Perodua, UTM Partner To Develop Next Generation EV (xEV)

Perodua and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate Malaysia's electric vehicle (xEV) development and create a new generation of engineers. The MoU encompasses a number of projects, including the teaching and training of future engineers in xEV technology.

Speaking positively about the partnership, Perodua President and CEO Dato' Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the automaker is looking forward to exploring a future in which Malaysia may create its own xEV technology and pass on its benefits to the next generation.


Dato' Sri Zainal underlined that this relationship marks a shift in Perodua's position. "With this MoU, Perodua is taking a step further from our original mandate—from being a vehicle for technological transfer to becoming an entity that drives technological development," he said.


Prof. Dr. Rosli Md Illias, UTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), emphasised the partnership's potential influence on Malaysia's sustainable mobility sector. "This collaboration underscores the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry, empowering graduates with the skills and knowledge required to excel," according to him.


The MoU, which outlines six important features, will involve the establishment of a satellite lab at UTM's main campus in Skudai, Johor, where Perodua and UTM will share expertise on current advances in various automotive technologies, with a focus on xEV.