Q
how hydrogen car works
Here's how hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) work: they generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell stack, which then powers an electric motor to drive the vehicle. The only emission in this process? Water vapor—totally zero pollution. To break it down, high-pressure hydrogen from the storage tank and oxygen from the air undergo electrochemical reactions at the fuel cell's anode and cathode, respectively. This generates electricity to feed the motor, with pure water as the only byproduct.
These vehicles typically boast a range of over 500 kilometers and can be refueled in just 3-5 minutes. That efficiency, way better than pure battery EVs, makes them a solid fit for Malaysia's long-distance driving needs. Major global automakers have already rolled out several FCV models, but here in Malaysia, the hydrogen refueling station infrastructure is still in the building phase—that's the main hurdle to wider adoption.
It's worth highlighting that hydrogen can be produced by electrolyzing water using renewable energy, making the entire lifecycle environmentally friendly. Looking ahead, as green hydrogen technology advances, fuel cell vehicles are poised to play an even bigger role in Malaysia's low-carbon transportation landscape.
Special Disclaimer: This content is published by users and does not represent the views or position of PCauto.
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Q
Are EV sales declining?
Currently, the sales volume of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia has not shown a downward trend; on the contrary, it has demonstrated significant growth momentum. In November 2025, the sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reached 5,417 units, surging nearly 200% year-on-year, while the cumulative sales volume in the first 11 months stood at 36,690 units, representing an 85% year-on-year growth. This growth is primarily driven by government tax exemption policies (such as import duty, sales tax, and road tax reductions), as well as the intensive launch of new models by brands like BYD, Proton, and Tesla (for instance, the Proton e.MAS7 sold 7,740 units, and BYD's lineup sold a combined 11,961 units). Although the overall automotive market experienced a slight 1% decline in 2025, the EV market share continued to expand, reflecting consumers' growing acceptance of new energy vehicles. Notably, local brands Perodua and Proton have accelerated their electrification strategies, introducing new models such as the QV-E and e.MAS5, respectively. Combined with the expansion of charging infrastructure (currently 3,354 charging stations), this has laid the groundwork for sustained market growth.
Q
Which country has the most EVs?
By 2025, China maintained its position as the world's top market for electric vehicles (EVs) with sales of 12.9 million units, accounting for over 60% of global total sales and representing a 17% year-on-year growth, demonstrating strong market dominance. The European market ranked second with 4.3 million units sold, up 33% year-on-year, among which Germany's pure electric vehicle registrations reached 545,000 units, with a market share rising to 19.1%. Affected by policy adjustments, the North American market saw a 4% decline in sales to 1.8 million units, becoming the only major market with negative growth. In terms of brand performance, BYD led the world with annual sales exceeding 2.55 million units, followed by Geely and Tesla in second and third places respectively, while Volkswagen Group achieved a significant 66% growth in Europe with 983,000 pure electric vehicle deliveries. Notably, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have become an important driver of market growth, with global sales surging by 58.9% year-on-year, and Chinese domestic brands holding an 82.3% market share in this segment. The electrification trend continues to deepen, with global internal combustion engine vehicle sales having dropped by approximately 25% from their 2017 peak, reflecting the accelerated replacement of traditional fuel vehicles by new energy vehicles.
Q
What is the average range of an EV?
Currently, the range of mainstream electric vehicles on the market generally falls between 345 km and 520 km, with specific figures varying by model and battery capacity. For example, Proton e.MAS7 offers two versions with WLTP ranges of 345 km and 410 km respectively, and it adopts CTB battery integration technology to improve space utilization. The MG4 EV is equipped with 49kWh and 64kWh battery packs, corresponding to ranges of 415 km and 520 km, and its MSP pure electric platform optimizes energy efficiency performance. The local brand Perodua QV-E uses a 52.5kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, with an NEDC-rated range of 445 km, and controls its starting price at 80,000 ringgit through a battery-swapping model. It should be noted that the actual range is affected by driving habits, climate and road conditions, and there are differences between the WLTP and NEDC testing standards, with the latter usually being about 15% higher than actual road driving. With the development of battery technology, the range of new models is expected to exceed 600 km by 2026, and the popularization of fast charging technology will allow 50% of the battery to be recharged in 30 minutes, effectively alleviating range anxiety.
Q
Does an EV car take gas?
Electric vehicles do not require gasoline, as their power systems rely entirely on electric energy for operation. Energy is stored in battery packs and power is provided by electric motors, which is fundamentally different from traditional fuel-powered vehicles that use internal combustion engines and gasoline as their power sources. Charging electric vehicles must be done through dedicated charging stations or home charging equipment, while gas stations only provide fuel services and cannot charge electric vehicles. Currently, the government is promoting the adoption of electric vehicles through policies such as tax incentives and subsidies for charging infrastructure. For example, fully imported electric vehicles are eligible for tax exemption until the end of 2025, and individuals installing charging equipment can receive income tax deductions. Electric vehicle users should distinguish between charging and refueling scenarios and plan their energy replenishment strategies accordingly, such as utilizing charging facilities in public spaces like shopping malls and office buildings. With technological advancements and policy support, the range and charging convenience of electric vehicles will continue to improve, further reducing the barriers to their adoption.
Q
What is the lifespan of an EV battery?
The lifespan of electric vehicle batteries typically ranges from 5 to 8 years, depending on the battery type, usage habits, and maintenance conditions. Taking mainstream ternary lithium batteries as an example, their cycle count is approximately 1500 to 2000 times. Assuming each cycle allows a driving distance of 500 kilometers, and with an annual driving distance of 20,000 kilometers, the theoretical lifespan can reach 300,000 to 500,000 kilometers or 6 to 8 years. However, the actual lifespan is affected by various factors. For instance, adverse conditions such as high or low temperature environments, frequent sudden acceleration or braking, and overcharging/discharging will shorten the battery lifespan. In contrast, regular maintenance, avoiding extreme charging/discharging (e.g., charging when the remaining battery level is 20%), and using appropriate charging equipment can extend the service life. Lead-acid batteries have a shorter lifespan of about 1.5 to 2 years, while lithium iron phosphate batteries have a theoretical lifespan of up to 7 to 8 years. Some manufacturers offer long-term warranty services, and it is recommended that car owners regularly check the battery status. If difficulties in starting the vehicle or a significant decrease in driving range occur, battery replacement should be considered. The cost of battery replacement varies greatly depending on capacity and type, usually ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of ringgit.
Q
Is a Tesla an EV?
Tesla is a pure electric vehicle brand, and all its models are equipped with electric drive systems without involving fuel engine technology. As the world's first electric vehicle manufacturer to apply lithium-ion battery technology on a large scale, Tesla has delivered multiple models including Model 3, Model Y, and Model S to over 30 countries since 2008. Among them, the Model 3, as a mid-size electric sedan, features a 202kW motor with 404N·m torque and utilizes lithium iron phosphate batteries, while the Model Y, positioned as a mid-size electric SUV, provides superior cargo space. Its core technological strengths lie in the three-electric system (battery energy density of 85kWh, range of 440km), intelligent driving (standard 8-camera Autopilot system), and suspension design (double-wishbone + multi-link independent suspension), complemented by a dedicated charging network to address energy replenishment needs. In the local market, Tesla models are priced from 235,500 MYR for the Model 3 to 939,900 MYR for the Model X, aligning with the premium positioning of new energy vehicles. The continuous optimization of vehicle performance through OTA upgrades further significantly enhances the user experience.
Q
What is the EV sales in May 2025?
As of May 2025, specific monthly sales data for Malaysia's electric vehicle (EV) market has not yet been publicly disclosed, but the overall trend can be inferred from comprehensive industry reports and registration statistics. In the first four months of 2025, BYD led the market with cumulative registrations of 3,207 units, followed by Proton eMas 7 at 2,537 units, while Tesla ranked third with 735 units. Extrapolating from the first three quarters' data, BYD's annual sales are projected to surpass 8,417 units, with Proton reaching 6,212 units, reflecting dual-track growth in both pure electric models (e.g., BYD Sealion 7 and Atto 3) and localized offerings (e.g., Proton eMas 7). Market expansion is fueled by policy incentives (including import duty exemptions) and product diversification, though charging infrastructure (currently around 2,000 public chargers) and local production capacity remain critical bottlenecks. The government targets a 20% EV adoption rate by 2030, against the current 7% penetration, highlighting coexisting growth potential and challenges.
Q
Does 7th gear exist?
The 7-speed gearbox does exist; it is an automatic transmission with 7 forward gears, commonly found in models using dual-clutch technology. The gear settings of such gearboxes include Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D). Some models also offer specific gears like D1, D2 and a Sport mode (S) to meet different driving needs. The 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox operates through the alternating engagement of two clutches: one responsible for odd-numbered gears (1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th), and the other managing even-numbered gears (2nd, 4th, 6th), enabling rapid and seamless gear shifts while balancing fuel efficiency and power responsiveness. Based on clutch type, it can be categorized into dry and wet variants. The dry-type features a simpler structure and higher transmission efficiency but inferior heat dissipation, making it suitable for small-displacement engines; the wet-type employs oil cooling to handle greater torque, albeit at higher cost. Such transmissions have been extensively adopted in numerous mainstream models in domestic markets, demonstrating high technical maturity, with future development trends focusing on intelligentization and weight reduction. Notably, the 7th gear in these transmissions typically serves as an overdrive ratio designed for highway cruising, effectively lowering engine RPM and enhancing fuel economy.
Q
Is a V14 engine possible?
The V14 engine does exist, but it is a relatively rare configuration, mainly used in large medium-speed diesel engines for power generation and marine propulsion. This type of engine adopts a V-shaped arrangement with two banks of 7 cylinders each, which can provide higher power output and lower emissions. For example, the MAN B&W V14 engine has a power range of 7,000 to 16,800 kilowatts and has been used in some cruise ships such as "Explorer Dream" and "Norwegian Spirit". However, the V14 design is hardly used in the passenger car market due to its large size and high cost, making it more suitable for industrial or marine applications with fewer space constraints. Currently, the mainstream passenger car engines are still four-cylinder, six-cylinder or eight-cylinder, balancing performance and fuel economy. There are also products with similar names in the hydromechanical field, such as the Parker V14 series of bent-axis piston motors, but they are hydraulic system components and have nothing to do with internal combustion engines.
Q
Why do cars have seatbelt alarms?
Cars come with seatbelt reminder alerts mainly to boost driving safety, using audio or visual cues to get passengers to buckle up and cut down on injury risks in accidents. Studies show that proper seatbelt use can slash the chance of fatal injuries by around 50%, which is why so many countries make this feature a mandatory standard. Modern vehicle alert systems usually go with a progressive reminder—starting with a gentle chime, then ramping up if ignored. Some models even show exactly which seatbelt isn’t fastened on the dashboard. Beyond legal requirements, these designs also highlight automakers’ focus on safety tech. Take high-end models, for example—some link up with pre-tensioning seatbelts or airbag systems to automatically tighten before a crash. It’s worth noting, though, while alerts do a solid job of increasing seatbelt use, drivers forming the habit of buckling up on their own is way more crucial. After all, no matter how advanced the reminder, it can’t replace personal safety awareness.
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Q
What is the best EV in 2025?
The most competitive pure electric vehicle model in the Malaysian market in 2025 is undoubtedly the QV-E launched by local brand Perodua. As the first locally self-developed pure electric product, this model features CATL's 52.5kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, delivering an NEDC range of 445km. It supports 60kW fast charging, capable of replenishing 50% of the battery in 30 minutes. The front-mounted single motor with 150kW power enables acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds. With a starting price of 80,000 ringgit and the battery leasing option, it significantly lowers the purchase barrier. Its 2680mm wheelbase and comprehensive ADAS suite balance practicality and safety, offering better value than the Proton e.MAS 7 (starting at 109,800 ringgit), which, despite being based on Geely's Galaxy E5 platform, only achieves a range of 345-410km. Among international brands, Tesla Model Y remains popular among long-distance drivers for its Supercharger network and autonomous driving technology. BYD Atto 3's Blade Battery safety and Hyundai IONIQ 6's energy-efficient design each have distinct strengths, though neither matches QV-E in localization or after-sales convenience. Notably, while Zeekr 7X debuted at the 2025 Malaysia Auto Show, its localization plan remains unannounced, whereas QV-E aims for 50% parts localization by 2026—a key advantage for cost-conscious consumers.
Q
Are electric car sales falling?
Currently, the sales volume of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia has not declined; instead, it has shown a significant growth trend. In November 2025, the sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reached 5,417 units, surging nearly 200% year-on-year, and the cumulative sales in the first 11 months amounted to 36,690 units, an 85% year-on-year increase. This growth is mainly driven by the upcoming expiration of the government's tax exemption policy, which has stimulated consumption, as well as the strong market performance of brands such as BYD, Proton e.MAS7, and Tesla. Among them, the combined sales of BYD and Denza reached 11,961 units, and Proton e.MAS7 sold 7,740 units. Meanwhile, new electric models such as the QV-E and e.MAS5 launched by Perodua and Proton have further enriched market choices. Although the overall sales of new cars decreased slightly by 1% year-on-year, EVs have become the main driver of the market, and the growth momentum is expected to continue in the fourth quarter. Industry data shows that the penetration rate of EVs is rising rapidly, reflecting the increasing acceptance of new energy vehicles among consumers.
Q
Are people losing interest in electric cars?
Currently, the global electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing a slowdown in growth rate but continuous expansion in total volume. It is estimated that global sales will increase by 13% year-on-year to approximately 24 million units in 2026. The Chinese market will still lead with a 16% growth rate, though lower than previous years. Technologically, next-generation battery technologies such as all-solid-state batteries are entering the application phase, the penetration rate of L2-level advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will exceed 70%, and the trend of integration between intelligentization and electrification is evident. While some markets have fluctuated due to policy adjustments (e.g., U.S. sales may decline by 29%), Europe and emerging regions still maintain growth. Chinese automakers are accelerating their global layout through localized production. In the long run, EVs remain the core direction of the automotive industry's transformation. Technological iteration and cost reduction will drive the market into maturity. The current slowdown in growth reflects a phased adjustment rather than a decline in interest. Consumers' focus on extended driving range and intelligent functions will continue to drive demand.
Q
Will an EV hold its value?
The residual value rate of electric vehicles is influenced by multiple factors, and their overall performance has gradually approached or even partially surpassed that of traditional fuel vehicles. Taking BYD as an example, its blade battery technology and vertically integrated supply chain have enabled models like the Song Pro DM-i to achieve a three-year residual value rate of approximately 72%, while the Tesla Model Y maintains a 62% residual value by leveraging brand premium and its Supercharger network. Core influencing factors include battery technology routes (the degradation rate of LFP batteries is 6% lower than that of ternary lithium batteries), corporate pricing strategies (frequent price adjustments can result in a 40% loss in residual value), and after-sales systems (officially certified pre-owned vehicles can command a 10-15% premium). Notably, while battery swap technology can mitigate concerns about battery aging, third-party assessments may deduct 15% of the battery's value. Currently, the adoption of new technologies such as 800V high-voltage platforms may accelerate the depreciation of older models, but government tax incentives (e.g., purchase tax exemptions) and improvements in battery recycling infrastructure will bolster long-term residual value. When purchasing a vehicle, it is advisable to prioritize models designed for solid-state battery integration, verify official battery health reports, and consider brands offering comprehensive lifecycle service policies. With increasing market penetration and policy support, the residual value rates of mainstream electric vehicles are expected to improve steadily.
Q
Are battery EVs the future?
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) demonstrate robust growth potential in the Malaysian market. In 2023, sales skyrocketed to 38,000 units, marking a nearly 300% year-on-year increase and representing 83% of total electric vehicle sales, reflecting significantly improved consumer acceptance of pure electric technology.
The government has established clear objectives through the *2030 Electric Vehicle Development Roadmap*, aiming for electric vehicles to comprise 20% of annual vehicle sales by 2030, accompanied by the deployment of 10,000 public charging points. With existing charging infrastructure exceeding 5,000 units, this ongoing infrastructure enhancement provides crucial support for BEV adoption.
While internal combustion engine vehicles still dominate, 25% of consumers now prefer BEVs due to environmental concerns and fuel cost considerations. The market offerings have been further diversified through the expansion of international brands like BYD and Tesla alongside local player Proton.
Significantly, tax incentives for Completely Knocked Down (CKD) local assembly have accelerated automakers' localization efforts. However, the reinstatement of import tariffs may cause short-term BEV price volatility, necessitating careful balancing of policy incentives with market competitiveness.
In summary, propelled by policy initiatives, supply chain advancements, and evolving consumer preferences, BEVs are emerging as a key growth sector in Malaysia's automotive industry. Nevertheless, complete displacement of conventional vehicles still faces challenges including infrastructure expansion and cost optimization.
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