BMW Group Malaysia, in collaboration with the Malaysia Zero Emission Vehicle Association (MyZEVA), has provided valuable insights into the current landscape of Electrified Mobility in Malaysia. Through a series of infographics based on MyZEVA’s data, these visuals illustrate the rapid growth of electric vehicle (EV) adoption and the expansion of charging infrastructure, both of which are driving innovation in the country’s mobility sector.
The BMW i portfolio demonstrates the feasibility of long-distance EV travel in Malaysia. It also highlights the cost benefits of charging and maintaining an EV versus a petrol-powered vehicle.
EV adoption has surged across Malaysia, with state registration offices witnessing significant increases. Between 2021 and June 2024, Kuala Lumpur led the charge with 5,271 EV registrations, followed by Selangor with 1,544. Other notable states include Johor (657), Pulau Pinang (351), Sabah (326), and Sarawak (268). A substantial portion of registrations are also processed online, with 17,244 out of 27,382 total registrations completed via the official JPJ partner portal.
This rising trend reflects a nationwide embrace of EV technology, as more Malaysians recognize the benefits of Electrified Mobility. Enhanced EV range capabilities now make interstate travel not only possible but convenient for many.
While plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) dominated the early 2010s as a transitional technology, a clear shift toward fully electric vehicles has been visible since 2022. As the benefits of EV ownership become more apparent and charging infrastructure expands, this trend is expected to persist.
Public charging bays have grown exponentially to meet the rising number of EVs on the road. With a growing network of charging stations across urban areas and highways, Malaysians now feel more confident about traveling further in their EVs.
Modern EVs like the BMW iX1 xDrive30 (with a range of up to 440 km WLTP) and the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 (433 km WLTP) offer ranges comparable to petrol vehicles, making road trips in an EV a worry-free experience. As of June 2024, there were 2,606 public charging bays available nationwide, according to data from MEVnet by PLANMalaysia and MGTC. Although many EV owners still rely on home charging, the expanding public charging infrastructure has significantly improved long-distance travel convenience.
EV drivers can easily locate charging stations using tools like the MEVnet dashboard or popular navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze. Fast charging options along highways further enhance travel, with a typical charge from 10% to 80% taking just 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.
According to MyZEVA, owning an EV is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. A comparison between the fully electric BMW iX1 and the petrol-powered BMW X1 shows that charging an EV at home is approximately 65% cheaper than refueling a petrol vehicle.
In addition to lower fuel costs, EVs require less maintenance due to the absence of oil changes and fewer moving parts. BMW and MINI have also implemented modular battery designs, allowing for the replacement of faulty modules instead of the entire battery, reducing long-term maintenance costs.
BMW Group Malaysia has introduced over 6,400 fully-electric vehicles to Malaysian roads, along with more than 2,020 charging facilities in partnership with various EV charging providers. BMW i and MINI charging stations are available at authorized dealerships and partner venues across the country, with more planned for the future.
For more information on BMW Group Malaysia’s charging solutions, visit BMW Charging Solutions.
BMW Group Malaysia is showcasing its latest EV models through a series of events. From September 20-22, Regas Premium Auto will host the BMW Road Trip, featuring the BMW i5 eDrive40 and BMW iX2 xDrive30, at Saradise, Kuching, Sarawak.
Additionally, THE 5PACE event at Gurney Plaza, Penang, will take place from October 10-13, offering attendees a chance to experience the all-electric BMW i5 eDrive40 and other BMW 5 Series variants.