AP holders are starting to import in used electric vehicle like this Honda e.
For the tree-hugger and the clean air lover in Malaysia, the current accelerated move by developed nations around the world (including Thailand and Indonesia) signals the possible arrival of affordable battery powered vehicles for middle and lower middle class Malaysians.
Sadly, it might not be as easy as that. With our ‘national car brands’ taking a very large slice of the yearly automotive sales (more than 50 percent of total car sales) and with the preferred tax incentives they enjoy, the arrival of a well priced electric vehicle(EV) (about RM90,000 to RM110,000) will not happen unless it carries a Perodua or Proton badge.
This is why some vehicle approved permit (AP) holders are starting to import in used electric vehicles from England where there are incentives for first owners to be persuaded to take ownership. Some of these owners are not taken by the EV ownership experience and so the subsidized EV ends up the used car market.
Then, there are also AP holders who will buy a brand new EV in England and store it for 12 months and then ship it back with very low tax and find a Malaysian buyer who is looking to own an unusual car.
Here is a 2020 model Honda e electric vehicle advertised on Facebook recently for sale and with only 2,300 kilometers on its odometer. Remember, there will be no after sales, warranty, recalls and even ‘over the air’ updates. Still, there will be a buyer as the same importer recently advertised a used one-year-old Porsche Taycan EV and this was sold quite fast.
This flagship Honda e is fully equipped with the following features:
- Side Camera Mirror System
- Climate Control Auto A/C
- Ambient Lighting
- Mobile Phone Pocket
- Rear View Camera
- Parking Sensors Front & Rear
- Apple Carplay & Android Auto
- Bluetooth
- Sky-Roof
- Privacy Glass
- Auto LED Headlights & LED Running Lamps
- High Beam Support
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Collision Mitigation System
- Intelligent Speed Limiter
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Road Departure Mitigation
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- 17″ Alloy Wheels
- Centre Camera Mirror System
The Honda e first appeared in concept form in 2017 as the ‘Urban EV’. This was followed by the near-production ready Honda e Prototype, which received international acclaim at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. The production-ready car was given its full global premiere at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.
No selling price has been shared by the dealer but its new selling price is £26,160 after the British government grant (which is about RM153,889). So we are guessing a used selling price in England might not really be that far off. We estimate a Malaysian selling price of at least RM190k which is the same a buying a brand NEW Nissan Leaf.
The all-new EV-specific platform has been engineered to deliver fun and effortless electric performance with exceptional driving characteristics in urban environments.
A powerful electric motor, compact proportions, 4.3m turning radius, 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity all combine to give the car a sporty and dynamic character.
The result is a quiet, smooth and rewarding drive with instant acceleration to help navigate busy streets with ease. As well as Single Pedal Control, the Honda e also has two drive modes; Normal, for a quiet refined drive around town and Sport, for increased responsiveness.
The Honda e is sold in Britain in two grades – Honda e provides a 222 km range (WLTP), along with a comprehensive standard specification. Honda e Advance features an increased motor output and a Centre Camera Mirror System which can be switched on to relay the image from a central rear-facing camera to the rear-view mirror display. Other upgrades include a more powerful audio system and the smart Honda Parking Pilot driver aid.
The advanced electric drivetrain employs proven Honda electrification technologies, with fast-charge capability to meet the demands of everyday commuting.
The high-capacity 35.5 kWh battery provides a range of 222 km (WLTP), with 80 percent of charge added in just 30 minutes of rapid charging. A unique thermal management system optimizes battery range in high and low temperatures, allowing the car to maintain optimal range capability and enabling more frequent rapid DC charges.
