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Fully imported electric vehicles in Malaysia are expected to see a minimum showroom price of RM300,000 starting 1 July 2026
This follows the implementation of new requirements by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), which aim to accelerate local assembly lines by imposing stricter price and power requirements.
This regulatory shift marks an end to the era of affordable entry-level imported EV models.
According to Kenanga Investment Bank, MITI has mandated a minimum cost, insurance, and freight value of RM200,000 for each imported EV unit
Additionally, imported models must now offer a minimum power output of at least 180kW.
Speaking to Berita Harian, analyst Wan Mustaqim Wan Ab Aziz said once duties, dealer margins, and the 10% Sales and Service Tax (SST) are factored in, final showroom prices would rise significantly.
He explained that the policy effectively terminates the mainstream market for affordable imported electric vehicles, heavily impacting base models from brands like BYD, GWM, and MG.
However, there is a limited exception: Existing showroom stock and vehicles currently in transit will remain exempt from the price changes until they are sold out.
The stricter import limits are designed to encourage global carmakers to establish local assembly lines instead of relying on fully imported models in the Malaysian market
This regulatory shift is expected to benefit local brands like Perodua, Proton, and other manufacturers with assembly operations in the country.
With full tax incentives for imported electric vehicles having ended on 31 December 2025, market demand is also expected to shift towards plug-in hybrids.
