2022 is here and it will be an interesting year, as multiple car companies have lined out their plans for a host of electric vehicle (EV) launches in Malaysia.

As announced during the 2022 Budget, sales of electric vehicles will be exempted from both import and excise tax. The tax-free period is only for a very short time, specifically 2 years, between 1-January 2022 and 31-December 2023 for fully imported (CBU) models.

Charge up and strap in.

Chery eQ1 –Soon-to-be Malaysia’s cheapest EV?

Kicking this list off is likely the cheapest EV to reach Malaysian soil – the Chery eQ1.

Chery has confirmed that they have plans to introduce the adorable eQ1 in Malaysia and local assembly (CKD) operations are in progress.

In China, the Chery eQ1 is priced between CNY 66,900 to CNY 82,900 (~RM 44k to RM 55k).

Power output for the Chery eQ1 ranges between 41 PS and 75 PS, while torque figure is rated between 120 Nm to 150 Nm. Driving range varies between 301 km to 408 km, depending on the battery capacity.

Also Read: Chery EQ1: Malaysians asked for a Myvi-priced EV, this is it

Ora Black Cat – For when the eQ1 is a bit too small

The next EV on this list is the Ora Black Cat, also known as the Ora R1. Great Wall Motors (GWM), the parent company of Ora, offers no less than 9 variants of the Black Cat in China, including an adorable Hello Kitty version.

Prices of the Ora Black Cat in China ranges between CNY 69,800 (~RM 46k) to CNY 84,800 (~RM 56k), slightly more than the Chery eQ1.

Also Read: Spied: Ora Black Cat in Malaysia, budget EV with 301 km range

The Ora Black Cat is also reasonably safe – selected variants are fitted with 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera, front and rear DVRs, as well as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and forward collision warning (FCW).

As for power, the Ora Black Cat offers two motor options, a 48 PS, 125 Nm one, as well as a 61 PS, 130 Nm motor. Depending on battery capacity, the Ora Black Cat offers a range between 301 km to 405 km. Top speed is a leisurely 102 km/h.

Also Read: Spied: RHD Ora Black Cat and Ora Good Cat EVs seen in Thailand!

Changan Eado EV460 – Foreshadowed from the start?

The only sedan in this list is the Changan Eado EV460 – a model that was spotted on Malaysian soil late last year.

It gets an electric motor that does 136 PS and 245 Nm. A 52.56-kWh battery pack allows for an NEDC range of 405 km. It comes with China-specific GB/T charging ports. Yes, ports. There are two charging ports on the Eado EV, one located on the front grille that does DC quick charging and another is where the fuel lid is. The latter does regular, slower AC charging.

Also Read: Remember that Changan Eado EV that was spotted in Malaysia? Here's a quick run-down on this RM 90k EV

In China, the Changan Eado EV is priced between CNY 129,900 (~RM 84k) to CNY 139,900 (~RM 91k) and competes against fellow EV sedans like the Geometry A.

Changan's local partner, Fieldman EV Sdn. Bhd has confirmed local assembly (CKD) for Changan EV models. Although no specific models were mentioned, an Eado EV460 was recently spotted in Malaysia. 

Also Read: Changan EVs confirmed for Malaysia, Melaka to get RM 1bil CKD EV plant

Ora Good Cat – Porsche-inspired design

The next Ora in this list is the Ora Good Cat, another one of their cat-inspired models. The Good Cat made its right-hand drive (RHD) debut in Thailand late last year, imported (CBU) from China. 

Also Read: Spied: We got up close and personal with the Ora Good Cat in Malaysia

Three variants are offered in Thailand, with their claimed range between 400 km to 500 km. All three variants are powered by a 145 PS, 210 Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor powering the front wheels. Claimed performance numbers read 0-50 km/h in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 152 km/h.

The range-topping Good Cat 500 Ultra is as safe as rival EVs, encompassing six airbags and a full ADAS suite (AEB, LCA, RCTA, ACC, FCW, LDW, LKA).

Also Read: Ora Good Cat on display at KLCC, 501 km range, circa RM 130k price possible

It is priced from THB 989k (~RM 123k) to THB 1.2 million (~RM 150k).

Also Read: All you need to know about the RM125k Ora Good Cat

Peugeot e-2008 – Fancy a French EV?

When the all-new Peugeot 2008 debuts in Malaysia in the near future, it won’t be limited to just internal combustion engines (ICE), as Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) has confirmed that they will introduce the electric Peugeot e-2008 as well. It will debut in Malaysia in the fourth quarter (Q4) of the year.

Also Read: 2022 Peugeot e-2008 EV launching in Malaysia next year, coming after Landtrek

The eye-catching e-2008 is visually similar to the regular 2008, with the key differentiator being a different e-2008 emblem on the tailgate, while the charging port is where the fuel lid is.

Under the bonnet lies a 136 PS, 260 Nm electric motor, juiced by a 50-kWh battery pack. Under the WLTP test cycle, it has a range of up to 345 km (up from the 2019 model's 310 km).

In the UK, prices for the e-2008 starts at GBP 33,230 (~RM 185,000), pricier than the starting price of the Mazda MX-30 (GBP 25,545, or ~RM 142,000 after exemptions) and base price of the Hyundai Kona Electric (GBP 30,450, or ~RM 169,440).

Whether this price arrangement will be the same in Malaysia is still left to be answered, as a car's final pricing relies on many other factors and not just the wholesale / transfer price of the vehicle alone.

Mazda MX-30 – Jinba-ittai EV for the masses?

At a glance, the MX-30 nameplate may seem to hint that this model is a sports car, but not. It’s actually closer to the Mazda CX-30, but with very different exterior and interior styling, complete with rear-hinged doors (also known as ‘suicide doors’).

The MX-30 makes 145 PS and 271 Nm, powered by a 35.5-kWh battery pack. Under the more stringent WLTP test cycle, it has a range of up to 209 km.

Also Read: Bermaz confirms Mazda MX-30 EV to launch in Malaysia, target Q3 / Q4 2022

It takes between 30 to 40 minutes to charge from 0 to 80 percent using a 50 kW DC fast charger. If charged at home using a 6.6 kW AC charger, it takes 4.5 hours to fully charge the MX-30.

In the UK, prices for the Mazda MX-30 starts GBP 25,545 (about RM 142,000), but that’s after EV incentives by the UK government, which is limited only to vehicles priced below GBP 32,000 (about RM 178,000).

And yes, the Mazda MX-30 is actually cheaper than the Hyundai Kona EV, but that’s primarily because the Mazda has a smaller battery capacity and shorter range than the Kona EV.

Kia EV6 – Korean EV invasion?

The third Korean EV in this list is the Kia EV6, sister car to the Ioniq 5, as both are underpinned by the E-GMP platform.

Globally, the Kia EV6 is available in two battery options. The standard-range variant has a 58-kWh battery that gives up to 394 km while the long-range variant has a 77.4 kWh-battery that delivers up to 528 km.

Also Read: Dinamikjaya to launch Kia EV6 if NAP allows; Plans for CKD as well

Both the standard-range and long-range variants are expected to be introduced in Malaysia, with all the available options ticked.

Prices for the Kia EV6 starts at GBP 40,245 (~RM 225k). Fully loaded with all the options, as Dinamikjaya will most likely do, prices will balloon to GBP 51,245 (~RM 287k).

Also Read: Kia EV6 confirmed for Malaysia, target launch Q3 / Q4 2022

Lexus UX 300e – For the Bangsar socialite

Like the Peugeot e-2008, there’s little to distinguish the regular petrol Lexus UX apart from the pure electric variant, barring its UX 300e emblem and Electric wording on the doors.

In place of where the petrol engine would have been lies an electric motor that does 204 PS and 300 Nm, driving the front wheels. This electric motor is juiced by a 54.3-kWh battery pack, allowing for WLTP-rated range of 300 km.

Also Read: UMW Toyota to launch 2 EVs starting 2022 – Lexus UX 300e and Toyota bZ4X?

In Indonesia, the UX 300e sells for IDR 1,245,000,000 (about RM 366k). The UX 300e is about 35 percent more expensive than the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated UX 200 F Sport.

In Malaysia, prices for the Lexus UX starts from RM 236,443 for the UX 200 Urban, stretching up to RM 290,335 for the most expensive UX 200 F Sport.

Volvo XC40 Recharge – Swedish marque, but manufactured in China for the world

As part of Volvo’s larger plans to go full electric by 2030, the Swedes have been gradually electrifying their line-up and the XC40 Recharge is one such model.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 has a total power output of 408 PS and total torque of 660 Nm, powered a 78-kWh battery pack. Power goes to all four wheels via the dual-motor setup. 0-100 km/h sprint time is rated at 4.9 seconds while top speed is capped at 180 km/h.

In Thailand, the XC40 EV is fully-imported (CBU) from China and is priced at 2,590,000 baht (around RM 323k). Note that under the ASEAN-China FTA, the Thai government does not impose any tax on EVs from China.

Also Read: Coming to Malaysia - 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge EV at Thai Motor Expo

Other upcoming EV models for 2023 and beyond

Kia Niro EV – The Kona’s swankier cousin

If you thought that the Hyundai Kona EV is eye-catching, wait till you see the Kia Niro EV, it’s like a Korean SUV that’s supercharged. It gets a very recognizable front fascia with Kia’s signature Tiger nose grille, flanked by a pair of angular headlights.

Also Read: 4 new Kia models to Malaysia, EV included - CKD Kia Carnival, Sportage, Sorento, Niro

The cabin of the Niro EV also looks to be an extremely cosy place to be in, thanks to its cocoon-like design and two-tier dashboard.

Detailed specifications surrounding the Kia Niro EV will be made known at a later time, seeing that Kia unveiled the B-segment crossover just two months ago. They did say that this swanky crossover will also be available with a hybrid (HEV) powertrain and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system.

Also Read: Kia e-Niro EV planned for Malaysian launch in 2021 – CKD assembly considered

Ioniq 5 – The absolute styling king

For those who absolutely want to stand out in the group, the Ioniq 5 is your best bet. For something this futuristic, the Ioniq 5’s design is decidedly sharp, with multiple angles and creases to break up an otherwise generic-looking crossover/hatchback-looking model.

Globally, two variants are offered - a rear-wheel drive 217 PS, 350 Nm and an all-wheel drive 305 PS, 605 Nm variant - figures are with 72.6 kWh long range battery fitted (up to 481 km driving range).

A smaller 58-kWh battery is also offered, with corresponding numbers dropping to 170 PS, 350 Nm and 233 PS, 605 Nm.

Also Read: Other than the Genesis G90, the Sultan of Johor also owns an Ioniq 5 from Hyundai

Also Read: Hyundai explains why the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is the only EV you'll ever need

Wapcar's comments:

With roughly 10 new EVs slated to launch in Malaysia this year, ranging from affordable options to luxurious models, there’s an EV for almost everyone.

While EVs are definitely not for everyone (read: range anxiety, long charging time), it’s good to see manufacturers jumping onto the bandwagon, offering those wanting to adopt the EV lifestyle on a broader, more mass market scale.

Out of these 11 EVs, which one are you looking forward to?