Q

What is EV defined as?

EV is the abbreviation of Electric Vehicle, which is called "electric vehicle" in Chinese, specifically referring to pure electric vehicles that rely entirely on electric power for propulsion. The powertrain of such vehicles consists of high-energy-density lithium-ion battery packs, high-efficiency drive motors, and intelligent electronic control systems. They obtain energy through external charging, produce zero exhaust emissions during operation, and generate extremely low noise. Unlike hybrid models, EVs are not equipped with any fuel engines. Their energy conversion efficiency can reach over 80%, far higher than the 38% thermal efficiency of traditional internal combustion engines. Additionally, they support regenerative braking technology, which converts kinetic energy during deceleration into electrical energy to recharge the battery. Currently, mainstream EV models such as BYD Yuan EV and Tesla Model 3 are particularly suitable for urban commuting scenarios with government support including tax incentives and charging infrastructure policies, offering approximately 40% lower operating costs compared to fuel-powered vehicles. It should be noted that there are fundamental differences between EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The latter still retain fuel systems, while EVs only require energy replenishment through charging stations, featuring simpler daily maintenance without the need for consumables such as engine oil. With advancements in battery technology, modern EVs typically achieve a range exceeding 400 kilometers, with fast charging capable of restoring 80% of the battery capacity within 30 minutes, effectively mitigating range anxiety.
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Latest Q&A

Q
What is the origin of EV?
The origin of electric vehicles can be traced back to the early 19th century. In 1828, Hungarian inventor Ányos Jedlik first developed an electromagnetic rotating device, laying the foundation for electric drive. In 1834, American Thomas Davenport built the first three-wheeled electric vehicle powered by non-rechargeable dry batteries. Although issues with range and maintenance limited its development, this innovation marked the beginning of electric vehicle technology. In 1881, French engineer Gustave Trouvé made a key breakthrough: his three-wheeled vehicle using rechargeable lead-acid batteries achieved a speed of 15 km/h and a range of 16 km, becoming the first widely recognized electric vehicle. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, electric vehicles were once popular due to their quiet and clean characteristics, even outselling gasoline-powered cars in the U.S. market. However, they gradually declined with the rise of the petroleum industry and the advantages of internal combustion engine technology. It was not until the 1990s, with the improvement of environmental awareness and innovations in battery technology (such as the application of nickel-metal hydride batteries), that electric vehicles regained prominence. Today, they have become an important development direction in the global automotive industry. Notably, early technical exploration of electric vehicles predates that of gasoline-powered cars. For example, the electric vehicles mass-produced in the UK in 1884 were two years earlier than the gasoline-powered car invented by Karl Benz, demonstrating their profound historical heritage.
Q
What is EV charging?
EV charging refers to the process of replenishing electrical energy for electric vehicles, which involves transmitting grid power to the vehicle battery through dedicated equipment. The *Guidelines for Electric Vehicle Charging Systems* issued by the Energy Commission of Malaysia categorizes charging modes into four types. Among them, Mode 1 is prohibited due to safety risks; Mode 2 supports portable home charging (with a maximum current of 32A); Mode 3 is applicable to public AC charging stations (with a maximum of 63A); and Mode 4 is DC fast charging (supporting 1000V/400A), which uses Combo CCS Type 2 or CHAdeMO interfaces. Currently, the country's charging infrastructure is predominantly AC-based, accounting for 76.5%, while DC fast charging constitutes only 23.5% and is primarily concentrated in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Charging methods include household power sources, public charging stations, and battery swap facilities, with costs ranging from 2 to 10 Malaysian Ringgit per hour, depending on the charging capacity and operators' pricing strategies. With the government's plan to achieve a 15% electric vehicle adoption rate by 2030, the charging network is undergoing rapid expansion. As of early 2025, approximately 2,020 charging stations had been deployed, though this still falls short of the 10,000-charging-point target. The high-temperature climate imposes specific demands on battery thermal management. Vehicle owners are advised to prioritize charging equipment with temperature monitoring capabilities and refrain from prolonged fast charging during extreme weather conditions to prolong battery lifespan.
Q
How does an EV work?
The working principle of electric vehicles is mainly based on the electric drive system, whose core components include the traction battery pack, electric motor, and electronic control system. The traction battery pack stores electrical energy, usually using lithium-ion battery technology. The electronic control system converts direct current into alternating current to drive the electric motor, which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to propel the vehicle. Pure electric vehicles rely entirely on battery power to achieve zero emissions and are equipped with a regenerative braking system that recovers kinetic energy into electrical energy and stores it back in the battery during deceleration. Hybrid electric vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, optimizing energy efficiency through intelligent switching or collaborative operation. Plug-in hybrid vehicles support external charging to extend pure electric range. Extended-range electric vehicles use a fuel engine to generate electricity and charge the battery, solving range anxiety. Fuel cell vehicles generate electricity through the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water. The transmission structure of electric vehicles is simpler than that of traditional fuel vehicles, usually adopting a single-speed reducer, and the battery management system monitors the state of battery cells in real time to ensure safety and efficiency. When choosing, factors such as daily commuting distance, convenience of charging facilities, and climate adaptability should be considered. For example, users in northern regions should choose models with battery preheating function.
Q
Why is it called EV?
EV is the abbreviation of "Electric Vehicle" in English, which is translated as "electric vehicle" in Chinese, specifically referring to pure electric models that rely entirely on on-board batteries to drive electric motors without the participation of fuel engines. Its core technologies include high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries, high-efficiency drive motors and intelligent electronic control systems. The energy conversion efficiency can reach more than 80%, far exceeding the 38% thermal efficiency of traditional internal combustion engines. It also has the advantages of zero exhaust emissions, low noise and low maintenance costs. Unlike plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) or range-extended electric vehicles (REEV), EVs only obtain energy through external charging, representing the most comprehensive solution for the automotive industry's transition to carbon neutrality. Currently, the range of mainstream EVs has exceeded 400 kilometers. With the development of fast charging technology, range anxiety is gradually being addressed, making EVs a key component of sustainable transportation systems.
Q
Which is better, EV or hybrid?
Hybrid vehicles are currently more favored by consumers in the Malaysian market. In 2024, their sales reached 30,796 units, accounting for 67% of the total sales of new energy vehicles, while the sales of pure electric vehicles (EVs) were 14,766 units. Although EVs have a fast growth rate, their base is relatively small. The advantages of hybrid vehicles lie in their longer driving range, no reliance on charging facilities, and ability to balance fuel economy, making them particularly suitable for the local market where charging infrastructure is still being improved. Mainstream brands such as Honda and Toyota have fully deployed hybrid models, such as the Honda City Hybrid, further promoting market acceptance. Pure electric vehicles benefit from government tax incentives and charging infrastructure construction plans. Charging stations in downtown Kuala Lumpur are already relatively dense, but coverage in suburban areas remains limited. Currently, the primary buyer demographic consists of ethnic Chinese, with BYD and Tesla being the major brands. If daily commuting distances are short and charging is convenient, the zero emissions and low operating costs of EVs (charging fees are approximately half of fuel costs) present significant advantages; if frequent long-distance travel is required, the flexibility of hybrids can better meet the demand. With the progress toward the 2030 emission reduction target, the two technologies will coexist for the long term. However, at this stage, the practicality and maturity of hybrids better align with the comprehensive needs of most consumers.
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