Electric Vehicles: China Leads the Charge as Malaysia Prepares for an EV Boom
Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly transforming the global automotive landscape, with China setting the pace in the shift toward eco-friendly transportation. Geely Holdings Group’s global communications lead, Ashley Sutcliffe, emphasized the lasting impact of EV adoption, stating, “Once drivers switch to EVs, they won’t go back to petrol.” Sutcliffe compared this transition to “buying a car and then going back to a horse,” highlighting the comfort, cost savings, and sustainability that EVs offer.
Speaking to Malaysian reporters during the Malaysian Media Visit Programme to Geely’s headquarters in China, Sutcliffe revealed that EVs now represent 53% of China’s monthly car sales, equivalent to around two million units—a clear indicator of widespread public acceptance. This success is largely driven by China’s extensive charging infrastructure and the increasing affordability of EVs.
China’s Road to EV Affordability and Popularity
The rapid growth of EV adoption in China can be attributed to economies of scale, which have brought prices down significantly. Early EV models, which initially cost between 500,000 and 600,000 yuan, are now available for as low as 30,000 yuan. “So, once you have the scale, the price drops down, adoption goes up,” Sutcliffe explained. As the cost of EVs decreases, adoption continues to rise, making EVs an attractive alternative to petrol cars, especially in regions where fuel prices are high.
Malaysia’s EV Potential and Government Commitment
Although Malaysia’s EV market is still emerging, the country has set ambitious goals to accelerate EV adoption through its National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). By 2040, Malaysia aims for EVs to constitute 80% of its automotive market, supported by a robust charging network and renewable energy infrastructure. As part of this plan, the government intends to establish 10,000 charging stations by 2025 and increase the number of EVs to 500,000 by 2030.
Sutcliffe believes Malaysia is well-positioned to advance its EV market, given its abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and hydro. “I believe this country will be a new energy leader in the future,” he said, citing the potential for renewable energy to support sustainable EV infrastructure development.
Government Initiatives: Catalysts for Change
According to Sutcliffe, government support is crucial for building the initial infrastructure needed for large-scale EV adoption. Once the foundational infrastructure is established, Sutcliffe added, “the stone just keeps rolling,” as the public and private sectors can expand upon initial investments to enhance accessibility and convenience.
By following China’s example and leveraging its renewable energy potential, Malaysia has the opportunity to position itself as a leader in the Southeast Asian EV market. As Malaysia progresses with its National Energy Transition Roadmap, the country is poised to benefit from both environmental and economic gains, contributing to a cleaner, greener future.
