Thinking of buying an imported electric vehicle (EV) in Malaysia? You might want to act fast.
Starting 1 July 2026, imported fully built-up (CBU) EVs are expected to become significantly more expensive, with showroom prices projected to start from RM300,000 following new rules introduced by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
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What is changing under the new guidelines?
The new framework introduces strict baseline criteria for any CBU EVs entering the country:
- Minimum Import Value: Every imported EV must now carry a minimum Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of RM200,000 before local taxes are applied
- Higher Performance Requirement: Eligible imported EVs must also produce a minimum motor power output of at least 180kW
Industry analysts note that once you stack import duties, excise duties, the 10% Sales and Service Tax (SST), and dealer margins on top of that RM200,000 CIF floor, retail showroom prices will easily clear the RM300,000 mark.
The end of affordable imported EVs
This regulatory shift effectively signals the end of budget-friendly overseas options. Mainstream entry-level models from popular brands like BYD, GWM, and MG are expected to be heavily affected, making affordable imported EVs a thing of the past.
However, there is still a small window of opportunity for buyers. CBU models that have already arrived at Malaysian ports or showrooms, or were already in transit before the implementation date, can still be sold at existing prices until current stocks are fully depleted.
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The bigger goal: Build EVs in Malaysia
According to Kenanga Investment Bank analyst Wan Mustaqim Wan Ab Aziz, the policy is strategically designed to push global automakers away from using imports to test the local market. By tightening CBU restrictions, MITI aims to compel manufacturers to establish local, completely knocked-down (CKD) assembly plants, thereby anchoring the EV supply chain domestically and boosting Malaysia’s automotive sector.
This transition is expected to hand a major commercial advantage to automotive players that have already invested heavily in local infrastructure. Among the primary beneficiaries are Perodua, through its upcoming smart mobility plant, alongside Proton and Zeekr models assembled at DRB-HICOM’s Tanjung Malim facility.
Stay tuned to WORLD OF BUZZ for the latest updates.
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