Compared to petrol cars, EVs are cheaper to run. But not all EVs are equal on this front. A more energy-efficient EV can travel farther on the same amount of power, which translates into lower running costs.
Energy efficiency is usually measured in kWh/100km, the amount of energy needed to drive the EV 100km. For example, an EV rated at 12 kWh/100km needs less energy than one rated at 18 kWh/100km.
With that in mind, here are the 20 most energy-efficient EVs in Malaysia, based on official manufacturer data on battery capacity and range.
20 most energy-efficient EVs in Malaysia
| No | Model | Range (km) | Battery (kWh) | Efficiency (kWh/100km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wuling Bingo Max | 337 | 37.90 | 11.25 |
| 2 | Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD | 702 | 82.00 | 11.68 |
| 3 | Wuling Bingo Pro | 273 | 31.90 | 11.68 |
| 4 | Tesla Model 3 Standard RWD | 534 | 62.50 | 11.70 |
| 5 | Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD | 661 | 78.40 | 11.86 |
| 6 | Proton eMas 5 Premium | 325 | 40.16 | 12.36 |
| 7 | Toyota bZ4X FWD | 569 | 73.10 | 12.85 |
| 8 | BYD M6 Standard Range | 420 | 55.40 | 13.19 |
| 9 | MINI Aceman SE | 406 | 54.20 | 13.35 |
| 10 | BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro | 627 | 83.90 | 13.38 |
| 11 | Proton eMas 5 Prime | 225 | 30.12 | 13.39 |
| 12 | Tesla Model Y RWD | 466 | 62.50 | 13.41 |
| 13 | BMW iX3 50 xDrive | 805 | 108.70 | 13.50 |
| 14 | Tesla Model Y L Premium | 577 | 78.40 | 13.59 |
| 15 | Dongfeng Box Standard | 310 | 42.30 | 13.65 |
| 16 | Dongfeng Vigo FWD | 380 | 51.87 | 13.65 |
| 17 | BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport LCI | 514 | 70.20 | 13.66 |
| 18 | Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ AMG Line | 782 | 107.80 | 13.79 |
| 19 | BYD Sealion 7 Dynamic | 520 | 71.80 | 13.81 |
| 20 | BYD Seal 6 Dynamic | 410 | 56.64 | 13.81 |
Note: Range figures are official numbers from manufacturers, who may use NEDC, CLTC, or WLTP standards. Battery capacity may also be listed as gross, nominal, or usable capacity. Check with manufacturers for the latest figures.
Which EV is the most energy-efficient in Malaysia?
The Wuling Bingo Max tops the chart at 11.25 kWh per 100km. Close behind are the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD and the Wuling Bingo Pro, both at 11.68 kWh/100km.
The Proton eMas 5, a popular choice among Malaysian buyers, also makes the list. The Premium and Prime variants come in at 12.36 kWh/100km and 13.39 kWh/100km respectively.
Despite having 20 models on this list, the gap between the top spot and the bottom is only around 25%. That's a much tighter spread than the recent list of Malaysia's 20 most fuel-efficient petrol cars, where the gap ran past 66%.
Does a more efficient EV really save you more money?
Yes, it does. Take the earlier example again: an EV at 12kWh/100km uses less energy than one at 18kWh/100km. At an electricity rate of RM0.57/kWh, driving 20,000km a year would cost:
- 12kWh/100km: RM1,368
- 18kWh/100km: RM2,052
If 20,000km is your typical annual mileage, that's a difference of RM684 a year. But efficiency isn't the same as range. The Wuling Bingo Max may be the most efficient, but its range is capped at 337km, well short of the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range RWD. That means more frequent charging stops for the Bingo Max. Time is money too, and in some situations the Model 3 Premium Long Range may end up being the more practical pick.
Should you buy an EV based on efficiency alone?
If electricity cost is your only concern, efficiency is the number to watch. But everyone's needs are different, and plenty of other factors come into play when choosing an EV, including range, charging speed, battery capacity, and passenger capacity.
Drivers who cover long distances regularly will feel even a small efficiency gap add up over time. For shorter daily drives, price and charging speed probably matter more.
The right EV for you is the one that fits your needs and strikes a balance between price, range, efficiency, and maintenance costs.
Choose right, choose ASTRA
EV or a petrol car, every vehicle still needs a 12V battery to run its electronics. ASTRA batteries are built for exactly that, with a few extras on top. Every battery comes with nationwide warranty coverage, and every purchase includes takaful protection worth up to RM7,000.
Looking for the right battery for your EV? Check the ASTRA battery catalogue to find one that fits.
