Petrol prices go up. Traffic gets worse. And suddenly, electric cars are everywhere — in malls, on highways, even in your neighbourhood.
But before making the switch, most Malaysians ask the same thing: Are electric cars actually cheaper, or is it just hype? From insurance and charging costs to maintenance and road tax, EV ownership comes with a lot of assumptions — and not all of them are true.
Here’s a clear, no-fluff look at what owning an electric car in Malaysia really costs, and whether going electric makes sense for you.
Short answer: slightly — but the gap is getting smaller.
In Malaysia, EV insurance premiums typically range from RM1,800 to RM2,300 per year, depending on vehicle value and coverage.
For similar petrol (ICE) cars, insurance usually falls between RM1,200 and RM1,700 annually.
As EV adoption grows, insurers are rolling out EV-specific policies and local servicing support is expanding. For more affordable EVs, the insurance difference is now often a few hundred ringgit per year, not thousands.
Bottom line: EV insurance is slightly higher today, but it’s no longer a major barrier.
Insurance is just one part of the picture. To really compare EVs and petrol cars, you need to look at total ownership costs.
Even with a mix of home and public charging, EV drivers typically spend less than half of what petrol drivers do.
Estimated annual savings:
👉 RM2,000–RM4,000
EV road tax in Malaysia is waived until the end of 2025, saving owners hundreds of ringgit each year.
From 2026, road tax is expected to return under a revised, EV-friendly structure. While final rates have yet to be confirmed, estimates suggest annual EV road tax could range from under RM100 to a few hundred ringgit, depending on vehicle specifications.
Figures are indicative and subject to government confirmation.
Even then, EV road tax is expected to remain more affordable than petrol car road tax, especially for smaller and mid-range EVs.
One of the biggest long-term differences between electric and petrol cars is how much maintenance they actually need.
What this means for owners: With fewer moving parts and simpler mechanics, EVs typically require less servicing and lower maintenance spend over time. For daily drivers, these savings can add up to thousands of ringgit across several years.
Modern EV batteries are designed to last:
For most owners, battery replacement is unlikely during normal ownership, especially with improved battery management systems and warranty coverage.
Not sure if an EV will actually save you money? Try this easy, real-world comparison.
👉 Estimated annual difference: ~RM3,000–RM3,800 in favour of EVs
EV road tax figures for 2026 are indicative estimates based on proposed capacity-based structures and are subject to official government confirmation. Actual costs may vary depending on vehicle specifications and usage.
Beyond costs, EV ownership feels different:
In short, EVs are digital-first vehicles, not just mechanical ones.
And if you've decided to get that EV car... you have to get this mobile plan too!
From using Waze or Google Maps to locate chargers via PlugShare, EV drivers depend on reliable mobile data and home internet. Stable connectivity is also essential for smart chargers, vehicle updates and EV management apps.
✅ Unlimited 5G mobile data for navigation, streaming and EV apps
✅ High-speed home internet for smart charging and software updates
✅ Multiple lines for family members or connected devices
✅ One simple bill for mobile and home connectivity
In an EV world that runs on apps, maps, and real-time updates — seamless connectivity isn’t optional, it’s essential.
🚘 EV + One™ Ultra = Your smartest drive yet
Electric cars aren’t a “one day” idea anymore — they’re already changing how Malaysians drive. With lower running costs, better charging access and smarter technology, going electric is becoming an everyday choice.
While things like insurance and charging habits still matter, the long-term savings and experience make EVs hard to ignore. And as cars become more connected and app-driven, reliable connectivity becomes part of the journey.
With CelcomDigi One™, drivers can stay connected at home and on the road — ready for every route, update and charge.
The electric future? It’s already plugged in.
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