NanoMalaysia Leads EV Conversion Push With Revive Programme

Malaysia is turning to electric vehicle (EV) conversions as a practical path toward greener transport and NanoMalaysia Bhd is leading the charge.

Instead of focusing only on new EV production, the company’s Revive programme targets older petrol and diesel vehicles that are still roadworthy. By replacing engines and fuel tanks with electric motors and batteries, these vehicles can be given a second life powered by clean energy.

NanoMalaysia CEO Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad who spoke to NST in an exclusive interview said this strategy is cheaper and more inclusive, cutting ownership costs to about 40% of a new EV.


“It makes the EV switch more realistic for everyday Malaysians,” he noted.

The programme also aims to build a skilled local workforce, especially among TVET graduates, mechanics, and technicians, by creating new green jobs in conversion and maintenance.

Under the eMERGE initiative, funded by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, according to Reza, two diesel buses have already been converted and are awaiting road certification.


"That is an example of how we align to our Revive goal, which allows us to validate and demonstrate the conversion from diesel engine to EV. We have those two buses donated from Prasarana," said Rezal.

While the tech is ready, Rezal said full rollout still depends on final approval from JPJ and the Transport Ministry. He also urged the government to offer incentives for conversion kits similar to Indonesia to boost adoption.

“Once legalised, insurance companies will also need to come on board to support vehicle coverage and ensure public confidence in safety standards,” he says, adding that the model is in line with Malaysia's larger green agenda, which includes its COP26 commitments to cut carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Globally, countries like Japan, France, Kenya, and Thailand are already embracing EV retrofits. Malaysia, he said, has an edge thanks to its locally developed components and strong technical talent.

This opens doors not only for domestic market transformation but also for export opportunities.

"We hope our kits, built with local components, can be sold to other Asean countries and potentially beyond. But first, we must focus on making it work here in Malaysia," he added.

Source: NST.