Wanted to turn your ICE Myvi into an EV? You might want to hold off on it first
Okay, so we all know that electric vehicles (EVs) are now all the rage and even international EV brands like Tesla have already begun making sales here in Malaysia. However, one big issue I and many Malaysians personally have with EVs is that they are expensive. So why not convert your current cat into an EV, right?
Well, that is certainly an option as a German startup does just that but will JPJ allow this? Well, the short answer is no, the long answer is, while JPJ does not allow it, just don’t get caught. For those who didn’t catch that, I am obviously joking so please don’t do anything illegal. We here at DSF do not condone illegal activities.
Moreover, with all the headache that many technical professionals face when it comes to EV and EV maintenance, converting your internal combustion engine (ICE) car into an EV, is honestly more trouble than its worth and will likely mean that not even highly trained professionals ill be able to fix your car if something goes wrong.
As a side note, I also think it will be hilarious for someone to constantly have their “Check engine” light on in their car after converting it into an EV. While this may seem like a joke, most ICE cars are built in such a way that if the engine is no longer present, the car will just assume your engine is malfunctioning.
On top of that, JPJ has made it very clear that converting your ICE car into an EV is illegal and not allowed under Section 6(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 which states that it is unlawful to use a motor vehicle which “does not comply with the rules as to construction, weight, equipment, use and age applicable to the class or description of motor vehicle to which such motor vehicle belongs.”
In other words, if your car is not an EV, you can’t simply make it identify as one. I don’t think I need to explain this point as anyone whose IQ is at least lukewarm should already get it. In simple terms, any illegal or absurd modifications to your car will make it so that you can no longer legally drive it on the road. Got it?
Okay, so now that we have established that it is illegal to convert your ICE into an EV, I should also make it clear that, I personally do not think owning an EV in Malaysia is such a good idea right now as I think the infrastructure is just not up to par yet. So let’s hold on until the infrastructure is actually viable then buy that new EV you want.
