While government initiatives and tax breaks are leading the EV revolution in Malaysia pretty well, the electric cars in the country are still not affordable with most of them priced above RM 250,000. In this situation what seems to be the answer for the mass adoption of EVs is the arrival of Chinese electric cars. 

Back in August, China’s Great Wall Motors opened its new division in the local market with affordable EVs like the Ora Good Cat, Poer P12, and Poer P11 on the cards. It was recently followed by another Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams), which is set to enter the market in association with Sime Darby Motors. The latter has confirmed the arrival of two BYD EVs in Malaysia, namely the e6 MPV and Atto 3 SUV. 

According to SDM, “BYD is the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles and this partnership will bring BYD’s expertise to the Malaysian market through a wide range of EV models. Our collaboration with BYD is one of the steps Sime Darby Motors is taking towards our aim of becoming a leader in EV. This is also aligned with the Malaysian government’s push towards low carbon mobility.”

In this story, we will be discussing the upcoming BYD e6 in detail while taking reference from others markets, including Thailand, Singapore, and India. So, let’s get started.

Currently, in its second generation, the BYD e6 is expected to come equipped with a 71.7 kWh battery pack in Malaysia, offering a range of up to 415 km (on the WLTC combined cycle). The battery will come paired with a front-wheel drive electric motor churning out a maximum power output of 95 PS and a peak torque of 180 Nm.  

As for charging, the electric MPV’s onboard charger supports up to 40 kW AC charging and up to 60 kW DC charging in the neighbouring countries. The former can charge the EV in 1.8 hours while the latter completes the task in 1.5 hours. However, the 6.6 kW AC charger takes a total of 12 hours for a full charge.

In terms of dimensions, the all-electric MPV is almost similar to the Toyota Innova with a 4,695 mm length, 1,810 mm width, 1,670 mm height, and a 2,800 mm long wheelbase.

Design-wise, the EV looks contemporary and minimalist with a teardrop-esque silhouette. It is kitted with nice design touches like ‘Dragon Face’ front fascia featuring unique nose styling having tiny hexagonal cut-outs, swept-back headlights, and LED daytime running lights. While the rear end of the vehicle features neatly styled LED tail lights and a powered tailgate, its side profile looks sedate with dual five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels. 

The cabin of the electric people hauler boasts a neatly laid out dashboard with a free-standing 10.1-inch infotainment system in the centre. Here also, the automaker followed the minimalist approach with all the required controls incorporated into the touchscreen. The only buttons we can find on the console are for switching the drive mode and controlling the regenerative braking system and hazard lights.

The EV will offer seating for five people and 580 litres of space for keeping the luggage (with the rear seats up). 

Other than that, the Malaysia-spec BYD e6 is expected to get a 5.0-inch TFT instrument display, electronic parking brake, automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, keyless entry and start, electric power steering, leather upholstery, and a CN95 air filtration system.

As for safety, the upcoming BYD electric car is likely to get lots of passive safety gears such as an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, four airbags. However, the inclusion of active systems is unlikely in light of the safety package on offer with the model in other markets. 

While there is no official information on the BYD e6 price yet, we can refer to the Thai market in this matter, where the EV is priced at THB 1,390,000 (approximately equal to RM 170k). The official announcement regarding the availability of the Chinese MPV in Malaysia is also yet to come.

So, are you excited about the BYD e6 launch in Malaysia? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: 2022 GWM Ora Good Cat: Get to know Malaysia's most affordable EV; bookings open

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