So, you’re tired of combustion engines and you’re thinking of getting an electric car for yourself – whether in the near or far future. Do you really have options as a Malaysian?

Well, I hate to break it to you, but most of them are far from being affordable for the masses. But one can dream, right? So, let’s entertain the thought and daydream of shopping for an EV.

Here are a few cars within our vicinity (starting with the most accessible dealerships and lowest prices).

*We’re keeping things within Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore for now.

1. Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf one of the pioneers for electric mobility in the modern world, with the first-generation Leaf making its debut in 2010.

Currently in its second generation (ZE1), the Nissan Leaf is available in Malaysia at a starting price of RM 181,263 – not very encouraging for early EV adopters on a budget.

2. BMW i3s

Next up is a funny-looking EV with narrow tires from BMW (175s on 20-inch wheels). The i3s first came to Malaysia as a range extended version (i3) with a tiny 647cc 2-cylinder engine.

Why is it important to mention this? Well, the i3s’s road tax is calculated like that of a hybrid car with a tiny engine, resulting in a RM 42 road tax.

The current i3s is fully electric without a range extender. Last listed at a steep price of RM 268,823 (end of 2020, without SST), the BMW i3s isn’t exactly a crowd puller.

3. MINI Cooper SE

2020 saw the launch of the MINI Cooper SE in Malaysia. 25 units were made available upon launch and they were sold out in less than a month.

Another 15 units were brought in later on, albeit in a "First Edition" trim. Although RM 20,000 more expensive, they were quickly sold out too.

Also Read: The RM 218K Electric MINI Cooper SE is sold out in Malaysia!

There’s no news of MINI Malaysia bringing in any more of this, but it sure did bring Malaysians’ attention towards EVs with the help of the MINI’s urban and stylish appeal. Too bad there’s less than 50 of them in Malaysia.

4. Porsche Taycan

Like the MINI Cooper SE, the Porsche Taycan was launched in Malaysia in 2020. It’s a sports saloon that is positioned below the Porsche Panamera. When launched, the Taycan was available in 3 trims – 4S, Turbo, and Turbo S.

Later on, the RWD version was launched in Malaysia, lowering the entry barrier to own a Porsche Taycan (RM 584,561 before options). There’s also a Cross Turismo variant that you can book through Porsche Malaysia.

Porsche’s luxury appeal has drawn good attention towards EVs and still manages to be somewhat affordable (for affluent Malaysians). While Tesla doesn't seem bothered with Malaysia, Porsche has grabbed the premium EV market in Malaysia with the Taycan.

Also Read: Review: Porsche Taycan 4S - an electrifying, synapse-frying performance car

5. MG ZS EV

Now, let’s get onto more affordable EVs, that are in our vicinity, but seem to not show signs of passing through our borders. The MG ZS EV made a few headlines in 2020 with it being spotted in the Klang Valley several times.

Also Read: Spied: 2021 MG ZS EV spotted testing in Malaysia - launching next year?

It is one of the most affordable EVs in the world wrapped in a very entry-level package. If there was one EV that was perfect for those on a budget, this is it. The MG ZS EV is sold in Thailand and Singapore at THB 1,190,000 and SGD 133,888 respectively.

We were keen on seeing the MG ZS EV making an official debut in Malaysia, but spy shots are all we have for now.

6. MG EP

Besides the MG ZS EV, MG also has another affordable EV for the masses – the MG EP. It’s a compact station wagon with uninspiring looks.

Looks aside, it is perfect for early EV adopters on a budget. Sold in Thailand at THB 988,000, the station wagon body may not be so appealing in Malaysia.

7. Hyundai Kona Electric

Here’s another disappointment next to the MG ZS EV. It seems we have no luck with budget EVs in Malaysia. The Hyundai Kona Electric made its Malaysian debut way back in KLIMS 2018.

The car can even sometimes be seen running some test rounds (most likely a training unit). The Kona Electric is subtle and boring, making it hard to spot.

Not available in Malaysia, the Kona Electric (facelift) is available in Indonesia and Singapore. It was listed on Hyundai Thailand's website previously.

Also Read: Hyundai Kona Electric to be assembled in Indonesia by 2023?

8. Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Over in Singapore and Indonesia, Hyundai offers the Hyundai Ioniq electric. There’s not much of an interest for Hyundai cars in Malaysia, so we don’t know how well things would work out for this oddly-shaped Korean EV. 

9. Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric

Did you know that the Volvo XC40 Hybrid is made in Malaysia and exported to countries like Thailand? Now you do. Well, the XC40 also has a fully electric version named the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.

Unfortunately, the fully-electric XC40 is not made in Malaysia. It comes from China and starts at a price of THB 2,590,000 in Thailand. We’ve tried driving the Hybrid XC40 in electric mode, and we think a fully-electric XC40 sounds pretty neat.

Also Read: Volvo XC40 Pure Electric to launch in Thailand in March 2021, skipping Malaysia

10. Audi e-tron SUV and Sportback

Audi has placed its entire EV range under the e-tron name. And with this comes cars like the Audi e-tron 50 Quattro, Audi e-tron 55 quattro, and the Audi Q4 e-tron 40.

There’s no sign of any of the e-tron family members coming to Malaysia, but we’ll have you know that Singapore has the Audi e-tron 50 starting at SGD 310,730, and Thailand has the Audi e-tron 55 is listed at THB 5,099,000.

The main difference between the e-tron 55 and the e-tron 50 is that the former is more powerful and has a longer range.

11. Audi e-tron GT

First making an appearance in one of the Avengers movies in its concept form, the Audi e-tron GT is now available in the SEA region.

Audi Thailand has the Audi e-tron Gt starting at THB 6,390,000, while Audi Singapore is yet to announce the e-tron GT's price later in 2021.

Also Read: Is the Audi e-tron GT just a Porsche Taycan with a different body?

12. Tesla Model 3

Tesla has yet to make an official appearance in our vicinity. However, Tesla fans can at least be hopeful with the fact that the Tesla Model 3 now has on official Singaporean price.

Tesla has the Model 3 listed at SGD 112,485 (before COE). Tesla isn't doing things the conventional way since there aren't any official distributors here. Well, at least there’s a ballpark for this American EV.

Summary

Well, that’s all we can think of right now for EVs in Malaysia countries in the area. We’ll expand this list as we time goes on and include other countries in South East Asia.

We have a list of spied EVs in Malaysia too, but we'll save that for another day. Time to snap back to reality and fill up your gas tanks.

Also Read: Malaysia to develop RM 50k EV? Local EV company signs MoA with MARii and Ingress Corp