PERODUA may introduce an EV priced at RM80,000, with the battery rented separately

PERODUA is expected to introduce an electric vehicle (EV) model priced around RM80,000, but with a different approach—the battery will be leased separately.

PERODUA President and Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, stated that the best way to offer the EV at approximately RM80,000 is to sell it without the battery.

“The battery will be leased to buyers,” he said during the ‘Up Close & Casual with Perodua’ session with the media yesterday.

According to him, with this approach, buyers will purchase the EV but pay a rental fee for the battery, as it remains the property of PERODUA.

“The rental cost will be minimal, and based on PERODUA’s research, many people support this method,” he said.

In essence, PERODUA’s EV battery leasing scheme lowers vehicle prices and ensures that owners always have a battery in optimal condition.

“For this EV project, PERODUA is using technology developed in-house with assistance from local and international vendors,” he added.

Under this concept, EV owners will always have a well-functioning battery since it belongs to the manufacturer and can be replaced in case of any issues.

Additionally, if there are advancements in battery technology, the manufacturer can provide owners with the latest battery versions.

Furthermore, EV owners will not be responsible for battery maintenance or recycling, as these duties will fall under the manufacturer’s responsibility.