The scaled-down Perodua EM-O concept unveiled at Malaysia Autoshow 2023 points to where the company's future products will go as it gradually transitions towards electrification.

But beyond its snazzy bodywork and impressive powertrain specifications, the EM-O might actually be hiding a larger detail, an upcoming dedicated EV platform for a Myvi-sized model, currently under development.

Also read: Perodua EM-O EV Concept unveiled - This is your first look at the next-gen Myvi EV?

Perodua sources familiar with the EM-O concept told us that the final product would be based on a completely new platform and not the DNGA platform which currently underpins other Perodua models.

The platform will be developed exclusively for electrification and will not support any ICE applications, plus it will integrate a wide variety of connected IOT, big data, and AI-related features. This could also mean the new EV platform will underpin other EV Perodua models in the years to come.

The final product, previewed by the EM-O concept will measure 3,895 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width, and 1,515 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,500 mm - identical to the current 3rd-generation Myvi.

Thus, based on Perodua's own plans, the EM-O concept likely previews an EV model that it states will launch sometime in 2035. In the interim, Perodua plans to launch a 'hybrid variant of an all-new model' as it transitions its supply chain and capabilities towards full electrification.

Also read: Perodua: EVs to overtake ICEs and hybrids in Malaysia by early 2030s - 17 suppliers may not survive the transition

Note that though earlier projections (above) has stated an EV model could join the Perodua range as early as 2029, but Perodua maintains that the timeline is fluid and dependent on wide variety of factors, including customer affordability, hence the latest 2035 projection. 

Those same projections (released in Feb 23) believe demand for hybrid vehicles (HEVs) will exceed conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) models by 2030 but by 2033, BEVs will outsell both ICE and hybrids.

Though a life-sized and drivable version of the EM-O concept is still some years away, you can actually 'drive' the concept virtually on a simulator at the Perodua booth at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow 2023.