Perodua: Hybrid Is “In Our Plan”, Battery EVs to Come Later

Mukhlis Azman

31-1-2023

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Aside from the new Perodua Axia launch announcement and business updates, the Perodua 2023 Outlook event also saw the country’s biggest automaker unveiling their plans in adopting the hybrid powertrain.

Speaking during said event happening earlier today, Perodua president and CEO Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the automaker is now prioritising to adopt hybrid powertrain in future or current models over exploring the full electrification route.

“Hybrid is in our plan, and it will come first before battery EVs,” the CEO said.

In terms of the marque’s overall electrification plan, Perodua is still exploring the potential in that area, citing that they will focus on the localisation efforts for the EV parts and components, especially the battery packs. To help accelerate this, the firm has allocated RM537.1 million on the development of new models, which includes the electrification adoption efforts.

Currently, Perodua only possesses a single hybrid model in its current lineup, which is the subscription-only Perodua Ativa Hybrid. This special, by-invitation-only subscription program for the Ativa Hybrid is an effort by the marque that doubles up as a long-term study of ‘mobility as a service’. Limited to only 300 units, subscribers will only need to pay RM500 monthly fee, plus a RM2,150 one-off upfront payment.

Commenting on this subscription plan, Dato’ Sri Zainal said that the firm has received positive responses from the subscribers. However, a further analysis on the customer’s feedback and data received will be needed in order for them to proceed with a new permanent subscription scheme, as well as in aiding its electrification adoption efforts.

The special Ativa Hybrid harnesses a series hybrid powertrain comprises of a 1.2-litre 3-cyl petrol mill that works as a ‘generator’ to charge up the battery pack, which, in turn, propels its front-mounted electric motor. Thanks to this partial electrification, the Ativa Hybrid delivers up to 106 HP and 170 NM, while boasting an impressive fuel economy average of 31.3 KM/litre (3.2 litres/100 KM).