e.MO-II Spotted: Perodua’s First EV Inches Closer to Reality

Images of a heavily camouflaged Perodua prototype, believed to be the e.MO-II electric vehicle (EV), have surfaced on social media ahead of the Malaysia Autoshow 2025.

While Perodua had promised a near-production design at KLIMS 2024, what we’re seeing now looks far removed from the sleek, futuristic concept that was showcased last year. However, this is perhaps typical with most concept cars in their evolution towards production.

Nevertheless, gone are the integrated lighting signatures and dramatic styling. The black masking  however perhaps hides the presence of a rear light bar. This mule is heavily disguised, with the squared-off foam padding used here hiding almost every angle and crease.

One design cue that appears to remain is the sharply raked rear window. From certain angles, it matches the concept almost perfectly and could signal the production model’s sporty stance.

The rest, however, is still a mystery. The rear spoiler area is boxed up so aggressively that it resembles something from a 1990s Toyota WRC car. It gives off an oddly nostalgic tuner-car vibe — albeit unintentionally.

Up front, the photos confirm that the main headlights are positioned lower in the bumper, while the slimmer upper light units near the bonnet edge are likely DRLs and indicators.

Flushed door handles are still present, with the rear ones mounted higher in the blacked-out trim section — a move that mimics the Honda HR-V to create a clean, hidden-handle illusion.

Initially positioned as a compact EV hatchback close in size to the Myvi, Perodua did later state that the production version would be slightly smaller by 2–3%. These images of the camouflaged prototype detailed seems to prove otherwise.

However, no interior shots were captured, but our guess is it will surely look modern like most EVs but don’t expect when you were on the concept which featured a stripped-down yet futuristic layout.

Perodua also had previously revealed early performance targets where it teased that the concept featured a 50-kWh LFP battery from CATL, good for up to 410 KM of range and 0–100 km/h acceleration around  6–7 seconds.

While most components are still imported, Perodua intends to localise some assembly once the vehicle enters production. The production model will also wear a completely different nameplate.

During a Perodua industry dinner, CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad dropped an important detail — the introduction of a battery leasing scheme. This will be a first for Malaysia.

He said the scheme was the fairest way to keep prices accessible for the average Perodua buyer, who tends to be highly price-sensitive and cautious about depreciation.

While no official pricing was revealed, Datuk Seri Zainal hinted at a figure around RM80,000 tops.

For now, the camouflaged test mule gives more questions than answers. While some concept features may survive, the final production car remains under wraps — both literally and figuratively.

With the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025) just around the corner, it’s possible we may get another preview of the e-MO II in near-production state. Until then, the first Perodua EV is still a mystery in motion.

Image Source: Meng Lee Chen (paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Group) / The Ajerul / Mann Ahmad / Mann Haron