approximately 8 hours to replenish the battery from 0% to 100%. It also accepts up to 60kW DC fast charging, allowing the battery to go from 30% to 80% in 30minutes.

Inside the cabin, the QV-E features a 10.25-inch display head unit and a digital rear-view mirror, enhancing visibility and control. Connectivity is streamlined with a wireless phone charger, and the system offers full support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The QV-E also hosts a notable new safety feature: the Child Presence Detection (CPD) system. This advanced technology uses sensors to detect and track movement and even vital signs such as breathing in the second-row seat and footwell area. It will immediately alert the driver if a child or pet is accidentally left in the car, even if covered by fabric.

Production of the QV-E takes place at Perodua’s newest facility, the “Smart Mobility Plant.” While initial production starts modestly at 500 units per month, Perodua President and CEO, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, stated that the company targets scaling this up significantly to 3,000 units a month by the third quarter of 2026 to meet anticipated demand.

The key to the QV-E’s aggressive price point is the introduction of Perodua’s Battery as a Service (BaaS) concept. This model decouples the battery from the vehicle’s purchase price, allowing the car body to be sold at RM80,000. Customers will lease the battery separately on a monthly subscription.

Dato’ Sri Zainal noted that this concept is designed to address one of the primary hurdles for EV adoption: battery anxiety and replacement cost. By offering the BaaS solution, Perodua is able to provide a lifetime guarantee on the battery for customers who subscribe to the service, ensuring peace of mind regarding long-term maintenance and degradation.

Perodua is targeting over 50% localization by early 2026 and 70% by 2030. Currently, 52 Malaysian companies supply components for the QV-E, demonstrating the company’s commitment to growing the domestic automotive supply chain.

The Perodua QV-E is available in two launch colors: Ice Blue and Caviar Grey, and is sold exclusively at selected Perodua outlets.