Malaysia has heavily subsidised RON95 petrol (RM 2.05/L) — making the per-km cost gap with EVs smaller than other markets. However, EV import duty exemption and SST exemption have made imported EVs significantly cheaper than they would otherwise be. The charging network led by JomCharge, ChargEV and Tesla is growing rapidly. This guide runs the numbers with Malaysian prices.
Cost per kilometre
EV: 17 kWh/100 km. Home charging tariff A residential RM 0.57/kWh: RM 0.097/km. Off-peak rate RM 0.27/kWh: RM 0.046/km. JomCharge/ChargEV public charging RM 1.20/kWh: RM 0.204/km. Tesla Supercharger RM 1.40/kWh: RM 0.238/km.
Petrol: 8 L/100 km. RON95 (subsidised) RM 2.05/L: RM 0.164/km. RON97 RM 3.30/L: RM 0.264/km.
Charging in Malaysia
- Home charging tariff A: RM 0.50–0.65/kWh in standard Tariff A residential. Tariff E1 (off-peak commercial) RM 0.27/kWh available for some customers.
- JomCharge: Largest public network in Malaysia.
- ChargEV (Yinson): National charging network operator.
- Petronas Setel: EV charging at Petronas stations expanding.
- Tesla Supercharger: Multiple Klang Valley and Penang locations.
Malaysia EV Incentives
- Import duty exemption: Fully imported (CBU) EVs exempt from import duty until December 2025; locally-assembled (CKD) EVs exempt until December 2027.
- Excise duty exemption: EVs exempt from excise duty. For petrol cars, excise duty can be 75–105% of CIF.
- SST (Sales and Service Tax) exemption: EVs exempt from SST.
- Road tax structure: Revised EV road tax effective 2026 — based on motor power output. Generally lower than equivalent petrol vehicle.
- Income tax relief: Up to RM 2,500 personal income tax relief for EV charging facility expenses.
- Proton-Geely EV: Local production of EVs through Proton (under Geely partnership) bringing prices down.
Maintenance
Malaysia EV maintenance 30–40% cheaper than petrol equivalents. No oil changes, no timing belt, no exhaust system. Puspakom inspection simpler for EVs.
Insurance
EV comprehensive insurance in Malaysia 10–25% more expensive than petrol equivalents. BYD Atto 3 or Tesla Model 3 typically RM 5,000–7,500/year. Compare AmGeneral, Etiqa, Allianz Malaysia, Tokio Marine.
5-year comparison
Malaysian driver, 18,000 km/year:
EV (off-peak Tariff E1): RM 4,140 electricity + RM 5,000 maintenance + RM 1,500 road tax + RM 32,500 insurance + RM 130,000 depreciation = ~RM 173,140
Petrol RON95: RM 14,760 fuel + RM 12,500 maintenance + RM 2,500 road tax + RM 25,000 insurance + RM 70,000 depreciation = ~RM 124,760
Petrol is approximately RM 48,000 cheaper over 5 years due to higher EV depreciation and the heavily subsidised RON95. The EV saves RM 10,600 in fuel — significant but offset by other costs. With duty/SST exemptions on the upfront price, the gap narrows considerably for new buyers.
Which should you choose?
- Choose an EV if: You can charge at home (especially Tariff E1 off-peak); you benefit from import duty/SST exemptions; you do 18,000+ km/year; or you want to avoid future RON95 subsidy targeting (subsidies under review for higher-income earners).
- Choose a petrol car if: RON95 subsidies remain in effect for you; you don't have home charging; you do less than 12,000 km/year; or you make frequent inter-state trips.
