Will Malaysia Produce Its Own EV Soon?

We’ve been writing a lot about electric vehicles (EVs) from all around the world; from Tesla’s revolutionary designs and technology to upcoming electrification projects from automakers worldwide. However, it’s time to take things a little closer to home, as Malaysia is well on its way to produce its own EV car soon. 

Dubbed the MyKar EV, this groundbreaking project is the brainchild of the Malaysian start-up company, EV Innovations. The company is a subsidiary of local information and communication technology provider System Consultancy Services (SCS), 

Image from: Nextrift (Will Malaysia Produce Its Own EV Soon?)

In fact, they have even come up with a working prototype, based on a build of the Honda Jazz. The prototype comes with a 28.7kWh battery unit offering a range of 300km on a single charge. A full charge takes 4.3 hours at 6.6kW, with an output of 24kW and 295Nm. Other specs include a top speed of 140km/h, with a 0-100km/h time of 18 seconds.

The exterior is built with a fibreglass composite bodyshell by DK Composites, sits on a fabricated ladder frame/tubular chassis, with LED light strips alongside the car as well as prominent badging on the rear. Overall, it looks to be a very sleek looking and futuristic vehicle from the outside, even if the interiors are a bit barebones. 

While the prototype is still very rudimentary in its design and build, the project is moving forward at a steady pace. EV Innovations just signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) as well as Ingress Corporation Berhad to further develop the project into a roadworthy vehicle. 

However, as to when we’ll be able to finally get our hands on one of these EVs is still very much up in the air. EV Innovations’ parent company, SCS, has continually said that they will not be building such a vehicle themselves. 

EV Innovations will not be developing the MyKar commercially but is merely carrying out research and development of the EV system and utilising the vehicle as a testbed to showcase the possibilities of the tech. Instead, they will be hoping to attract an institutional strategic partner or an individual retail investor looking at going into electrification.

Image from: Funtastiko (Will Malaysia Produce Its Own EV Soon?)

A project of this scale will definitely require the engagement of many stakeholders, such as those making parts and battery management systems (BMS). The company will put much of its focus on the development of related technologies such as BMS, vehicle communications protocols and wireless charging tech for EVs.

With a new Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) being signed between EV Innovation with the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) with regards to the homologation process of the MyKar project, this means that it is now ready for actual manufacturing.

Image from: SoyaCincau (Will Malaysia Produce Its Own EV Soon?)

That being said, EV Innovations’ ultimate goal of building an EV that is “affordable, practical, and easily integrated into the current Malaysian automotive ecosystem” is closer to becoming a reality.

We’re really looking forward to seeing a homegrown EV on the roads very soon. What do you think? Leave a comment below!

If the thought of the future of automotive interests you, you might want to consider exploring a career in automotive, motorsports, and all things related. At TOC, you’ll be part of one of the best automotive colleges in Malaysia that provides you with the education pathway you need to turn your dream into reality!

If you’d like to know more about the automotive industry or if you’re still unsure whether it would be a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to have a chat with our automotive course counsellors, who would be happy to help you out!