PETALING JAYA: While the fuel subsidy rationalisation may have sparked more interest in electric vehicles (EVs), the switch will require more than just cost savings incentives, say EV enthusiasts and experts.
Malaysian EV Owners Club president Datuk Shahrol Azral Ibrahim Halmi said that while the recent announcement of lower road tax for EVs and higher diesel prices are factors favouring EVs, some car owners are still reluctant to opt for EVs over the internal combustion engine such as petrol engines.
“Most of those interested in EVs worry about the perceived lack of charging infrastructure.
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“As such, they would rather opt to take the first transitional step towards EV by getting hybrid cars rather than immediately committing to the EV lifestyle,” he said when contacted.
While there is a drive to set up more EV stations nationwide, Shahrol Azral said there is a need to scale up EV charging infrastructure, particularly in high-rise residential and office buildings.
He also said limited choices for affordable second-hand EV cars in the market is also a reason behind slower EV adoption.
“The resale value of EV vehicles had also taken a hit prior to the introduction of the tax exemptions in 2022.
“This, combined with increased competition, especially from Chinese EV manufacturers, which have driven down new EV prices significantly this year, making getting a new EV a much better option than a second-hand one,” he said.
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To encourage greater interest in EVs, Shahrol Azral said the government could consider providing rebates for those purchasing used EVs.
“This could help make EVs more financially affordable for lower-income groups.
“Some countries have started offering some kind of instant rebate for used EVs, which make them financially attractive enough to overcome worries such as battery health and the like,” Shahrol Azral said. He cited the RM2,400 instant rebate for ebikes under Budget 2024 as an example of the government’s effort to push for zero-emission vehicles.
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Under Budget 2022, road tax exemptions were given for battery and hydrogen-powered EVs until the end of 2025.
Last month, the government announced that EV owners will enjoy a reduction of up to 85% in road tax once the tax holiday ends on Dec 31 next year.
The announcement comes just prior to the diesel subsidy rationalisation, which was implemented on June 10.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety chairman Dr Wong Shaw Voon said while some car owners may be eager to switch to EVs, there is still some hesitancy.
“We are so used to the internal combustion engines, which have been around for over 100 years.
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“It will take some time for Malaysians to get used to EV technology because it is about changing the mindset and lifestyle,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Currently, range anxiety (fear of running out of energy in the EV battery) is still prevalent among those considering EVs.
“An EV owner has to make sure his car is plugged in at night and fully charged the next morning, especially if he has several important meetings to attend that are quite a distance apart.”
The lack of charging stations is also a factor as it would mean waiting in line or spending substantial time at a charging station, said Wong, who added that it is likely that more will opt for EVs when the subsidy for RON95 is eventually lifted.
