INTERACTIVE: Hybrids gain ground as EV charging network plays catch-up

By SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are increasingly turning to hybrid cars, with registrations surging nearly 30,000 units in the first seven months of the year.

According to figures from data.gov.my, a total of 29,769 hybrid cars were registered between January and July, up by 78.9% from 16,643 during the same period last year.

The growth outpaced the overall car market, which grew 3.6% from 472,492 registrations to 489,340.

Fully electric vehicle (EV) registrations also surged 94.1% year-on-year to 38,675 from 19,935 during January to July last year.

As a result, hybrids accounted for 6.1% of all car registrations this year, up from 3.5% share last year.

The increase also accelerated as the year progressed.

Hybrid registrations rose 47.7% year-on-year in March, 117.8% in April, 89.4% in May, 172.8% in June and 127% in July.

In July alone, 5,622 hybrid cars were registered, more than double the 2,476 hybrid registrations recorded in the same month last year.

Among hybrid brands, Toyota recorded 9,102 registrations, followed by Proton (4,946), Honda (3,639), Great Wall (3,434) and Chery (3,309).

Meanwhile, in terms of hybrid car model, Proton e.Mas 7 topped the list with a total of 4,946 registrations, followed by Toyota Corolla Cross (3,541), Toyota Vios (3,133) and Cherry Tiggo (2,112).

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said on August 4 that the government was considering a levy on EV sales to create a dedicated fund for expanding public charging infrastructure.

He said that although incentives had encouraged EV adoption, they had led to RM3.3bil in forgone tax revenue over four years.

Investment in public charging infrastructure, he added, had fallen short of expectations.

For some motorists, the availability of charging infrastructure is already influencing their vehicle choices.

Tham Jo Yee, 30, had considered buying an EV before settling on a hybrid.

Lower fuel costs, reduced emissions and availability of charging stations were among the main factors behind her decision.

She said her hybrid offered better fuel economy and a smoother, quieter drive, particularly in city traffic.

“I can still refuel normally, so I need not worry about finding a charging station,” she said, adding that she would consider buying another hybrid when it was time to change her car.

For Daniel Raj, 41, the decision is still ahead of him.

His current petrol car is more than 10 years old and he is considering a replacement, with a hybrid currently high on his list.

Better fuel economy and the long driving range offered by hybrids are among the main attractions.

Lee said he had also considered an EV but was concerned about the availability of charging stations and the possibility of experiencing charging anxiety, particularly on longer journeys.

“I think charging stations are still not enough,” he said.

Another motorist, Amirul Asyraf, 36, has already made a longer transition into electrified motoring.

He has driven a hybrid vehicle since 2017 and now owns a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Amirul said he had considered an EV but remained concerned about whether its range would be sufficient for trips to his hometown, more than 400km away, and about the adequacy of Malaysia’s charging infrastructure.

He said his plug-in hybrid offered a smooth driving experience, practicality and the flexibility of using different power modes.

“Definitely,” he said when asked if he would buy another hybrid.

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