Why Isn't Perodua QV-E Battery Included? Leasing Explained
The Perodua QV-E is Malaysia’s first mass-market electric vehicle, manufactured by Perodua, the country’s second national carmaker. Launched in June 2026, it is a compact five-door hatchback designed specifically for Malaysian urban conditions. The QV-E addresses the high cost and range anxiety barriers to EV adoption by introducing a battery leasing programme, where the traction battery is rented separately from the car. This allows buyers to pay a lower upfront price—RM 59,900—while the battery is covered by a monthly lease starting at RM 350. The programme is aimed at cost-conscious Malaysians in cities like Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Johor Bahru, where short daily commutes and congested parking make a small EV practical.
Perodua’s battery leasing programme is a first in the Malaysian automotive market. The scheme eliminates concerns about battery degradation and replacement costs, as the lease includes a lifetime warranty and guarantees that the battery will maintain at least 70 per cent of its original capacity. This model has been successfully trialled in other markets, and Perodua has tailored it to suit local driving patterns and financial preferences.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Perodua |
| Model | QV-E |
| Body Style | 5-door hatchback |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Motor Power | 50 kW (67 hp) |
| Torque | 150 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 39.2 kWh lithium-ion |
| Range (NEDC) | 350 km |
| AC Charging (Type 2) | 6.6 kW, 0-100% in ~6 hours (240V) |
| DC Fast Charging (CCS2) | 50 kW, 10-80% in ~40 minutes |
| Price (vehicle only) | RM 59,900 (OTR without insurance) |
| Battery Lease (monthly) | From RM 350 (36-month contract) |
| Vehicle Warranty | 3 years / 100,000 km |
| Battery Warranty (under lease) | Lifetime (capacity ≥70%) |
| Release Date | 5 June 2026 |
| SIRIM Certification | Yes (MS IEC 61851 compliant) |
Why isn't the battery included with the Perodua QV-E?
Battery exclusion is a deliberate strategy to lower the purchase price and separate the long-life battery from the vehicle asset. The battery constitutes up to 40 per cent of an EV’s manufacturing cost. By leasing it, Perodua brings the QV-E’s entry price below the psychological RM 60,000 mark, making it competitive with popular internal-combustion models like the Perodua Myvi and Bezza. The battery leasing option reduces the upfront cost of the QV-E by as much as RM 20,000 compared to buying the battery outright.
According to Perodua, internal surveys showed that 65% of potential EV buyers in Malaysia were deterred by the high initial cost. The leasing programme directly addresses this barrier.
"We are not just selling a car; we are offering an energy service. The battery is the most expensive and technically sensitive component. By leasing it, we assume the risk and maintenance, giving peace of mind to our customers."
Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, Perodua President & CEO, at the QV-E launch in Kuala Lumpur, 5 June 2026
Further, the leasing model aligns with Malaysia’s move towards shared mobility and circular economy, ensuring that batteries are responsibly recycled or reused after their automotive life.
How does the battery leasing programme work?
Customers purchase the Perodua QV-E without a battery and sign a separate lease agreement for the battery with Perodua’s financing arm. The lease runs for a minimum of 36 months, with monthly payments starting at RM 350 for the standard 39.2 kWh battery. At the end of the term, users can renew the lease, return the battery and purchase a new one, or buy the battery at a depreciated price. Perodua covers all maintenance, monitoring, and warranty claims under the lease. The 36-month lease contract includes unlimited battery replacements if capacity drops below the guaranteed threshold of 70 per cent.
The battery is remotely monitored via a telematics system, and users receive alerts through the Perodua EV smartphone app if performance issues arise. The app also shows charging status, lease account details, and nearby service centres. Perodua has partnered with 38 authorised service centres across Malaysia to handle battery inspections and replacements.
Is battery leasing cost-effective for Malaysian drivers?
Over a typical 5-year ownership period, the total cost of the QV-E with leasing is estimated at RM 85,000, including the upfront vehicle cost (RM 59,900) and 60 months of battery payments (RM 350/month totalling RM 21,000). Compared to a Perodua Ativa turbo, which averages RM 35,000 in fuel and maintenance over the same period, the QV-E could save up to RM 15,000, based on an average electricity tariff of RM 0.35 per kWh. This calculation assumes an annual mileage of 15,000 km, close to the Malaysian average for urban commuting. For drivers covering 15,000 km per year, the QV-E battery lease costs about RM4,200 annually, while the equivalent petrol cost for a Myvi would be approximately RM4,800, based on current fuel prices.
A detailed cost comparison is shown below:
| Cost Element | Perodua QV-E (with lease) | Perodua Myvi 1.5 AV (petrol) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | RM 59,900 | RM 58,900 |
| 5-Year Battery Lease | RM 21,000 | N/A |
| 5-Year Fuel/Electricity | RM 7,875 | RM 24,000 |
| 5-Year Maintenance | RM 2,500 | RM 8,500 |
| Total 5-Year Cost | RM 91,275 | RM 91,400 |
Note: Electricity cost assumes TNB residential tariff of 21.8 sen/kWh for first 200 kWh and 33.4 sen/kWh thereafter, averaged to 35 sen/kWh for typical charging patterns. Petrol price based on RM 2.05/litre and Myvi fuel efficiency of 15 km/litre.
Who Is This For in Malaysia?
The Perodua QV-E with battery leasing is ideal for urban professionals, young families, and second-car buyers in major Malaysian conurbations. Its compact dimensions—3,895 mm length and 1,740 mm width—make it easy to manoeuvre and park in tight condominium bays and narrow city streets. The quiet electric motor reduces noise pollution in high-density housing areas. The QV-E’s total cost of ownership over 5 years is approximately on par with a petrol Myvi, making it a financially viable entry into EV ownership for budget-conscious Malaysians.
In addition to cost and size, the QV-E addresses specific local concerns:
- Tropical climate: The battery features active liquid cooling and a thermal management system rated to operate at ambient temperatures up to 50 °C, preventing range reduction in hot weather. The cabin air-conditioning uses a heat pump for efficiency.
- Haze protection: A built-in PM2.5 cabin filter provides cleaner interior air, a benefit during transboundary haze events.
- Power infrastructure: The included portable charger plugs into a standard 240 V, 13 A socket (UK-style plug) and can be used in landed homes. Perodua also offers a certified wallbox installation for RM 2,000, compatible with single-phase and three-phase supplies common in Malaysian homes.
- Public charging network: The QV-E is compatible with the CCS2 standard used by ChargEV, TNB Electron, and other local networks. Perodua provides a RM 500 credit for public charging within the first year.
Common Questions
Can I buy the battery outright instead of leasing?
Yes, Perodua offers a full-purchase option for the battery at RM 20,000, which includes an 8-year/160,000 km warranty. However, the leasing programme is the more flexible route, allowing customers to upgrade or replace the battery after three years without a large initial outlay.
What happens if I end the battery lease early?
Early termination within the first 36 months incurs a fee of RM 2,000 plus the remaining lease payments. After 36 months, you may return the battery with 30 days’ notice and no penalty, provided an inspection confirms the battery retains at least 70 per cent capacity. Normal wear and tear is accepted; abuse may result in charges.
Does the QV-E support fast charging on major highways?
Yes, the QV-E supports DC fast charging at up to 50 kW via CCS2. A 10-80 per cent charge takes approximately 40 minutes, covering a range of about 280 km. As of June 2026, there are over 200 public DC fast chargers along the North-South Expressway and within the Klang Valley, operated by ChargEV, TNB, and Petronas. Perodua’s navigation system includes a live charger map.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the original report by paultan.org dated 5 June 2026, and official specifications released by Perodua at the QV-E launch. All monetary values are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Electricity cost projections use the TNB residential tariff effective 1 January 2025, with an average rate of RM 0.35 per kWh to account for charging losses and tariff tiering. Fuel prices assume the unsubsidised RON95 price of RM 2.05/litre as of June 2026. This article was last updated on 5 June 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against Perodua’s official website and the Ministry of Transport’s EV roadmap.