Perodua, Malaysia’s leading automotive manufacturer, has officially launched the highly anticipated Perodua QV-E, the brand’s first fully electric vehicle developed entirely from the ground up.
Unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the new EV is positioned as a critical national undertaking and the nation’s first truly “homegrown” electric car, signifying a major leap for the local automotive industry into the electric era under the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030.
The Perodua QV-E, which stands for Quest for Visionary Electric Vehicle, is priced at RM 80,000 on-the-road without insurance. Crucially, this price excludes the cost of the high-voltage battery.
To address common anxieties surrounding battery replacement cost and resale value, Perodua is implementing a mandatory Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. Under this novel scheme, the battery remains owned by Perodua and is leased to the car owner for a fixed monthly subscription fee of RM 275, ensuring customers receive a lifetime warranty and peace of mind regarding battery health and disposal.
Codenamed P01A during development, the QV-E breaks away from Perodua’s traditional compact offerings. Its dimensions place it squarely in the B-Segment crossover category, measuring 4,170 mm in length with a long 2,680 mm wheelbase. Its sleek profile, characterized by flush door handles, sequential dynamic turn signals, and a low 1,502 mm roofline, adopts a sporty Sportback silhouette that enhances its modern visual appeal, complemented by 18-inch wheels.
Performance-wise, the QV-E is Perodua’s quickest and most powerful vehicle to date. Powered by a single front-mounted electric motor, it delivers a substantial 150 kW (approximately 204 Hp) and 285 Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0-100 km/h in a brisk 7.5 seconds.
Energy is stored in a 52.5 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery sourced from CATL, providing an estimated NEDC range of 445 km (with an approximate WLTP equivalent of 380 km). The vehicle supports DC fast charging up to 60 kW, capable of replenishing the battery from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes.
The interior showcases a significant technological upgrade, featuring dual 10.25-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and central infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
High-end features previously unseen in Perodua models include a digital rear-view mirror, a powered driver’s seat, and ambient lighting, all managed through a clean, rotary-style gear selector.
Safety has been prioritized with a comprehensive Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) suite. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Highway Assist (HWA), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB). A standout new feature is the Child Presence Detection (CPD) system, which uses millimeter-wave technology to detect movement or breathing in the cabin after the vehicle is shut off, sounding an alert to prevent heatstroke incidents.
The QV-E’s rapid development, completed in just over two years at a reported cost of RM 800 million, saw consultation from global contract manufacturing specialist Magna Steyr, who jointly developed the new modular platform.
Perodua confirmed that this architecture is scalable for future A and B segment models.
The company aims to achieve approximately 50% local content by early 2026, targeting 70% by 2030, reinforcing its mandate to build a local EV supply chain. Initial production has commenced, with an initial sales target of 500 units per month, which Perodua plans to scale up to 3,000 units monthly after late 2026.
To know more and register your interest in this truly Malaysian first EV, head to Perodua EV website here.
