Rising interest in owning EVs among Malaysians, say Zafrul

KUALA LUMPUR: The sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in 2022 have shown a significant jump from the previous year, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

The International Trade and Industry Minister said that 2.77% of the total industry volume (TIV) was EVs, indicating rising interest in owning EVs among Malaysians.

“We received the latest report that for the year 2022, the number of EV and hybrid vehicles was 2.77%, which was a huge jump from the year before.

“To ensure the momentum continues, we must also make sure that the ecosystem is ready including the charging stations (for EVs),” he told the reporters after the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Handover and Electric Charger inauguration ceremony at his ministry here on Monday (Feb 20).

In 2021, it was reported that only 274 EVs were sold from a grand total of 508,911 units, which is a paltry 0.05%.

From January to May 2022, 390 EV units were sold in Malaysia, with the percentage of EV to internal combustion engine or ICE cars increasing to 0.17%.

Tengku Zafrul said the government is committed to the Paris Agreement and in achieving net zero greenhouse gases emission by 2050.

He said that efforts to further stimulate the EV ecosystem in the country will be continued and supported by the ministry and other government agencies.

"To ensure the momentum continues, we must also make sure that the ecosystem is ready, including the charging stations," he added.