Perodua has just dropped a genuine bombshell on the Malaysian automotive landscape. Say hello to the Perodua QV-E 2026, the brand’s first-ever, fully homegrown electric vehicle (EV). Forget your preconceptions; this isn’t just a budget runabout; it’s a calculated, sophisticated step into the electric future, and it comes with a trick up its sleeve.

The RM80k Question: Price and the ‘BaaS’ Blueprint

Let’s get straight to the biggest news: the price. The B-segment QV-E starts at an incredibly sharp RM80,000. That makes it one of the most accessible EVs on the market. But here’s the clever bit: that price excludes the battery.

Perodua has pioneered the innovative Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model for the Malaysian market. Think of it like a subscription service for your power pack. This revolutionary approach significantly slashes the initial purchase price, as the battery is the most expensive component of any EV. The key benefits are huge: a lower entry cost, a lifetime battery warranty (as long as you subscribe), and zero future anxiety about costly battery replacement. This strategy is targeting M40 families and city dwellers who want a practical, affordable daily EV without the traditional ownership worries.

Performance and Practicality: City Slicker Specs

Under the skin, the QV-E (which stands for ‘Quest for Visionary Electric Vehicle’) is surprisingly capable. It uses a robust 52.5kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, a chemistry known for its longevity and thermal stability. Perodua quotes an estimated driving range of 445km (NEDC cycle)—more than enough to obliterate range anxiety for the typical urban commute or weekend escape.

If you’re wondering if ‘affordable’ means ‘slow’, think again. The QV-E boasts a respectable 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 7.5 seconds thanks to 285 Nm of torque. It’s a genuinely punchy performer, capable of handling its own on the highway with a top speed of 165 km/h. With that being state, the QV-E is somehow Perodua’s fastest sprinter out of all of it’s range of models.

Safety and Smart Tech: Beyond the Basics

Perodua hasn’t skimped on safety, making the QV-E a compelling choice for families. It’s equipped with a host of modern safety features, but one stands out: Child Presence Detection (CPD).

This smart system uses advanced sensors to detect even subtle movements like breathing in the second row, even if a child or pet is covered by a blanket, long after the car is locked. If movement is detected, the system immediately notifies the driver, a potentially life-saving feature that reflects Perodua’s commitment to family safety. A well thought of features that shows how the brand builds the car, people’s first. A tagline they have been championing for quite some time.

A True National Effort

The QV-E isn’t just a new model; it’s a statement. It was developed entirely in Malaysia over a lightning-fast 28-month period, costing RM800 million. Perodua is championing the local ecosystem, aiming for 50% local component content by early 2026, and a massive 70% by 2030, working with 52 local vendors right from the start.

Initially, production at the new Smart Mobility Plant will be a cautious 500 units per month, but Perodua is confidently scaling up to 3,000 units per month by Q3 2026.

Available in two understated colours, Ice Blue and Caviar Grey, the Perodua QV-E marks a monumental shift. It’s a stylish, safe, and most importantly, truly affordable electric car that’s set to redefine mobility in Malaysia.