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The environmental impact of electric vehicle batteries is a complex issue that requires comprehensive assessment. From a life-cycle perspective, the battery production stage does present environmental challenges. For example, the extraction of raw materials such as lithium and cobalt may cause land degradation and water pollution, while the high energy consumption and wastewater and exhaust gas emissions during the manufacturing process also need to be optimized through cleaner production technologies. However, the government has classified waste batteries as hazardous waste under the *Environmental Quality Regulations 2005*, requiring treatment by professionally licensed facilities and promoting the establishment of a recycling system. Currently, investments by companies such as Tesla and BYD are accelerating the development of localized recycling industrial chains, and it is estimated that there will be a demand for handling approximately 870,000 retired batteries by 2050. Notably, if recycled properly, these batteries can be transformed into "urban mines," and materials such as lithium and nickel with a recovery rate of over 90% can significantly reduce the extraction of primary resources. Although current recycling technologies are still being improved, policy guidance and corporate participation are forming solutions. In the long run, with the increase in the proportion of clean energy power generation and the maturity of closed-loop recycling systems, the overall environmental benefits of electric vehicles will be significantly enhanced.

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia is primarily driven by three factors. First is policy support: since 2022, the government has implemented tax incentives including income tax exemptions, with a target for EVs to comprise 15% of total vehicles by 2030. Concurrently, charging infrastructure expansion is being accelerated—over 2,000 public charging points currently exist, with 5,000 additional units planned in the next two years. Second are economic considerations: declining battery costs have narrowed the price gap between EVs and conventional vehicles. EV sales grew 69% year-on-year in 2023, while pure EV registrations reached 15,000 units in 2024. Fuel price volatility has also led 25% of consumers to consider EVs. Third is heightened environmental awareness: 53% of current EV owners cite environmental concerns as their primary motivation, and the government's National Energy Transition Roadmap further reinforces green mobility concepts. Notably, both international brands and domestic manufacturers like Proton and Perodua are diversifying market offerings through hybrid and pure EV development, creating a comprehensive product portfolio. With charging networks now covering commercial centers, residential areas and highways, range anxiety is diminishing. The EV market is transitioning from policy-driven to consumer-led growth, with total EV ownership projected to reach 1.25 million units by 2030.

Electric vehicles will gradually occupy a more important position in the Malaysian market, but it will still take considerable time to completely replace traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. According to government planning, the target share for electric vehicle sales is set at 15% by 2030, rising to 38% by 2040, while pure electric models are projected to account for merely 3% of total automotive production and hybrid models for 5% in 2025. The market currently exhibits robust growth: during the first three quarters of 2025, pure electric vehicle sales surged 102.6% year-on-year to 20,167 units, with hybrid vehicle sales reaching 27,616 units, marking a 20.5% annual increase. Policy incentives serve as primary catalysts, encompassing import duty exemptions, charging infrastructure deployment (targeting 4,000 charging points by 2025), and extended tax benefits for localized manufacturing until 2027. Domestic automakers like Proton and Perodua have introduced electric offerings, while global players including BYD and Tesla are intensifying their market presence. Nevertheless, infrastructure deficiencies and the socioeconomic impact of fossil fuel subsidy withdrawals on lower-income demographics may decelerate the transition. While electric vehicles will emerge as a predominant option, conventional and hybrid vehicles will persist in niche applications for the foreseeable future.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have significant advantages over gasoline-powered cars in multiple aspects. First, in terms of economy, EVs have lower energy costs. Taking the local market as an example, a full charge costs only about 40 Malaysian ringgit with a range of up to 400 kilometers, while a gasoline car of the same class costs about 80 Malaysian ringgit to fill a tank with a range of 500 kilometers. Long-term use can save about 50% of energy costs. Second, EVs have lower maintenance costs because of their simple structure that eliminates the need for oil changes, and their modular battery design allows for partial replacement of faulty components. According to local cases, the maintenance cost of the BMW iX1 is 65% lower than that of the gasoline-powered X1. In terms of environmental benefits, EVs achieve zero exhaust emissions, and combined with the tropical climate, there is no need to deal with low-temperature battery degradation issues. Meanwhile, their silent operation significantly reduces urban noise pollution. Technologically, the instantaneous torque of the electric motor provides a more agile acceleration experience, and home wall-mounted charging piles support off-peak night charging, which is both economical and convenient. Policy orientation also supports the electrification transition. According to the *New Industrial Master Plan 2030*, the market share of EVs will gradually increase to 38%. Local automakers such as Proton have launched jointly developed electric models, and charging infrastructure is being expanded at an accelerated pace, with more than 2,000 charging points nationwide currently. Although gasoline-powered cars still have advantages in terms of range and gas station coverage, with technological development and infrastructure improvement, EVs are becoming a more sustainable travel option.

The service life of electric vehicle batteries typically ranges from 5 to 8 years, with the specific duration depending on the battery type, usage habits, and environmental factors. Taking the mainstream ternary lithium battery as an example, its cycle count is approximately 1500 to 2000 times. Calculated based on a driving range of 500 kilometers per cycle, the theoretical total mileage can reach 750,000 to 1,000,000 kilometers. However, in actual use, its performance will gradually decline to about 70% of the original capacity due to factors such as driving habits (e.g., rapid acceleration, harsh braking), charging methods (excessive use of fast charging may accelerate degradation), and temperature (extreme heat or cold). For plug-in hybrid models, since the single-cycle driving range of their batteries is relatively short (50 to 80 kilometers), the pure electric driving mileage over their lifespan is approximately 100,000 kilometers. To extend battery life, it is recommended to avoid overcharging and deep discharging (maintaining the charge level between 20% and 80%), prioritize slow charging, regularly check the battery status, and allow for extended charging times during winter. Lead-acid batteries have a shorter replacement cycle (1.5 to 2 years), while lithium iron phosphate batteries can last 7 to 8 years. The cost of battery replacement is relatively high, but proper maintenance can significantly delay replacement. Some well-maintained lithium batteries can even remain functional for over 10 years.