Perodua’s QV-E puts Battery as a Service for mass-market EVs
A first homegrown BEV with an unusual commercial twist
Perodua has unveiled its first battery-electric vehicle, the QV-E, positioning it as part of a broader push to build out an EV ecosystem in Malaysia. The compact BEV is priced at RM80,000, with the battery listed separately, and is being built at Perodua’s Smart Mobility Plant.
Specs, ramp plans, and safety features
Perodua says QV-E development cost RM800 million, and that initial output is set at 500 units per month, scaling to 3,000 units per month by Q3 2026. “For now, we are able to produce 500 units a month, but we would be able to offer 3,000 units a month by the third quarter of 2026,” said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
On the technical side, the vehicle uses a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery (52.5 kW) and is rated for up to 445 km (NEDC), with Perodua noting that driving style, temperature, and road conditions affect real-world range. Perodua also highlights a Child Presence Detection (CPD) feature intended to detect movement and vital signs in the rear seating area and footwell, including under fabric coverings.
Localisation targets and Battery as a Service
The launch is tied to Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, where Perodua was appointed to help lead local EV ecosystem development. The company says it is working with local vendors to localise components to over 50% by early 2026, rising to 70% by 2030, with 52 Malaysian companies currently supplying components for the QV-E.
The more exportable idea is Battery as a Service, a battery leasing approach where the car body is sold separately from the battery. “This concept is our solution towards reducing owner’s anxiety when owning a battery electric vehicle. By offering this service, we will be able to offer a lifetime guarantee on the battery for our customers’ peace of mind,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.
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