Serdang, 21 May: Perodua unveiled its first working electric vehicle (EV) prototype – the Myvi Conversion – and would be the foundation on which the compact car maker builds its electrification technology on.
The EV prototype, which consists of three main parts, the power bench, the power converter and overall styling and design are made in Malaysia, with only the power conversion technology development done with an Australian company.
“The power bench development is done by us (Perodua) partnering up with three local universities – Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, and Universiti Putra Malaysia to fully understand this technology and making it our own,” Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.
The collaboration, which began in September 2022, saw Perodua and the three universities working together to develop an EV powertrain from the ground up, and by doing so, enhance each entity’s expertise and capabilities in the EV field.
“This is a beginning for us, and we want to make this beginning as Malaysian as possible,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.
He said: “We choose the Perodua Myvi as the model of choice for this project as it is a model that has captured the imagination and attention of most Malaysians,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.
“The actual first Perodua EV will look different from what is on display here, but be assured that the day is coming.
“In the meantime, we encourage Malaysians to come to our booth at the Malaysia Auto Show 2024 to view the Perodua Myvi Conversion for yourself as well as to take part in our many campaigns.
“We will also welcome everyone to interact with our people here to find out our latest developments, such as the Perodua New Outlet Standards, an ongoing transformation effort to give you our valued customers a seamless experience at our 3S centres,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said.