Following a recent meeting with vehicle parts supplier D-ACT in Japan, minister of investment, trade and industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz was in Kyoto for a tour of Daihatsu’s production plant that was designed based on the ESG (environmental, social and governance) agenda.
During his time there, discussions were held relating to Daihatsu’s long-term investment plan in Malaysia, especially for electric vehicles (EVs) as well as energy efficient vehicles (EEVs). As we all know, Daihatsu has a close relationship with Perodua here, and the latter has already expressed its vision of an EV with the Electric Motion Online (EMO) concept that debuted last month.
However, the national carmaker has said previously it will bring hybrids to market first, although plans are already in motion to begin laying the groundwork for the localisation of EV components.
For now, Perodua has not said what sort of EV is being planned for Malaysia, but a fully electric Axia is a possibility if an EV prototype shown to the MITI minister is anything to go by. Based on photos posted on the minister’s Facebook page, we know the prototype is based on the second-generation Daihatsu Mira e:S.
Details are scarce but the pictured vehicle appears to be front-wheel drive, with the original KF-VE 658 cc naturally-aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine and CVT combo replaced with an electric motor. The interior also looks fairly “normal,” with the only notable changes being a specific head unit that shows the powertrain status and a revised instrument cluster.
Given the test bed is based on a car introduced way back in 2017, it is likely being used to develop EV technologies that could be applied to future models built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA), which was designed with CASE (Connected, Automated Driving, Sharing and Electrification) in mind. The current Axia uses this platform, and we’ve already seen electrified DNGA models in the form of hybrid versions of the Rocky, Ativa and Toyota Raize.
If you remember, Daihatsu had previously exhibited an Ayla EV Concept at GIIAS 2022. The Ayla is basically the Indonesian sister to the Perodua Axia in Indonesia.
Built by Astra Daihatsu Motor at its R&D centre in Indonesia, the Ayla EV Concept swaps out the regular Ayla’s 1.2 litre 3NR-VE four-cylinder engine and gearbox (Ayla is available with 5MT or 4AT), fuel tank and spare tyre for an electric powertrain. The latter is a combo of a 60 kW (80 hp) electric motor and a 32 kWh EV battery.
By the way, using CarBase.my’s EV Road Tax calculator, the Ayla EV would have a road tax price of RM44 a year based on its 60 kW motor. Relatively affordable compared to more powerful ‘kayangan‘ electric cars.
VIDEO: Daihatsu Ayla EV Concept unveiling
GALLERY: Daihatsu Ayla EV Concept
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The words “Axia”, “Vios”, “Ativa” are a taboo now… probably will last until next models are launched.
why?
Before P2 launch EV, they should fix their dubious and suspicious cars safety.
Malaysia safely regular for cars = garbage.
That is why still can sell dubious cars.
But fan bois say malaysia safety best in world. Better than Thailand, China.
For a modern car with zero star like JAC E-JS1 to sell in China, the standard is indeed low.
The word “Mira” is also taboo until Ah Moi settled her marriage.
Is just a Box with battery, inverter, and motor
which is why its so damn good. Press pedal, car moves. no complicated garbage
At least this one make more sense. Bring it in and price it affordable. Not the current ‘affordable’ but really affordable like the current Axia-Myvi pricing.
I remember this dude was spewing dragon fire last in the turtle germen,threatening BMW owners with floated fuel price.
Now,he belajar sambil melanchong,talk 3 talk 4…
No need lah,dude.Perodua executives can plan a thorough trip,stay longer ,get proper input,n come out with an action plan.
Why waste tax Rm for such a trip,PM Anwar?Already u said,inherited a Rm1.3 Trillion debt.
cannnot leh, later you disturb all the T20s…
time to rebadge and claim it as ours again.
MIRA would eat into the sames of Axia.
if this MIRA hits local market, confirm Axia bye bye