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Perodua Launches QV-E, Its First Electric Vehicle And A New Chapter For Malaysian EV Development

Perodua has taken a major step into the electric era with the launch of the QV-E, its first battery-powered model, priced at RM80,000 before insurance and without the battery. The new hatchback is the centrepiece of the carmaker’s long-term plan to build a homegrown EV ecosystem, beginning with a vehicle that was designed, engineered and produced almost entirely in Malaysia.

The project required RM800 million in investment and is being built at the company’s newly established Smart Mobility Plant.

Production is starting modestly at 500 units a month, though Perodua expects output to ramp up to 3,000 units monthly by the third quarter of 2026 once supply chains and vendor readiness reach the next phase of industrialisation.

Internally, the QV-E is described as a showcase of what Perodua believes a national EV should be: practical, safe and accessible, yet built with enough technology to remain competitive as electric cars become more widely adopted in the country.

The model runs on a 52.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery and can travel up to 445km on the NEDC cycle, though the real-world figure will naturally depend on driving behaviour, temperature and terrain. Perodua has equipped the QV-E with a broad set of safety features, with one of the most significant being a Child Presence Detection system.

Using millimetre-wave sensing, the system can pick up breathing and micro-movements in the second row and the footwell, even through blankets, and continues to work in extreme temperatures or complete darkness. A three-stage warning sequence activates if a child or pet is left behind, escalating from hazards and SMS alerts to repeated audible warnings.

Perodua says the development of the QV-E reflects a wider national effort. The New Industrial Master Plan 2030, announced by the Prime Minister in 2023, gave the company the task of leading Malaysia’s EV ecosystem. With support from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and other government agencies, Perodua managed to complete the car in just 28 months.

More than 50 local suppliers are already involved in the project, with plans to increase the number to 70 by 2030, pushing localisation beyond 70 per cent.

The QV-E targets middle-income households and families looking for a daily commuter or a second car for short trips. To reduce long-term ownership anxiety, Perodua has introduced a battery leasing method called Battery-as-a-Service. Buyers pay only for the car, while Perodua retains ownership of the battery, which is leased monthly under a Shariah-compliant arrangement.

The idea is to lower the entry price, maintain stronger resale values, and remove the fear of expensive battery replacements. The leased battery carries a warranty for the full nine-year duration and is insured by Perodua. Each vehicle comes with a dedicated tracker for the battery, allowing the company to locate it even if the car is abandoned or the main power is depleted, ensuring proper end-of-life management and preventing environmental risks.

As for the design, Perodua has given the QV-E a clean, modern shape with a confident rear end and a smooth sportback-style profile. The horizontal lighting at both ends emphasises the car’s width, and flush door handles help achieve a sleeker look. Two colours are offered at launch, Ice Blue and Caviar Grey, chosen to represent a more premium EV identity.

Inside, the cabin adopts a sporty, horizontal layout with a floating centre console and additional storage underneath. A digital instrument cluster works alongside a 10.25-inch infotainment display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Equipment includes a rotary gear selector, a wireless charger, ambient lighting, powered driver’s seat, a digital rear-view mirror and a set of semi-leather seats.

The QV-E also features SOS emergency services, telematics integration, and a range of driver-assistance technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Keeping functions and a full suite of passive safety systems.

The vehicle sits on an all-new platform co-developed with Magna Steyr, designed to accommodate future A- and B-segment models with the possibility of hybrid or range-extended EV variants. Under the floor sits the 405.7 kg CATL LFP battery pack, rated IP68 and IP69 for water and dust resistance, and liquid-cooled for stability in Malaysia’s hot climate. A 201hp front motor produces 285Nm of torque, allowing the QV-E to reach 100km/h in 7.5 seconds in Sport mode and achieve a top speed of 165km/h.

Charging is managed via a 6.6 kW AC system that fills the pack in eight hours, while a 60 kW DC charger can replenish 30 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes. Vehicle-to-load functionality is also included.

Perodua believes the QV-E represents more than just its entry into electric mobility. The company sees it as a milestone that Malaysians can claim as their own, given the amount of local design, testing and component development behind it.

Sales will begin at selected Perodua outlets, with the company expecting interest from buyers ready to embrace electrification without departing from the affordability and usability the brand is known for.

Bugatti Completes Production of the Bolide as the W-16 Era Nears Its End

Bugatti has completed production of the Bolide, bringing the second-to-last chapter of its W-16 engine legacy to a close. The final example — number 40 of 40 — has now left the factory in Molsheim, marking the end of the extreme, track-only hypercar’s build run. The customer travelled to northeastern France to take delivery directly from Bugatti’s headquarters.

The final Bolide belongs to a long-time Bugatti collector who already owns several notable models, including a classic Type 35 — the brand’s landmark racing car from the 1920s — and the last-ever Veyron Grand Sport. The buyer paid €4 million for the Bolide, a machine designed solely for circuit use and therefore not eligible for road registration.

Both the customer’s Veyron and Bolide share a coordinated specification, featuring a Black Blue and Special Blue Lyonnais exterior paired with a Lake Blue Alcantara interior. The configuration is striking enough to raise the question of whether any buyers might explore road-legal conversions. British engineering specialist Lanzante has already announced plans to work on such a transformation for at least one Bolide.

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Kia Ends Partnership with Bermaz as Brand Prepares for Direct Operations in Malaysia

Kia Corporation and Bermaz Auto Berhad have formally concluded their four-year strategic partnership, bringing an end to the arrangement under which Bermaz, through Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, served as the sole distributor of Kia vehicles and parts in Malaysia. The agreement signed between Kia and Dinamikjaya Motors confirms that Kia will resume full control of its Malaysian operations, marking the start of a new phase for the brand in the country.

Kia Asia Pacific President and CEO, Ki Seok Ahn, said the company is ready to rebuild its presence in Malaysia with a renewed focus on innovation and customer engagement. He stated that Kia intends to strengthen how customers experience the brand while supporting Malaysia’s automotive sector and broader economy. According to him, Kia’s long-term commitment remains aligned with its “Movement That Inspires” vision, with an emphasis on driving sustainable mobility and creating new forms of interaction with the brand.

From 1 January 2026, Kia will adopt a direct principal-led business model in Malaysia. This change shifts responsibility for brand representation, marketing, sales, customer experience and training directly to Kia. The company views this structural move as an opportunity not only to refine its position in Malaysia but also to influence its broader growth strategy within the ASEAN region.

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Audi Introduces New V6 Diesel with Expanded Electrification for Q5 and A6

Audi has added a new three-litre V6 diesel engine to the Q5 and A6 ranges, producing 299 PS and 580 Nm of torque. This version of the engine marks the first time the brand has paired its MHEV plus system with an electrically powered compressor, creating a more responsive and efficient setup than previous diesel units. Orders for models equipped with the V6 TDI quattro are now open.

The MHEV plus system builds on Audi’s earlier mild-hybrid technology by bringing together a belt alternator starter, a powertrain generator and a lithium iron phosphate battery. The belt alternator starter starts the engine and supplies energy to the battery, while the powertrain generator enables short periods of fully electric driving in low-speed or steady-flow traffic.

It also delivers an additional 230 Nm of torque and up to 24 PS when setting off or overtaking, and it recovers up to 25 kW of energy when braking.

For the first time, Audi has paired this hybrid setup with an electrically powered compressor. This addition plays a key role in both the charging system and the engine’s combustion strategy. Working alongside the turbocharger in a two-stage system, it improves response at low engine speeds and helps balance strong performance with reduced fuel consumption. The combination of the new compressor, the belt alternator starter and the powertrain generator gives the V6 TDI strong acceleration whether starting from rest, joining faster traffic or cruising at higher speeds.

The electrically powered compressor addresses turbo lag by supplying immediate boost, allowing the engine to produce high torque even at low revs. Audi says the improved response is clear during the first moments of acceleration, with the car covering noticeably more distance in the same time than the earlier V6 TDI. As the engine increases its revs, the belt alternator starter provides support, the powertrain generator contributes torque and the compressor increases boost pressure almost instantly. Together, these elements create a more direct and confident driving feel.

Compared with earlier Audi models that used an electrically powered compressor, such as the S4 and SQ5, the latest version operates across the full engine speed range rather than within a narrow band. A redesigned airflow system and a more advanced permanent-magnet synchronous motor have widened its operating window and improved efficiency.

The compressor wheel can reach 90,000 rpm in around 250 milliseconds, almost 40 per cent faster than before, helping build the maximum boost pressure of 3.6 bar nearly a second quicker than the outgoing engine. Audi notes that the result is acceleration similar in immediacy to that of an electric motor.

The new V6 TDI is also compatible with HVO 100, a renewable diesel that meets European standard EN 15940 and is identified by an XTL label on the fuel cap. HVO, made from waste oils and by-products from the food and agriculture sectors, can reduce CO₂ emissions by 70 to 95 per cent compared with fossil diesel.

It can be blended with standard diesel or used on its own. Audi now fills new vehicles, leaving its Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm plants with HVO fuel, highlighting its move towards lower-carbon operation even before customer use.

With the introduction of its latest electrified diesel, Audi is aiming to deliver improved efficiency, stronger everyday performance and wider fuel flexibility—while keeping conventional engines relevant within a changing emissions landscape.

Nissan Launches China-Built Frontier Pro Pickup

Zhengzhou Nissan has launched its all-new Frontier Pro series of pickup trucks, marking the first time a Nissan model has been fully designed, developed and built in China with plans for global distribution. The price for the new Frontier Pro line-up ranges from roughly RM 114,240 to RM 132,480, while the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant is priced between around RM 127,680 and RM 168,000.

The Frontier Pro delivers a striking presence, measuring 5,520 mm long, 1,960 mm wide and 1,950 mm tall, riding on a 3,300 mm wheelbase, which makes it wider and taller than the Nissan Navara. Its cargo bed offers substantial carrying capacity, measuring 1,520 mm in length, 1,600 mm in width and 490 mm in depth. Some variants also offer a convenient electric soft-down tailgate for easier loading and unloading.

Inside the cabin, Nissan has combined modern amenities with rugged practicality. A digital instrument panel sits alongside a large central touchscreen, and a row of traditional buttons remains on the centre console for ease of use. The interior materials aim high, featuring soft-touch surfaces paired with a 12-speaker JLA audio system for a comfortable and refined driving environment.

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Leapmotor Launches B05 EV Hatchback in China – 215hp, 605km of Range

Leapmotor has unveiled its latest compact electric hatchback, the B05 — known in China as the Lafa5 — with five trim levels designed to meet varied budgets and driving needs. The model starts with the 515 Plus at 97,800 yuan (about USD 13,800), while the top-end 605 Max fetches 121,800 yuan. Early buyers benefit from a roughly 5,000 yuan discount across the line-up.

Built on the LEAP 3.5 platform, the B05 measures 4,430 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width and 1,520 mm in height, riding on a 2,735 mm wheelbase, similar in size to the smart #3. Buyers can choose between two battery configurations — a 56.2 kWh pack for a CLTC-rated 515 km range, or a 67.1 kWh pack for 605 km. Both use a rear-mounted electric motor, available in outputs of 177hp or 215hp.

Inside, the B05 offers a modern cabin complete with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch 2.5K central touchscreen running Leapmotor OS 4.0 Plus on a Snapdragon-based processor. Depending on trim, equipment may include ventilated and heated seats, a panoramic roof, 256-colour ambient lighting, wireless charging built into a cleverly designed “magic expansion island” centre console, and upholstery spanning fabric, faux-suede, or Nappa leather.

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