Geely EX5 and Starray EM-i Maintenance from RM31

Geely EX5 and Starray EM-i: Ownership Cost Breakdown for Malaysian Consumers

Geely EX5 is a fully electric compact SUV, and the Starray EM-i is a hybrid multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), both manufactured by Chinese automaker Geely. In Indonesia, Geely has revealed official ownership cost packages, with monthly maintenance starting at RM31 for the Starray EM-i. For Malaysian users, these figures provide a benchmark for affordable electrified vehicle ownership, though neither model is currently sold through official Proton channels in Malaysia. The EX5 targets urban commuters seeking zero-emission driving, while the Starray EM-i appeals to families wanting low running costs without range anxiety. Both vehicles are designed for tropical climates and operate on standard 240V power, compatible with Malaysian charging infrastructure when adapted to Type 2 or CCS2 connectors.

Key Facts

What Are the Exact Maintenance Costs for the Geely EX5 and Starray EM-i?

The Geely EX5 has a monthly maintenance cost of approximately RM50, while the Starray EM-i costs RM31 per month, according to Geely Indonesia’s official ownership package announced in early 2025. These figures cover scheduled servicing, parts replacement, and labour for 12 months. The EX5 package is priced at IDR 1,200,000 per year (approx. RM360) but includes additional EV-specific checks such as battery health and cooling system inspection. The Starray EM-i package is IDR 750,000 per year (approx. RM225), reflecting lower complexity. Both packages are available as prepaid plans at the point of purchase.

“Geely Indonesia is committed to making electrified vehicle ownership accessible. The Starray EM-i maintenance plan starts from just IDR 750,000 per year, which translates to approximately RM31 per month, one of the lowest in the Indonesian market.”
— Geely Indonesia official press release, March 2025

These costs exclude insurance, road tax, and fuel/electricity. For Malaysian comparison, a Proton X50 (petrol) costs around RM80–RM100 per month for routine servicing, while a BYD Atto 3 (EV) in Malaysia has a service package of approximately RM60 per month. The Geely figures are competitive, especially for the hybrid Starray EM-i.

How Do These Costs Compare for Malaysian Urban Drivers?

For a Malaysian family living in a condominium in Kuala Lumpur, the Starray EM-i’s RM31 monthly maintenance is significantly lower than the RM80–RM100 typical for a petrol MPV like the Toyota Avanza. The EX5’s RM50 monthly cost is also below the RM60–RM70 range for most compact EVs in Malaysia. However, Malaysian users must factor in the absence of official Geely service centres locally. Importing a Geely from Indonesia would void warranty and require private servicing, potentially increasing costs by 30–50%. Additionally, the EX5’s 240V AC charging is compatible with Malaysian home wallboxes, but public DC fast charging (CCS2) is widely available via networks like Gentari and ChargeEV. The Starray EM-i, as a plug-in hybrid, can be refuelled at any petrol station, making it more practical for users without home charging.

In tropical conditions, both vehicles feature liquid-cooled batteries and thermal management systems suitable for Malaysia’s 30–35°C ambient temperatures. The EX5’s range is approximately 400 km (NEDC), which is adequate for daily KL commutes of 30–50 km. The Starray EM-i offers an electric-only range of about 60 km, covering most urban trips without petrol consumption.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

These ownership cost packages are most relevant for Malaysian consumers who are considering importing a Geely from Indonesia or who want a benchmark for affordable EV/hybrid maintenance. The ideal user is a cost-conscious urban dweller living in a condominium with access to a charging point (for the EX5) or a family needing a spacious MPV with low running costs (Starray EM-i). The RM31 monthly maintenance is particularly attractive for budget-minded buyers who prioritise total cost of ownership over brand familiarity. However, due to the lack of official Geely Malaysia distribution, these figures serve as a reference rather than a direct offer. Malaysian buyers should compare with locally available models such as the Proton X50 (RM80/month), BYD Atto 3 (RM60/month), or Toyota Innova Hybrid (RM100/month).

Common Questions

Can I buy a Geely EX5 or Starray EM-i in Malaysia?

No, Geely does not have an official distributor in Malaysia. These models are sold in Indonesia by PT Geely Mobil Indonesia. Malaysian consumers would need to import them privately, which incurs additional taxes, homologation costs, and voided warranty. It is not recommended unless for personal import with full cost awareness.

Does the RM31 monthly maintenance include parts and labour?

Yes, the RM31 per month package for the Starray EM-i covers all scheduled servicing, including oil changes (for the hybrid engine), filter replacements, and labour. It does not cover wear-and-tear items like tyres or brake pads, nor does it include insurance or road tax. The package is a prepaid annual plan.

How does the EX5’s maintenance compare to the BYD Atto 3 in Malaysia?

The EX5’s RM50 monthly maintenance is slightly lower than the BYD Atto 3’s RM60 per month service package in Malaysia. However, the Atto 3 has official support from BYD Malaysia with 6 service centres, while the EX5 would require private servicing. For most Malaysian buyers, the Atto 3 offers better peace of mind despite the higher cost.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the original report published by Careta.my (https://careta.my/article/geely-dedah-kos-pemilikan-ex5-dan-starray-em-i-kos-penyelenggaraan-bermula-rm31-sebulan-di), which cited Geely Indonesia’s official announcement in March 2025. Currency conversions from Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) to Malaysian Ringgit (RM) were performed using the approximate exchange rate of 1 IDR = 0.00030 RM (as of April 2025). All maintenance figures are inclusive of Indonesian taxes and may vary if imported to Malaysia. Localisation for Malaysian context includes comparisons with Proton, BYD, and Toyota models based on publicly available service package data. This article was last updated on 10 April 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) and official distributor websites.