Getting started into owning a plug-in hybrid car can seem intimidating, especially when there are so many factors that go into charging your vehicle. The idea of clean emissions is great and it has to start now. But are we ready for it in Malaysia?
Why are there not enough buyers for the 2nd generation multiple award winning Nissan Leaf EV at RM188,000?
Why is there not enough incentives from the government to embrace clean emission vehicles?
Why do we still see some small capacity motorcycles polluting our air?
Why do we still see many diesel powered trucks and heavy vehicles releasing thick toxic fumes year in year out despite having them take mandatory inspections which are supposed to control this?
Here are some ideas to see if you ready to embrace EV ownership.
- Know the incentives before you buy. This tip applies to purchase incentives as well as charging incentives. Knowing your final (post-incentive) price will make your decision easier. Factor in the reduction in fuel and maintenance costs as well to cover the cost-of-ownership over the upcoming years. Many incentives phased out in 2018 and the 2019 national automotive policy (NAP) which was only shared in early 2020, did not provide a clear and precise electric vehicle, of hybrid vehicle incentive program that made sense to the Malaysian car consumer.
- Make sure your home electrical system is ready. Amperage is important when installing a charging point, so make sure that the area in which you plan to put the point can handle the power needed. Check around with electricians to find out how much installation will cost.
- Find charging stations near work and other regular stops. Knowing you have charging options near your job, favorite park (like Desa Park City), or another regular stop (BHPetrol station) will make it easy to get a fast charge.
- Know where the free chargers are. In addition to the many fee-based public stations, there are numerous free options available. Find out where they are in your area and take advantage when the circumstances make sense. In some cases, car dealerships (Like Volvo, Mercedes, BMW, Mercedes and Renault) selling your EV model allow customers to charge for free.
Do not read American produced content on Electric Vehicle (EV) ownership to get motivated to buy your own EV in Malaysia as their incentives and ownership experience only applies to the American car market.
What Tesla, Mercedes, Volvo and BMW are doing in North America caters to their individual state requirements and benefits.
Yes, premium car brands continue to sell plug-in hybrids in Malaysia, but this is their global direction and many car brands are phasing out petrol driven vehicles from their production. So, it is global direction.
Speak to current Malaysian EV owners and also plug in hybrid owners, there are a few thousand out there. Learn of their benefits and issues.
DO NOT believe what the Malaysian and regional media tell you in their many online videos and articles. They do not own an EV or hybrid vehicle and so they just re-write information from brochures and what is provided by car brands who need to clear their EV’s in stock.
THINK. Why till today Tesla has NOT opened a dealership here in Malaysia. Not even a sales agent.
THINK. In April 2019, the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, parent company of Chinese car brand Geely, unveiled a whole new electric vehicle (EV) sub-brand, Geometry, at a global launch event at Marina Bay Sands Hotel with Proton senior executives in attendance. Why did Geely choose to launch its full electric car, Geometry, in Singapore and not in Malaysia when it has a strong growing partnership with Proton in Malaysia.
At the event, Geely also signed MOU’s with representatives from Argentina, France, Norway, and Singapore to establish Geometry distributors in these countries during the global launch but no MOU or sales channel agreement with any Malaysia business partner.
Geely says that this car has a range of 500 kilometers with a single charge and can be charged from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes with fast charging. Does Geely know of some issue brewing that needs the attention of the Malaysian government?
