5 Reasons Why You Should Switch to EV

Find out why switching to EV is a good idea


According to Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL), throughout 2017, roughly 25 million tonnes of CO2 was released into the air in the area of Kuala Lumpur itself. Did you know that 56% of which, or 14 million tonnes of CO2, came from the transport sector alone? Imagine 444kg of CO2 produced by Kuala Lumpur s vehicles every second!

If you currently drive a petrol-powered car, swapping it out for an electric vehicle is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint and help make a positive impact on the environment.

Check out our top 5 reasons why your next car should be electric!



1. Low Running Cost & Easier Maintenance

In terms of petrol costs, it s estimated that EV owners enjoy around 20% to 30% more savings compared to those who own a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE) to cover the same range of mileage.

In terms of maintenance costs, since an electric vehicle has fewer moving parts, no gears, no internal combustion engine, no oil and less brake wear, electric vehicles usually require little to no regular maintenance. In short, EV drivers will save more in the long run.


2. Safe, Smooth and Almost-Noiseless Driving Experience

An increasing number of research has shown that electric vehicles are at least as safe as petrol-powered and diesel-powered cars. In fact, several EVs, including the Audi E-Tron, Volkswagen ID.4 and Volvo XC40 Recharge, had been awarded the 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

Also, gone are the days when petrol engines and their crazy mechanisms let out explosive rumbles when they start. Now, the faint whirring sound of an EV’s electric motor is so minimal that some manufacturers need to include sound generators to ensure pedestrians, visually impaired pedestrians and other road users are aware of their presence when driving.


3. Zero Emissions

As we all know, the major environmental problem in urban areas is air pollution. Our health is adversely impacted by the fine particles discharged into the air by brake dust and tailpipe emissions

However, electric vehicles produce significantly fewer emissions than petrol powered cars, and it s not just while in use, but also throughout the entire lifecycle of the vehicle. Thanks to the regenerative braking technology, which slows the car down by using the electric motor rather than the conventional friction brakes, EVs have no tailpipe emissions and use the brakes much less frequently. For this reason, they offer zero emissions and will aid in lowering CO2 and other harmful greenhouse gases.


4. High Mileage Range

When talking about reasons not to opt for an EV, the battery level and its perceived range are probably the most commonly cited reasons. However, the fact is that most EVs in 2022 have a comfortable range of over 320 kilometres from a full charge and can get you a very long way.

For example, the Nissan LEAF e+ provides up to 340 kilometres, while the Volkswagen ID. 4 Pro has an EPA estimated range of up to 450 kilometres on a single charge. So, if you re worried about not getting the range you need with an electric car, worry no more.


5. Benefit from Tax Incentives

As of January 2022, EV producers in Malaysia can enjoy a variety of tax incentives including tax exemptions for imports, excise and sales. As part of the government's efforts to lower the cost of adoption of zero emission vehicles, consumers can claim tax relief for owning an EV.

These incentives include:

  • Imported (CBU) EVs have full import and excise duty exemptions until the end of 2023.
  • Locally assembled (CKD) have full import and excise duty exemptions, and a sales and service tax (SST) waiver until the end of 2025.
  • EV owners are exempted from road tax and can claim a personal tax exemption of up to RM2,500 for costs relating to EV charging hardware and services, including the purchase, installation, rental, and subscription fees of EV charging facilities, until the end of 2023.

Key Takeaways:

Let s recap our top 5 reasons to switch to an EV:

  • Enjoy 20% to 30% more savings in terms of running and maintenance costs with an EV.
  • EVs are as safe as petrol-powered and diesel-powered cars.
  • EVs produce significantly fewer emissions than petrol-powered cars.
  • Most EVs in 2022 have a comfortable range of over 320 kilometres from a full charge.
  • Both EV producers and consumers in Malaysia can enjoy a variety of tax incentives and tax relief.