Cycle & Carriage to Distribute Leapmotor in Malaysia
What Is the Cycle & Carriage–Leapmotor Partnership in Malaysia?
Cycle & Carriage (a subsidiary of Jardine Cycle & Carriage) is the official distributor for Leapmotor electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia, a partnership formalised in an exclusive agreement announced in early 2024. This collaboration introduces Chinese-manufactured Leapmotor EVs to Malaysian buyers through Cycle & Carriage’s nationwide dealer network, targeting mass-market consumers who seek affordable battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) without premium-brand pricing. The first two models—the Leapmotor C11 compact SUV and the Leapmotor T03 city car—address the country’s growing demand for practical, cost-effective electric mobility in both urban and suburban settings.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Official Malaysian Distributor | Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (part of Jardine Cycle & Carriage Group) |
| Launch Models | Leapmotor C11 (5-seater SUV) and Leapmotor T03 (4-seater city car) |
| Estimated On-the-Road Price (RM) | T03: from RM 88,000; C11: from RM 158,000 (preliminary estimates, excluding insurance) |
| Availability Date | Showroom units expected Q3 2024; order books opened Q2 2024 |
| Warranty Coverage | Vehicle: 5 years / 100,000 km; High-voltage battery: 8 years / 160,000 km |
| Charging Standard | Type 2 AC (up to 6.6 kW) and CCS2 DC (up to 100 kW); fully compatible with Malaysian public chargers (ChargEV, Gentari, Shell Recharge) |
| Showroom Locations | Initial rollout at 10 Cycle & Carriage outlets across Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor |
| Home Charging | 240V, 13A UK-style 3-pin plug (slow charge); 7 kW AC wallbox recommended (optional installation) |
| SIRIM Certification | Vehicle models pending SIRIM approval; charging cables carry required MS IEC certification |
What Leapmotor Models Are Coming to Malaysia?
The Leapmotor C11 and T03 are the two launch models confirmed for the Malaysian market. The C11 is a compact SUV with five seats, a 90 kWh battery, and a WLTP-rated range of approximately 480 km. The T03 is a compact city car with four seats, a 41 kWh battery, and a WLTP range of around 280 km. Both vehicles are equipped with ADAS safety features, over-the-air (OTA) update capability, and a central touchscreen infotainment system.
- Leapmotor C11: 200 kW (268 hp) motor, 0–100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, 480 km range, OTA updates.
- Leapmotor T03: 80 kW (107 hp) motor, 0–100 km/h in 12.6 seconds, 280 km range, city-optimised turning circle.
"The Leapmotor C11 will offer Malaysian families an EV SUV with a real-world range exceeding 480 km, priced competitively under RM 160,000."
"We are excited to introduce Leapmotor's innovative EV lineup to Malaysia. The C11 and T03 address two critical segments—affordable city runabouts and family-sized SUVs—without compromising on range or features."
— Eric Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Cycle & Carriage Bintang, as reported by Careta.my
How Does Leapmotor Fit Malaysia's EV Landscape?
With local distribution by Cycle & Carriage, Leapmotor joins a growing field of sub-RM 200,000 EVs, competing directly with the BYD Atto 3, Ora Good Cat, and Neta V. The partnership leverages Cycle & Carriage’s existing service centres and spare-parts supply chain, easing concerns about after-sales support for early EV adopters. In 2023, the Malaysian EV market grew by over 350%, according to the Malaysian Automotive Association, signalling strong readiness for competitively priced electric options.
"Buyers can access after-sales support at authorised Cycle & Carriage service centres nationwide, a key advantage for local EV adoption."
Who Is the Ideal Buyer for Leapmotor in Malaysia?
The T03 targets first-time EV buyers and secondary car owners in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, and George Town, where its compact dimensions (3.62 m length) simplify parking in tight condo bays. The C11 appeals to families upgrading from petrol C-segment sedans or compact SUVs, offering a flat-floor cabin, 510-litre boot, and enough ground clearance for tropical flash-flood conditions. Both models include IP67-rated battery packs, resistant to the high humidity and occasional waterlogging seen in Malaysian climates.
For landed-property owners with covered carports, a 7 kW wallbox (RM 3,500–4,500 installed) delivers a full charge overnight. Apartment dwellers without dedicated chargers can use the growing network of over 1,200 public AC/DC chargers nationwide.
"The T03's compact footprint and 280 km range make it well-suited for daily Kuala Lumpur commutes and weekend balik kampung trips within the central region."
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cycle & Carriage offer test drives for Leapmotor in Malaysia?
Yes, test-drive units are available at all participating Cycle & Carriage showrooms from Q3 2024. Appointments can be booked online or made in person.
Are Leapmotor EVs eligible for Malaysian road tax exemptions?
Fully-electric vehicles in Malaysia are exempt from road tax until 31 December 2025 under current government policy. Both the C11 and T03 qualify for this full exemption.
What is the charging time for a Leapmotor C11 using a Malaysian home socket?
Using a standard 13A 240V home outlet, a full charge takes approximately 20–24 hours. A dedicated 7 kW wallbox reduces this to about 7–8 hours, aligning with typical overnight charging patterns in Malaysia.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the original report published by Careta.my ("Cycle Carriage Rasmi Sebagai Operasi Pengedaran Leapmotor di Malaysia") and supplementary official communications from Cycle & Carriage Bintang. Currency conversions from USD to RM use an approximate rate of USD 1 = RM 4.70. Local compatibility information was verified against the Malaysian Electric Vehicle Owners Club (MyEVOC) database and publicly available SIRIM certification records. This article was last updated on 23 June 2024.