The Perodua QV-E is not only the Asian automaker’s first model to be designed and engineered in-house, but also Malaysia’s first locally developed electric vehicle (EV).
Despite looking vaguely like a crushed Toyota C-HR, the QV-E is not based on a Daihatsu, as all Perodua models have been to date.
The QV-E’s platform was developed in collaboration with Magna Steyr and can reportedly support hybrid and range-extender electric powertrains with some modifications.
With a length of 4,170 mm, a width of 1,800 mm, a height of 1,502 mm and a wheelbase of 2,680 mm, the QV-E stays true to Perodua’s tradition of producing small, city-friendly vehicles.
The front wheels are powered by an electric motor that produces 150 kW and 285 Nm. While these aren’t earth-shattering figures, the QV-E’s claimed 0-100km/h time means it’s the fastest Perodua ever.
Under the floor is a 52.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL. Perodua claims the QV-E has a range of 370km under the WLTP standard. AC charging is supported up to 6.6 kW, while DC fast charging reaches a maximum of 60 kW.
The interior features a number of brand new features, including leather seat upholstery and a digital rearview mirror. Other features include a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, an electric driver’s seat, a 360-degree camera, autonomous emergency braking, traffic jam assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The QV-E will be priced at 80,000 ringgit (A$29,600), making it – you guessed it – Perodua’s most expensive car to date.
To keep the price of the QV-E low, the battery remains the property of Perodua and is leased to the car’s owner for 297 ringgit (A$110) per month. As part of the battery leasing process, Perodua will replace any battery whose condition falls below 70 percent.
Developed at a cost of 800 million ringgit (A$296 million), the QV-E was driven by the Malaysian government’s desire for the local automotive industry to move into local electric vehicle manufacturing.
It will be interesting to see if Perodua hits its eventual sales target of 3000 per month, as the QV-E is more expensive than local rival Proton’s similarly sized e.Mas 5 (basically a rebadged Geely EX2). The e.Mas 5 starts at 56,800 ringgit (A$21,000) and has a 30 kWh battery with a range of 225 km (WLTP).
Perodua was founded in 1993, ten years after Proton, Malaysia’s national car manufacturer. With its almost exclusive focus on small city cars and a range of redesigned Daihatsu models, Perodua has overtaken Geely’s brand in the sales charts.
