Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) segment continues to show strong growth in 2026, even as the broader automotive market softens. According to the latest JPJ registration data shared on the open data portal, a total of 4,717 EVs were registered in March 2026, representing a 58.5% increase year-on-year compared to 2,976 units recorded in March 2025.
Despite the growth in EV adoption, the overall car market saw a decline. Total Industry Volume (TIV) for March 2026 stood at 67,846 units, down 12% year-on-year from 77,121 units in March 2025. EVs accounted for 6.95% of total registrations, which translates to roughly 1 in 14 new vehicles registered during the month being fully electric.
EV registrations up 58.5% YoY in March 2026
For the first three months of 2026, total EV registrations reached 14,591 units, marking a 113.7% increase year-on-year from 6,827 units recorded in the same period in 2025.
In contrast, the overall market remained relatively flat, with TIV declining slightly by 2.9% year-on-year from 198,378 units in Q1 2025 to 192,531 units in Q1 2026.
Petrol vehicles, which still make up the majority of registrations in Malaysia, recorded an 8% decline for the first 3 months of the year, while diesel registrations saw a 78.7% drop from 2,748 units to just 586 units.
Meanwhile, green diesel and hybrid (petrol) segments recorded growth of 16-18% during the same period.
Proton e.MAS 5 continues to dominate EV market
For the month of March 2026, the Proton e.MAS 5 continues to be Malaysia’s #1 EV model, leading by a wide margin with 2,071 units registered.
This is followed by the BYD Atto 3 at #2 with 441 units, and the Proton e.MAS 7 at #3 with 306 units. The list continues with the Tesla Model Y taking #4 spot with 179 units, and the Chery iCaur V23 at #5 with 160 units.
It is also worth noting that the Perodua QV-E has entered the Top 30 list this year at #29 with 11 registrations. There are now a total of 50 Perodua QV-E units registered so far including 38 units from last year.
Top 20 EV Brands in Malaysia
With the popularity of the e.MAS 5 and e.MAS 7, Proton remains Malaysia’s #1 EV brand last month. With a total of 2,377 EVs, 50% of all new EVs registered is a Proton e.MAS.
BYD comes at second place with 879 units, followed by Tesla at #3 with 338 units. The list continues with Chery taking #4 with 265 units and Zeekr at #5 with 177 units.
Top 30 EVs in Malaysia from January to March 2026
Looking at all EVs registered in Q1 2026, it is no surprise that the Proton e.MAS 5 takes the top spot by a huge lead with a total of 6,701 units. This is followed by the BYD Atto 3 at #2 with 999 units and the Proton e.MAS 7 at #3 with 754 units.
The Zeekr 7X is currently the most popular premium EV model at #4 with 696 units registered while the rugged looking iCaur V23 is at #5 with 607 units registered this year so far.
EV growth continues despite softer overall market
Despite the end of the CBU tax holiday for EVs, the continued growth in EV adoption appears to be supported by a combination of increased availability of EV models and competitive pricing. More affordable options such as the Proton e.MAS 5, along with ongoing deals and rebates for existing EV models, have made it easier for more consumers to make the switch.
At the same time, rising fuel costs are also shaping consumer behaviour for new car purchase consideration. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has pushed fuel prices higher with diesel (Peninsular Malaysia) and RON97 petrol prices breaking the RM5.00 per litre mark. Meanwhile, the government has temporarily reduced the monthly quota for BUDI95 subsidised RON95 petrol from 300L to 200L.
These developments are likely prompting more consumers to reconsider their running costs, with EVs increasingly seen as a viable alternative for daily driving. The cost of running an EV is at least 50% lower than petrol for households with the ability to charge at home with their personal wallbox charger.
However, Malaysia needs to be more proactive in supporting the growth of EVs. The lack of assurance and long clarity of Malaysia’s EV taxation and local assembly policies has caused concerns after The Edge reported that BYD is reconsider its plans to setup its CKD facility in Tanjung Malim.
With Malaysia currently set to spend over RM4 billion per month in fuel subsidies alone, there’s a growing urgency to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and to invest ahead in the EV charging infrastructure to accelerate adoption.
As we’ve covered previously, the auto industry needs long term clarity if Malaysia wants to be a hub for EV production. At the same time, the government needs to get serious about expanding the public EV charging network, making our interstate highways EV friendly and to treat EV chargers as a utility just like broadband.
