Whether electric cars represent the future of mobility is a debate for another day, but there’s something all petrolheads can agree upon – they are incredibly fun.
The magical experience of riding all the torque right from the get-go makes it exciting to blast down empty roads. Being electric, you can also enjoy next-gen gizmos that were unimaginable with Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. To top it off, your fun behind the wheel doesn’t harm the cutesy polar bears and penguins playing around on the polar ice caps.
Sounds exciting, right? If that convinces you to go electric for your next vehicle, you might as well get ready to face the same dilemma that ICE cars throw – choosing the right one. Unlike gasoline-powered cars where you can make do with a small engine for your daily needs and basic dosage of fun, electric vehicles are a whole different breed.
Instead of spending little on the most basic model that throws a lot of tantrums, it makes more sense to splurge on better offerings from established brands and enjoy the perks. For example, a basic EV hatch like the GWM Ora Good Cat might be easy on your pocket but it won’t come close to the thrilling experience offered by a Porsche Taycan. Similarly, if you are an SUV person and seeking the best SUV available in Malaysia, the most tempting options will be powered by electricity.
In essence, if you don’t shy away from spending a reasonable amount on electric cars, you will be in for a treat. Since EVs now come in all shapes and sizes across various price bands, we decided to help you in your decision-making process and shortlist the top 10 best electric cars to buy in Malaysia in 2024.
While suggesting the best, we have included vehicles from various classes like SUVs, sports sedans and hatchbacks. Additionally, we have a bonus suggestion for those who seek something surreal.
Best electric cars to buy in Malaysia in 2024
1Porsche Taycan
Starts from: MYR 595,000
Porsche joined the party late but it made an electrifying entry with the Taycan! For the model year 2025, Porsche updated the Taycan sedan to pack more performance and include further refinements that promise to make the driving experience rewarding. After all, Porsche’s EV is all about the driving experience, not extracting the best range.
The base Taycan now produces 435hp and if you stamp the accelerator pedal, it can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 4.8 seconds and flat out, it can reach a top speed of 230 kph. If you are concerned about the range, you can go up to 560 km on a full charge with the Taycan 4S equipped with the optional Performance Plus package.
An improved battery chemistry promises to boost charging times. The interior is loaded with tech and the unmistakable styling profile inspired by the 911 sports car simply wins us over.
(Image Credits: Porsche)
2Tesla Model Y
Starts from: MYR 199,000
The Tesla Model Y is probably one of the safest all-rounder packages for EV buyers. It offers a pleasant mix of style, comfort, practicality, technology and driving experience.
The standard model in the Rear-Wheel Drive trim offers an estimated range of 455 km and can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 6.9 seconds. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant offers the most range at 533 km but if you seek exhilarating performance, the Model Y Performance is the one to settle for. While the range drops to 514 km, you can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 kph.
You get access to Tesla’s self-driving features as additional accessories and a nicely appointed interior with a keen focus on minimalism.
(Image Credits: Tesla)
3Tesla Model 3
Starts from: MYR 189,000
The Model 3 is Tesla’s most affordable vehicle on sale today but it offers an experience that rivals luxury sedans from BMW, Mercedes and Audi. The Model 3 facelift brought a revised front fascia and a new tail section to spruce up the appeal. The interior now looks more refreshing with the wraparound style design, beautiful ambient lighting and a massive 15.4-inch touchscreen display for all the infotainment needs.
The base Rear Wheel Drive variant promises up to 513 km of range whereas the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Long Range variant goes up to 629 km. Tesla is also planning to bring a Performance variant of the Model 3 that could amplify the performance to a whole new level.
(Image Credits: Tesla)
4BYD Seal
Starts from: MYR 179,800
The BYD Seal is China’s best answer to the Tesla Model 3 and in many ways, it could end up winning you over.
The Seal has more flair in its design with tasteful detailing and gentler curves, boasting trendy features like a panoramic sunroof, retractable door handles and LED lighting. The car relies on BYD’s advanced Blade Battery for greater efficiency and BYD has packed into the car’s structure for additional chassis rigidity. The nicely appointed interior comes with loads of technology and comfort features, but the rotating infotainment display is our favourite.
The Premium variant promises a range of up to 570 km on a full charge but if you are after performance, the BYD Seal in its Performance trim offers a Tesla Model 3-beating acceleration time of 3.8 seconds. You still get 520 km of range though.
(Image Credits: BYD)
5Lotus Eletre
Starts from: MYR 578,000
Lotus and SUV don’t gel well in a single sentence but in today’s challenging economy where buyers choose practicality over sportiness, an awkward marriage has to happen. Nonetheless, the Lotus Eletre tries to stick to the brand’s legendary legacy of uncompromised performance while offering the practicality of a family SUV.
The Eletre has a beautiful and aerodynamic exterior with active aero wings to extract as much performance as possible. The interiors are equally stunning, especially with the beautiful ambient lighting and luxurious seats to pamper the driver and their passengers in the best way possible.
In its top-spec variant, the Eletre’s electric motors make 905 hp, which allows it to accelerate from 0-100 in 2.9 seconds! Calling it quick would be an understatement. However, a cautious right foot will help you extract up to 600 km of range on a full charge.
(Image Credits: Lotus)
6BMW i7
Starts from: MYR 707,250
The BMW i7 is probably the best demonstration of how electric powertrains can help deliver the most luxurious experiences in a car. In Malaysia, you only get the i7 xDrive60 M Sport variant that throws all the luxuries from the BMW parts bin.
While the bold exterior may not be to everyone’s liking, the lounge-like interior makes us want to get cocooned in its utmost luxury. In the Lounge mode, the rear passengers can experience a massive widescreen TV folding out from the roof, controlled via the integrated touchscreen displays in the door lining. That’s an occasion, not motoring!
If the esteemed customer demands performance, the BMW i7 boasts a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 4.7 seconds while still offering a range of 625 km. BMW’s DC fast charging solution promises to fill the battery to 80 per cent in just 34 minutes.
(Image Credits: BMW)
7Mercedes EQS Sedan
Starts from: MYR 648,888
The EQS Sedan has been around for a while and yet, it continues to be a great option for electric car buyers who want the luxury of the Mercedes S-Class limousine.
For most buyers, the EQS 500 4Matic with a 449 hp motor and an All-Wheel Drive layout with a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 5 seconds should do the job just fine. You can even extract a range of 770 km on a full charge. For those who seek performance, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ variant packs a 680 hp motor that propels it from 0-100 kph in just 3.4 seconds. All this while still promising a range of 741 km.
Since it’s electric, this Mercedes Benz has a screen-dominated interior with top-notch safety systems and a well-appointed cabin with luxurious seats to pamper the passengers. The aerodynamic design also looks great in the traffic.
(Image Credits: Mercedes Benz)
8Mercedes EQS SUV
Starts from: MYR 699,888
The SUV equivalent of the EQS Sedan is the EQS SUV. It looks grand for an electric SUV without compromising on aerodynamic efficiency. What’s even more astonishing about the SUV is that it can seat up to seven people comfortably! The cabin is loaded to the teeth with the latest in-vehicle infotainment technology and the all-display design looks like the technology of the future.
The EQS 580 4Matic is the only SUV variant on sale in Malaysia. It comes with an AWD layout and packs a 544 hp under the hood. You can go up to 615 km on a full charge and still accelerate from 0-100 kph in 4.6 seconds.
(Image Credits: Mercedes Benz)
9Mini Electric / Cooper SE
Starts from: MYR 193,834
The Mini Cooper has always been an electrifying performer with ICE engines and with the magic of electrical propulsion, it transforms into a beast. Meet the Mini Cooper SE or Mini Electric.
This quirky 3-door hatchback in its electric guise might seem a bit pricey but offers a fun driving experience for enthusiasts. The power figure may be limited to 184 hp and the compact battery pack only offers 234 km of range but you have to remember that a Mini is meant for driving pleasure.
You get a familiar funky interior inspired by the ICE-based Mini Cooper hatch and yet, there’s enough practicality to keep using it as a daily driver. You get four seats, ample boot space and all the necessary in-vehicle technology to have a shot of fun while commuting to the office.
(Image Credits: Mini)
10Tesla Cybertruck
Starts from: TBA
The Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most exciting electric vehicles of our generation and Malaysia will get it soon. The Cybertruck throws away all the conventional notions of vehicle manufacturing and represents the true next-gen of EVs. The unorthodox exterior is essentially an exoskeleton of stainless steel strong enough to offer bulletproof properties. Even the glass is armoured to match the rest of the vehicle.
While the interior is classic Tesla minimalism with a large 18.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display, the Cybertruck’s party piece is its driving system. The AWD system is controlled by a revolutionary ‘drive-by-wire’ technology that adjusts the steering wheel rotational inputs depending on the speed, making it easier for drivers in tight parking spots. It also boasts an 800V electrical architecture system that can power your house in the event of a grid failure.
The Cybertruck in its Cyberbeast trim makes 845 hp, which provides enough boost to let it accelerate from 0-100 kph in 2.7 seconds while still offering a range of 515 km! Tesla is yet to reveal the pricing and availability of this beastly EV pickup but keep an eye on their official website for updates.
(Image Credits: Tesla)