Perodua collaborates with Magna Steyr to develop a new modular electric vehicle platform

【PCauto】Perodua has launched its first electric vehicle, the QV-E. The company stated that the model was developed under its leadership, with Austrian engineering firm Magna Steyr acting as the technical consultant for the underlying next-generation modular EV platform.

For Perodua, this platform marks a crucial step toward independent R&D in the electrified era and serves as the structural foundation for its future range of small and compact models.

According to Perodua, the new platform adopts a highly modular architecture with variable wheelbase and body extensibility, primarily designed for developing A- and B-segment models.

The platform currently supports battery electric vehicle (BEV) configurations and is structurally capable of accommodating other future powertrain types, such as hybrid or range-extended electric vehicle (REEV) systems. Specific mass production timelines, however, remain unannounced.

Compared to the previous DNGA architecture, the new platform delivers significant improvements in battery layout, thermal management, and electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture.

The role of Magna Steyr centers on engineering consulting, encompassing initial design verification for the chassis, battery integration, and the layout of key powertrain systems (including the battery, motor, and electronic control unit).

For many years, Magna has participated in the engineering development of models such as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and BMW X3, providing Perodua with a stronger technical foundation and access to advanced engineering expertise in EV structural development.

This collaboration also enables Perodua, for the first time, to fully master an electric vehicle platform developed with its own intellectual property rights.

As the first application of this platform, the QV-E features a front-mounted motor, a 52.5 kWh LFP battery pack, and a thermal management system calibrated for local conditions.

Perodua stated that this platform will underpin the development of more small and compact electric vehicles in the future, including hatchbacks and entry-level SUVs, thereby gradually promoting the local adoption of electric vehicles.

The launch of this platform ushers in a new phase for Perodua in local electric vehicle manufacturing. By combining this proprietary platform with its established local production base, future models are expected to gain a competitive edge in terms of cost, energy efficiency, and localized features, thereby better supporting government policies to promote electric vehicles and local supply chain development.

Although there is external speculation about the platform's potential expansion into larger vehicle segments, Perodua's publicly stated focus remains on the A- and B-segment markets.

As the platform matures and derivative models are progressively unveiled, Perodua's electrification strategy will come into sharper focus, marking an important milestone in the local automaker's transition into the electric vehicle era.