Perodua Unveils Myvi Conversion, Its First Electric Vehicle Prototype
Perodua has taken a significant step in its journey towards electrification as seen from its first working electric vehicle prototype. The Perodua EMO-1 is a Myvi Conversion EV that is currently on display at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 in MAEPS, Serdang. The prototype EV will serve as the foundation for the compact car maker’s future electrification technology.
The Myvi Conversion EV prototype is composed of 3 primary components i.e. the power bench, power converter, and the overall styling and design. While the power conversion technology was developed in collaboration with an Australian company, the rest of the development, including design and assembly, was done in Malaysia.
“The power bench development is done by us (Perodua) partnering up with 3 local universities – Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, and Universiti Putra Malaysia to fully understand this technology and making it our own,” revealed Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
Initiated in September 2022, the partnership between Perodua and these universities focused on developing an EV powertrain from scratch. Doing so also enhances the expertise and capabilities of all parties involved in the EV field.
The Myvi Conversion prototype runs with an AC permanent magnet synchronous motor which provides a peak output of 120 kW (161 hp) and 220 Nm. The motor uses a liquid cooling system while the 55.7 kWh prismatic Li-ion Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery is air cooled and provides up to 350 km of driving range. Bear in mind that this is a prototype for development and that the final production model could differ.
“This is a beginning for us, and we want to make this beginning as Malaysian as possible,” Dato’ Sri Zainal said. “We choose the Perodua Myvi as the model of choice for this project as it is a model that has captured the imagination and attention of most Malaysians.”
Naturally, the first Perodua EV for production will look different from the current working prototype. The company is targeting to introduce its first electric model at the end of 2025.
Available at the Malaysia Autoshow are Perodua representatives who will be able to share the company’s other latest developments such as the Perodua New Outlet Standards which aim to enhance customer experience at their 3S centres.
