JPJ Releases Official Rules for ICE-to-EV Conversions in Malaysia

Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (JPJ) has finally released proper guidelines for converting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EV) - something the industry has been waiting on for years. It’s a major step as the country moves toward cleaner mobility and clearer rules around EV retrofits.

Under Malaysian law, any modification that changes a vehicle’s original specs must follow the Road Transport Act 1987 and the Motor Vehicle (Construction and Use) Rules 1959. Until now, ICE-to-EV conversions sat in a grey area, even as interest grew among owners, workshops, and fleet operators looking to cut emissions without buying a brand-new EV.

The new guideline sets out what can and cannot be done. It applies only to registered, on-road vehicles. Off-road machines and R&D prototypes don’t qualify. Applications can come from owners themselves or from workshops acting on their behalf, but every conversion must meet the safety and performance standards verified by JPJ-recognised Technical Services.

Structurally, any major chassis alterations must be signed off by a professional engineer. Suspension and axle setups also need to be upgraded if the EV components add weight. On the electrical side, JPJ mandates proper high-voltage cut-off systems, clear safety labels and an emergency response guide so first responders know what they’re dealing with.

Only certified technicians are allowed to work on the high-voltage system, and their work must be supervised by someone with at least a diploma in electrical engineering. The final conversion still needs a professional engineer’s sign-off before it goes to JPJ for approval.

The process starts with a conceptual design submission to JPJ and its Technical Service. Only after this gets the green light can workshops proceed with the actual conversion. Once completed, the vehicle must undergo a series of tests. 

Any faults or non-compliance issues must be fixed before the final documents - certification letters, specs and test reports are sent to JPJ’s Automotive Engineering Division in Putrajaya.

Workshops themselves have to meet strict requirements too, from proper equipment and safety setups to trained personnel. They must also maintain detailed records of every conversion carried out.

Image Source: UTEM

JPJ’s guideline references international and local EV standards for batteries, wiring, motors, inverters, chargers, and thermal systems. It also checks the fundamentals - braking, steering, structural strength, crash protection and electrical safety to ensure the converted vehicle behaves like a properly engineered EV, not an improvised retrofit.

With this, Malaysia finally has a clear and structured path for ICE-to-EV conversions. It sets the ground rules for safety and engineering integrity while giving owners and workshops the certainty they need to move forward. 

Now the question is, with ICE-to-EV conversion kits for classic cars widely available overseas, will Malaysia see enough demand to spark an entirely new industry here?