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• Audi A2 e-tron debuts – brand’s most efficient model yet with up to 646 km WLTP; up to 84 kWh battery, 326 PS

  In Audi, Cars, International News / by Mick Chan / 7 September 2026 7:49 pm

  

  The Audi A2 e-tron has been officially unveiled following a teaser and a prototype showing earlier this year, reprising the nameplate of the 1999 original.

  Audi claims that the A2 e-tron is the brand’s most efficient model yet, boasting of WLTP-rated energy consumption rate of 12.8 kWh per 100 km in its most efficient 140 kW (190 PS) guise.

  Three battery sizes are offered in the A2 e-tron, and these are 52 kWh, 61 kWh and 84 kWh, and these power the latest APP350 and APP550 motors across four variants; 125 kW (170 PS/350 Nm), 140 kW (170 PS/350 Nm), 170 kW (231 PS/350 Nm) and 240 kW (326 PS/545 Nm).

  For improved efficiency, these motors feature silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors in their power electronics, polished gear teeth and low-viscosity oils in the transmission.

  

  

  

  

  Those with the largest 84 kWh battery get the highest DC charging figure at 193 kW, though DC charging from 10-80% also takes the longest at 29 minutes. The 140 kW (190 PS) variant with the 61 kWh battery takes up to 105 kW DC for a 10-80% charge time of 26 minutes, while the base 125 kW (170 PS) variant takes up to 100 kW DC, and the 10-80% charge takes 24 minutes.

  Conversely, V2L capability in the A2 e-tron can power external devices, while owners with a compatible home photovoltaic system and DC wall box can also use the vehicle-to-home function.

  With the largest, 84 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, the A2 e-tron can attain a range of up to 646 km (WLTP) in 170 kW (231 PS) guise. All powertrain versions are of a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration.

  The most powerful variant of the A2 e-tron with the 240 kW (326 PS) powertrain attains the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h; all other variants of the A2 e-tron have a top speed of 160 km/h, and 0-100 km/h acceleration times ranging from 8.8 seconds to seven seconds.

  

  Its efficiency is aided by its drag coefficient of 0.24, attained through the use of aerodynamic details such as a controllable cooling air intake and a mostly enclosed underbody, along with aero wheels, and gap reducers between each wheel and wheel housing.

  Wheels range from 18 to 20 inches in diameter, shod in tyres of widths from 225 mm to 235 mm; all tyre sizes are available for both winter tyres as well as summer tyres, and efficiency is aided by a special tyre optimised for rolling resistance, and run higher-than-normal pressures, says Audi.

  The A2 e-tron can be specified with either comfort suspension or sport suspension, and suspension with damper control is optional on the 170 kW variant (standard on the top 240 kW variant).

  Four driving modes are offered in the A2 e-tron, which are Comfort, Balanced, Efficiency and Dynamic, while three levels of regenerative braking are offered, along with a one-pedal driving mode that also brings the vehicle to a stop.

  

  Among the driving assistance systems in the A2 e-tron is adaptive cruise assist plus, which combines adaptive cruise control with active lane guidance at speeds of up to 210 km/h, which is beyond the top speeds of all A2 e-tron variants at debut.

  The optional adaptive cruise assist plus function enables the vehicle to slow and stop automatically for red lights; if the A2 e-tron has yet to come to a stop before the traffic light turns green again, the system will allow the vehicle to automatically continue driving, though if the vehicle has fully stopped, it will not resume driving automatically.

  Its longitudinal and lane guidance systems rely on swarm data, which Audi says enables the A2 e-tron to adjust its speed according to the average speed of traffic on the road. Online data also enables adaptive cruise assist to help the vehicle stay in its lane without visible road markings.

  

  Inside, the A2 e-tron features a 11.9-inch virtual cockpit plus driver’s instrument display and a 12.8-inch curved touch display angled towards the driver, while an augmented reality head-up display can be optioned.

  White interior ambient lighting is standard while the optional ambient light package brings a selection comprised of 30 colours, as well as the dynamic interaction light that spans the width of the base of the windscreen. The centre console features a cooled phone charging tray that can charge two phones at the same time, at up to 25 watts.

  Interior upholstery in the A2 e-tron features Softwrap, a soft, “fabric-covered surface” that covers the dashboard and door panels towards the rear of the cabin. Admitting more light into the cabin is an optional panoramic glass roof measuring 1.6 square metres.

  

  

  

  

  Also featured among the cabin equipment is the use of Fidlock fasteners, and Audi claims to be the first premium carmaker to use fastening system that combines magnets and mechanical clasps; in the A2 e-tron, these are used to secure cupholders and bags.

  In terms of luggage space, the A2 e-tron has a luggage compartment volume of 396 litres, and this can grow to 1,336 litres with the rear seats folded down. The rear luggage compartment gets LED lighting, a 12-volt power outlet, and four tie-down anchors, and on 170 kW and 240 kW variants this is complemented by a 13-litre frunk.

  In Europe, deliveries of the Audi A2 e-tron are expected to start in December this year. Pricing in Germany starts from 38,200 euros (RM179,555) for the 125 kW variant with the 52 kWh battery, through 41,900 euros (RM196,946) for the 61 kWh variant, 48,900 euros (RM229,849) for the 170 kW variant with the 84 kWh battery, up to 51,200 euros (RM240,660) for the top 240 kW variant.

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• Leapmotor B10 CKD – base Life dropped, now only in sole Design variant; specs, price same as CBU, RM119k

  In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Leapmotor, Local News / by Anthony Lim / 7 September 2026 6:26 pm

  

  Earlier today, Stellantis Malaysia announced that local assembly had begun for the Leapmotor B10 alongside the C10 EV at Stellantis’ Gurun, Kedah plant. The announcement also saw the mention that the B10 range had been resized.

  When it was launched here in December last year, arriving in fully-imported CBU form, two variants were available for the B10, these being a base Life, officially priced at RM107,800, and a higher-spec Design, which was priced at RM118,800.

  The move to CKD has seen the Life being dropped, with the B10 Design the only version available to Malaysian buyers from this point. Pricing of the local assembly version remains the same, at RM118,800 on-the-road, without insurance.

  

  Specifications and trim for the variant haven’t changed, with only a revision in the exterior – and interior – colour palette the only difference. The rear-wheel drive B10 Design continues with the same single electric motor powertrain, which offers 218 PS (215 hp, or 160 kW) and 240 Nm in the way of output. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 8.0 seconds and a 170 km/h top speed.

  Juiced by a CATL-sourced lithium iron phospate (LFP) battery with a 67.1 kWh capacity, the Design is capable of up to 434 km of travel on a single charge. In terms of charging times, it takes 5.6 hours to get the pack fully charged on AC at 11 kW, while DC charging at 168 kW max will take about 20 minutes to bring the unit from a 30 to 80% state-of-charge.

  As standard, the B10 comes equipped with a fixed panoramic sunroof (with a powered sunshade), auto air-conditioning (with rear AC vents), an 8.8-inch instrument display panel and a 2.5K high-resolution 14.6-inch centre touchscreen running the latest Leap OS 4.0 Plus, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155 chipset and equipped with up to 16GB of memory and an integrated Adreno 640 GPU.

  

  

  

  In March, the company announced an over-the-air (OTA) software upgrade that introduced native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support as well as expanded voice command functions and a one-pedal driving mode.

  Elsewhere, the kit list also includes a dual mobile phone holder with a 15 watt wireless charging pad (on the right side) and electrically-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats (six-way driver and four-way front passenger). As before, the upholstery on the Design is a liquid-resistant Oeko-Tex Standard 100 ‘silicone leather’ (as seen on the C10), but the two colour options from launch, dark grey or a lighter shadow grey, has been trimmed to only dark grey for the CKD version.

  Other standard fit items for the B10 include automatic folding side mirrors, rain sensing wipers, 64-way ambient lighting, rear privacy windows, an electric tailgate, a 12-speaker sound system and four USB ports (one 12 watt Type-A, one 60 watt Type-C at the front, and one 12 watt Type-A and one 15 watt Type-C for the rear).

  

  The Dawn Purple exterior colour seen on the CBU version has been dropped for CKD.

  The move to CKD also introduces a third option to access and operate the start function for the car. Joining the original key card system and mobile phone app is an optional physical remote key fob. Available for both new and existing owners, the key fob allows one to enter the car in a normal keyless manner, without having to first tap the wing mirror with the key card or use your phone.

  However, the start procedure still requires either the key card to be placed on the centre console, or a PIN. More importantly, it will cost those who want one RM500 for a unit, the price including configuration.

  Finally, besides the downsizing of the interior colour options to one, as mentioned earlier, the exterior choices have also been trimmed. When it was launched, five exterior colours were offered for the B10, these being Starry Night Blue, Dawn Purple, Pearly White, Tundra Grey, and Metallic Black. Local assembly has scaled it down to four, with Dawn Purple dropped from the choice list.

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• Car-less for a long time due to warranty repairs? Seek transport cost compensation – KPDN deputy minister

  In Cars, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 7 September 2026 4:05 pm

  

  Ever been without wheels for a long time because your car was undergoing some major warranty repairs in the service centre? Well, deputy domestic trade and cost of living (KPDN) minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh has put forward that you can seek compensation in the form of payment for rental vehicles or e-hailing, as long as you can prove the expenses were caused by your vehicle being unusable, The Star reports.

  “Consumers should not be left to bear the burden themselves when the repair or replacement of a major component takes too long,” she said, adding that those who complied with warranty requirements and sent their vehicles to authorised service centres should not only be given fair consideration when prolonged repairs left them car-less, but be provided with replacement vehicles, mobility assistance or appropriate compensation.

  “Reasonable alternative transport costs, if proven to have resulted from the vehicle being unusable due to the failure, may be considered as part of a compensation claim,” Fuziah said, adding that for cases still unsolved after dealing with the supplier or service centre, the customer can file claims with the consumer claims tribunal.

  

  Under Section 41(1)(a) of the Consumer Protection Act, consumers may require a supplier to remedy a failure within a reasonable time, while Section 41(2) allows compensation for proven losses or damage resulting from the failure of the parts.

  Fuziah however said that under the law, there is currently no maximum period stipulated for completing vehicle repairs, and what constitutes a “reasonable time” depends on on factors including the nature of the damage, spare parts availability and technical complexity, but KPDN would study if clearer parameters or a reasonable timeframe should be established.

  “Any mechanism to be introduced needs to be refined with stakeholders to ensure it is practical and fair, without creating uncertainty for consumers or the industry,” she said, adding that the ministry is aware of customers’ concerns over the financial impact of prolonged spare-parts delays and loss of vehicle use.

  

  “The ministry is always open to examining whether there is a need to strengthen existing mechanisms, including the responsibilities of industry towards consumers who lose the use of their vehicles for an unreasonable period due to delays in warranty repairs,” she said.

  The KPDN deputy minister reiterated that the ministry is studying the right-to-repair concept, which gives owners more access to technical information, spare parts and equipment needed to repair their vehicles.

  “During the warranty period, owners are encouraged to go to authorised workshops because the warranty could be voided otherwise. However, when the warranty period ends, consumers have the option to choose other workshops. Currently, our country does not yet have the authority to access this information. However, this matter is being considered in the context of consumer rights,” she said in July.

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• Letbe Mecha scooter in Malaysia next year? To come in 125, 150 or 200 cc variants?

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 7 September 2026 2:45 pm

  

  Chinese motorcycle brand Letbe could introduce its first model in Malaysia as early as next year, with the Mecha scooter understood to be among the models being considered by local distributor MForce Bike Holdings. Letbe made its Malaysian debut at the MForce MotoXperience event in May, and information received by Paultan.org suggests the brand’s first Malaysian model will be a scooter.

  In its home market, the Mecha is offered with three engine capacities – 125 cc, 150 cc and 200 cc. It is not yet known which version, or versions, MForce could bring to Malaysia. All three variants use a single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine with Euro 5+ emissions compliance, paired with a CVT automatic transmission.

  The 125 cc version produces 12 hp and 12.5 Nm, while the 150 cc model develops 16 hp and 14.7 Nm. The range-topping 200 cc variant makes 17.5 hp and 17.6 Nm. The Mecha stands out with a distinctive, boxy design and comes with LED headlamps and tail lamps, along with illuminated Letbe branding and side panels that change colour.

  

  

  

  

  Other features include a spacious footboard and a standard luggage rack at the rear. The Mecha rolls on a 14-inch front wheel and 13-inch rear wheel, suspended by a telescopic fork in front and twin gas-charged rear shock absorbers.

  Braking hardware consists of Nissin calipers at both ends, with dual-channel ABS fitted as standard. The Mecha also gets traction control and a tyre-pressure monitoring system. Rider information is displayed on a TFT instrument panel, while storage space is provided underneath the seat and two compartments inside the front cowl.

  

  The left-side compartment houses a 12-Volt power socket together with USB-A and USB-C ports, while the right-side compartment features an emergency keyhole. Other equipment includes a 12-litre fuel tank, smart keyless entry and an engine automatic start-stop function with a seat height of 766 mm and 145 kg listed weight.

  For now, MForce has not confirmed which Letbe models will be introduced in Malaysia, or whether the Mecha will be among them. If launched locally, however, the scooter’s combination of distinctive styling and relatively comprehensive equipment could make it an interesting addition to the Malaysian scooter market.

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• Budget for rural road projects not cut, funding allocation has been fully channeled, says finance ministry

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 7 September 2026 2:28 pm

  

  Claims that there have been budget cuts or restrictions on the rural and regional development ministry’s (KKDW) allocation for rural road projects have been refuted by the finance ministry, with treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Johan Mahmood Merican stating that all approved funds had been fully channelled.

  In a statement issued last week, he said that recent payment delays to contractors was due to KKDW exhausting nearly its entire current-year allocation due to years of overspending beyond its approved parliamentary budgets, as the New Straits Times reported.

  “Every ministry is responsible for planning and managing its expenditure based on the annual budget approved by parliament. There have been no restrictions placed on KKDW’s allocation for rural roads, with the funds fully disbursed. The payment constraints faced by contractors occurred because the current year’s allocation has already been almost entirely spent,” he said.

  Johan said that in order to resolve the cash flow bottlenecks and clear payment arrears owed to contractors, the finance ministry is working closely with KKDW to reprioritise its existing budget. With that, the ministry has approved an additional RM300 million allocation for 2026 to help settle outstanding payments, while also working to identify cost savings from other ministries to help cover KKDW’s excess financial commitments.

  Data released by the ministry showed that KKDW consistently overcommitted its annual budget for rural road projects over the past four years. In 2022, the ministry spent its entire RM1.1 billion allocation. In following years, expenditure outstripped allocation, with RM1.8 billion used against a RM1.1 billion budget in 2023, RM2 billion spent against a RM1.3 billion allocation in 2024, and RM2.3 billion forked out against a RM1.6 billion budget in 2025. For 2026, KKDW has already spent RM1.9 billion of its approved RM2.1 billion allocation as of June.

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• Volkswagen Group confirms cutting model range by 50%, variants by up to 75%; another 50,000 jobs to be cut

  In International News, Volkswagen / by Mick Chan / 7 September 2026 2:16 pm

  

  The supervisory board of the Volkswagen Group has unanimously approved Future Plan 2030, an initiative that will see the automotive group reduce its model range across the group by 50% and the number of model trims and variants by up to 75%.

  This is an official confirmation of the group’s previously reported reduction in product offering which would also see production capacity reduced from 10 million cars to nine million car annually.

  The group’s focus on fewer model variants aim to bring higher volumes per model, lower costs and stronger economies of scale, while the group is tailoring its vehicle platforms, electronic architectures, driver assistance systems and software to the needs of Western and Eastern hemispheres, the group said.

  

  “We are taking responsibility for our entire workforce, for our partners and for industrial jobs worldwide. Over the coming years, we will invest a three-figure billion sum to make our iconic brands even more attractive, stronger and more competitive,” Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume said in the group’s statement.

  The Volkswagen Group acknowledged that its European production capacity exceeds demands by more than 500,000 units, and said that “a competitive future production allocation cannot currently be secured” for the Emden, Zwickau, Hanover and Neckarsulm plants.

  As such, alternative uses for these plants are being assessed, it said, suggesting that the excess production capacity could be offered to other brands. The Emden plant makes the ID.4 and ID.7, the Zwickau plant makes the ID.3, Q4 e-tron and ID.4, and the Neckarsulm plant makes a range of Audi models such as the A5, A6, A8 and e-tron GT.

  

  

  In addition to the group’s reduction in vehicle offerings and production capacity, Future Plan 2030 sees that a further 50,000 jobs will have to be cut group wide. The reduced headcount aims to brings “leaner leadership structures, clear accountability and shorter lines of decision making empower teams to act faster and take greater ownership,” the group stated.

  Separately, A German news outlet reported that the Seat brand will be dropped in 2029 in favour of Cupra. However, while the Volkswagen Group has not mentioned Seat with regard to Future Plan 2030, Seat has issued its statement.

  “The SEAT brand remains an important part of SEAT S.A. and has a clear product roadmap for the coming years. The company will continue with the launches and product updates already planned, including the introduction of mild-hybrid versions of the Ibiza and Arona planned for 2027. Beyond the current product cycle, however, the future direction of the SEAT brand remains under assessment,” the statement wrote.

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• 2026 Mazda CX-5 Malaysia launch Oct 8 – more practical 3rd gen, 2.5L only, no physical controls, RM170k est

  In Cars, Local News, Mazda / by Jonathan Lee / 7 September 2026 1:20 pm

  

  It’s official – the new Mazda CX-5 will be launched in Malaysia next month on October 8. The third-generation C-segment SUV is set to arrive more than a year after it was revealed to the world last July, and nearly four months after it was previewed at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) in June.

  Carrying estimated pricing of RM170,000, the new CX-5 is expected to be sold as a CBU import, with CKD local assembly to kick off in “about 12 to 16 months.” It’ll be sold concurrently with the popular second-gen model, said Bermaz Auto executive chairman Ben Yeoh.

  At KLIMS, the new CX-5 was shown with a 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated e-Skyactiv G four-cylinder engine, paired with a 24-volt mild hybrid system. In markets outside emissions regs-choked Europe, it produces 181 PS and 242 Nm of torque, supplemented by a 6.5 PS/60.5 Nm electric motor.

  

  Certain markets like Australia and Indonesia, however, receive a non-mild hybrid set up that is punchier despite shorn of the electric gubbins, making 188 PS and 257 Nm on RON95 fuel. Both engines are paired with a six-speed Skyactiv-Drive auto with front- or all-wheel drive.

  The new CX-5 has been designed with a focus on improving the nameplate’s mediocre practicality. To that end, it gets a much longer wheelbase to increase interior space and handling stability, along with wider-opening rear doors, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats and a boot that’s now 61 litres larger than before, all in the name of making this car more versatile than the last.

  The aforementioned wheelbase stretch has been accompanied by increased dimensions all around to maintain the CX-5’s general shape and proportions. Measuring 4,690 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,695 mm tall, the new car is 115 mm longer (all of it going to the 2,815 mm wheelbase), 15 mm wider and 15 mm taller than the old one.

  

  While the exterior (which gains a black frame around the Kodo grille and CX-60-style taillights following a new “Wearable Gear” concept) is largely recognisable, the interior has been completely redesigned – and not necessarily for the better. There’s a massive new touchscreen that measures either 12.9 inches or 15.6 inches across, coinciding with the dispensing of most physical buttons and switches, including the air-con controls.

  The display comes with Google services built in, such as Google Maps, Gemini generative AI voice control and the Google Play app store, a Mazda first. You also now get a full 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a Qi wireless charger, and as before, you can spec the CX-5 with a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a panoramic glass roof.

  Over to you now – are you excited for the new Mazda CX-5, or would the changes make you buy the existing second-gen model while you still can? Let us know in the comments.

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• Leapmotor C10, B10 EVs now CKD locally assembled in Gurun – optional physical key fob for new, existing cars

  In Cars, Leapmotor, Local News / by Danny Tan / 7 September 2026 12:22 pm

  

  Stellantis Malaysia has announced that the Leapmotor C10 and B10 EVs are now locally assembled at Stellantis’ Gurun, Kedah plant, and will be available at all dealers nationwide.

  Stellantis – which holds a stake in Leapmotor and markets the carmaker’s products outside of China – invested a total of 5.3 million euros (RM24.9 million) in the development of localised production capabilities, alongside production line and infrastructure upgrades at the Gurun plant, which it acquired from Naza in 2021.

  Leapmotor and Stellantis operate under a unified global compliance framework, ensuring uncompromising manufacturing standards across all locally assembled units, the company said in a statement.

  

  CKD brings some changes to Leapmotor’s electric SUVs. The D-segment C10 gains two new paint colours – Violet and Lightning White join Canopy Grey and Glazed Green. Only the green comes with a Camel Brown interior; the others are paired with black. Powered by a 218 hp/320 Nm motor, the RM129,000 C10 comes with a 69.9 kWh battery pack that’s good for 424 km WLTP range.

  Meanwhile, the C-segment B10 is available in a single Design variant (no more base Life) for RM118,800, and one can choose from four colours – Starry Night Blue, Tundra Grey, Metallic Black and Light White. All come with a Dark Grey interior. The B10 is powered by a 218 PS/240 Nm motor juiced by a 67.1 kWh battery pack. WLTP range is 434 km.

  Interestingly, Leapmotor is now offering an optional physical remote key fob for both new and existing owners. The key fob allows one to enter the car in a normal keyless manner, without having to first tap the wing mirror with the key card or use your phone. However, the start procedure still requires either the key card to be placed on the centre console, or a PIN. Contact your dealer for details and pricing.

  Click these links for more on the Leapmotor C10 and B10 SUVs.

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• E-hailing companies encouraged to provide female driver option for female passengers – transport minster

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 7 September 2026 11:52 am

  

  E-hailing companies are encouraged to provide its female passengers with the option of selecting female drivers as part of efforts to improve safety and comfort of e-hailing services, transport minister Anthony Loke has said, reported Bernama.

  This option would provide female passengers with an alternative that prioritises their well-being when using e-hailing services, Loke said.

  “This is a feature that I hope our women leaders can promote. When using e-hailing services, one of the available options should be the ability to choose a female driver,” said the transport minister, who also urged e-hailing companies to introduce car-pooling options exclusively for women.

  

  In 2022, AirAsia Ride introduced the LadiesONLY service which offered female passengers the option to ride with female drivers, and conversely also allowed female drivers to only pick up female passengers. This was preceded by Riding Pink which was established in 2016.

  Meanwhile for rail services, safety measures continue to be strengthened through the provision of women-only coaches, following frequent complaints received by the transport ministry regarding sexual harassment, particularly during peak hours. Women comprise nearly two-thirds of all rail passengers, making their protection a priority, Loke said.

  Women’s train coaches were introduced on the MRT Kajang Line in September 2023, followed by the MRT Putrajaya Line in April 2024. The KTM Komuter service introduced its ladies’ coach service in April 2010.

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• Malaysia’s fuel supply currently stable but oil prices may stay elevated for two to three years – Nurhisham

  In Local News / by Gerard Lye / 7 September 2026 11:48 am

  

  According to Nurhisham Hussein, economic adviser to the prime minister, Malaysia’s fuel supply remains stable for now despite tighter global supplies. He added that the government is confident of securing sufficient supplies through to the end of the year, reports NST.

  Nurhisham noted out that the global fuel situation remained fluid, with risks skewed towards higher prices due to geopolitical tensions as well as disruptions to key shipping routes. As alluded before, Malaysia is a net crude oil importer but a net exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

  Countries are likely to rebuild their oil reserves when prices return to more reasonable levels of about USD80 a barrel. “So, we will have a very slow rebuilding of reserves by these countries, but that implies as well that over the next two to three years oil prices will continue to be elevated. It might not shoot up, but it will continue to be elevated. It’s still a very fluid situation as far as fuels are concerned,” explained Nurhisham.

  Despite the West Asia conflict, the Suez Canal and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait remained open, but there are other factors that affect global oil supply like damage to Russian facilities and the United States blockade of Iranian exports. The depletion of oil reserves also affects supply and contributes to uncertainty in the global energy market.

  Nurhisham pointed out that said China’s rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has helped to moderate global oil demand. “At the same time, Chinese refineries were operating at 80-90% capacity originally because of external demand, so they’re actually doing a lot of exports as well,” he said.

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• Putrajaya police seize 14 vehicles in anti-road hooligan operation – 13 motorcycles, one car

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 7 September 2026 11:06 am

  

  Putrajaya police seized 14 vehicles, including 13 motorcycles and one car, during an integrated operation targeting road hooligans, illegal racing and excessive noise in the federal administrative capital. The operation, dubbed Ops Bersepadu Samseng Jalanan, was conducted by the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) of the Putrajaya district police headquarters (IPD Putrajaya) from 11 pm on September 5 to 8 am on September 6.

  It covered a section of Lebuh Sentosa between KM2.9 and KM4.0, with the operation involving one senior police officer and 21 personnel from JSPT, the MPV and URB units of IPD Putrajaya, as well as personnel from the Presint 7 police station. According to police, the operation focused on inspections, patrols and monitoring of road users and motorcycle groups suspected of being involved in illegal racing and road hooligan activities.

  The operation followed complaints from members of the public regarding excessive noise and activities of motorcycle groups, or mat rempit, in the Putrajaya area. During a road closure, five motorcycles were found abandoned by their riders underneath the Lebuh Wawasan flyover with the motorcycles subsequently taken to the police station for further action.

  

  In total, 14 vehicles were seized under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, while 35 Pol 257 summonses were issued with no arrests made during the operation. Police said the operation also incorporated an awareness programme, including congregational Subuh prayers and advocacy sessions highlighting the dangers of illegal racing and road gangster activities.

  The initiative was aimed particularly at young people, with police stressing the importance of avoiding activities that could endanger themselves and other road users. Members of the public are urged to continue providing information and lodging complaints with the authorities to assist police in curbing activities that threaten road safety and public order.

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• Police reminds cyclists: not all roads are suitable for cycling especially highways, must follow road rules

  In Bikes, Local Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 7 September 2026 10:43 am

  

  Not all roads are suitable for cycling, particularly highways designed to accommodate motor vehicles travelling at high speeds, says police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT). JSPT reminded cyclists to understand where cycling is permitted and where it is prohibited, while also being aware of the risks involved should an accident occur.

  A JSPT infographic highlighted several dangers faced by cyclists on high-speed roads, including the significant difference in speed between bicycles and motor vehicles. A minor mistake or momentary lapse in attention can result in a serious accident, while collisions on highways could lead to severe injuries or even death.

  “Do not put your life at risk simply because you want to continue your ride,” JSPT said in a reminder to cyclists. Cyclists are also urged to comply with traffic regulations, use appropriate safety equipment and respect other road users at all times, police saying cycling is a shared right and responsibility.

  

  Acknowledging cycling is a healthy activity, while being cost efficient, environmentally friendly and reducing road traffic, police said cyclists should always practice road safety and avoid highways and expressways, avoid riding on flyovers, and disrupting traffic. Penalties pertinent to cyclists include Section 54(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for dangerous or reckless riding with a fine of between RM1,000 to RM5,000, or 12 months jail.

  Also applicable is Section 79(2) of the same Act, with a fine of between RM300 to RM2,000 for failing to obey posted road signs. Cyclists are further reminded authorities can seize their bicycles under Section 64 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

  JSPT stressed there is no compromise on any actions that endanger the safety of other road users. The reminder comes as cycling continues to be a popular recreational and fitness activity in Malaysia, with cyclists advised to choose routes that are appropriate and safe for two-wheeled use rather than roads designed primarily for high-speed motor traffic.

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• Puspakom to open seven days a week from Nov, plans to extend operations to 24 hours a day from January 2027

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 7 September 2026 10:25 am

  

  Puspakom plans to open everyday starting from November and begin 24-hour operations from January next year. According to its CEO Mahmood Razak Bahman, this will provide customers with greater convenience when it comes to vehicle inspections, Bernama reports.

  He said the implementation of the 24-hour operations would depend on public response to the extension of operating hours to seven days a week, as well as the availability of sufficient manpower. “As for 24-hour operations, the target is to launch them next January, subject to public response to the seven-day operation, workforce readiness and operational capacity,” he told the national news agency.

  He said the vehicle inspection provider has had discussions with the national union of commercial workers (NUCW) and the Puspakom staff union to gauge their views on the new operating scheme, which will provide more reasonable working hours of eight to 10 hours per day compared with the current 12 hours, as well as two rest days a week instead of one.

  

  Mahmood said that the new planned schedule is part of Puspakom’s efforts to modernise its services, with enhanced on-site inspection services to make the inspection process more convenient for vehicle owners also part of the programme.

  He said the initiative was supported by various interactive activities, including the recently concluded GiCheck Auto Weekend 2026, which delivered road safety messages to the public through hands-on and practical engagement. Measures such as these are expected to improve Puspakom’s overall operational efficiency while strengthening ties between the vehicle inspection agency and the local community, he said.

  “Through GiCheck Auto Weekend, we aim to make road safety education more accessible, engaging and relevant to Malaysians, while raising public awareness of the vital role vehicle inspections play in keeping our roads safe,” he said.

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• Proton S70 Lite and Prime now open for booking – i-GT 1.5L NA engine with CVT, starts from below RM60k est

  In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Danny Tan / 7 September 2026 10:22 am

  

  Click to enlarge

  Proton has officially announced the S70 Lite and Prime variants, powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and CVT gearbox. These two variants sit below the turbocharged variants and will be priced accordingly – estimated to start from below RM60,000, Proton says.

  The carmaker says that these NA S70 variants are ‘designed for customers who value comfort, practicality and ease of everyday driving at an affordable price’ and that they ‘bring a smooth and relaxed experience’. Sounds like a more suitable Teksi Madani car than this.

  The S70 Lite and Prime’s biggest change is the switch from a turbo-DCT powertrain combo to a NA-CVT pairing. In the latest Saga MC3, Proton’s entry sedan, the i-GT 1.5-litre engine puts out 120 PS at 6,100 rpm and 150 Nm of torque between 4,000 and 5,000 rpm (that’s a hefty 61 PS/140 Nm down on the S70 MC1 turbo).

  

  Click to enlarge

  For the Saga, the BHE15PFI four-cylinder engine is mated to a Punch VT3+ clutch-based CVT in the Premium variant (lesser variants use an Aisin 4AT).

  Will this Saga Premium combination be carried over wholesale to the S70? That would be an easy presumption; however, we notice that the supplied image above shows a torque convertor in the transmission, so it’s likely to be not the Punch CVT and possibly the Wanliyang (WLY) CVT used in the Geely Emgrand. Elsewhere, the WLY CVT has an eight-speed simulation mode.

  The previous-generation Emgrand, which the S70 is based on, is also available with a conventional six-speed automatic in certain markets, but it looks like Proton/Geely decided that CVT is a better fit for the Malaysian market. It also matches the transmission choice of rivals Toyota Vios and Honda City.

  

  Click to enlarge

  Powertrain aside, Proton claims 10 class-leading features for the new S70 variants, which are class-leading cabin space, rear passenger shoulder room, soft-touch instrument panel, all auto up/down windows with anti-trap, electric parking brake with auto brake hold, remote engine start, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ‘Rear Side Radar System’, reverse camera and rear seat reminder.

  Other features include leatherette seats, five USB ports, six airbags and front/rear parking sensors, with equipment varying by variant.

  The Rear Side Radar System (RSRS) provides blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, door opening warning and rear collision warning. Basically, all the side and rear stuff – no AEB, as that’s reserved for the Flagship along with adaptive cruise control.

  

  Click to enlarge

  Based on the supplied images, we can see a full black grille, i-GT emblem on the boot and GitiComfort tyres with 17-inch alloys on what’s likely to be the Prime, the costlier of the two NA variants. No full-width rear light bar.

  UPDATE: We’ve obtained the brochure and here are the differences between Lite and Prime, kit wise.

  Six airbags and the RSRS pack are standard on the Lite, which also gets the EPB, cruise control, halogen headlamps, LED daytime running lamps. 16-inch alloys, fabric seats, an 8.0-inch infotainment head unit, wireless AACP, reverse camera, remote engine start and rear parking sensors.

  The Prime adds on LED headlamps to match the DRLs, automatic headlamps, auto-fold door mirrors, the 17-inch alloys you see here, leatherette seats and steering wheel, auto air con and front parking sensors. There are five colours – Quartz Black, Space Grey, Snow White, Marine Blue and Armour Silver.

  

  

  Click to enlarge

  How does the kit list compare to the turbo range? Very well, actually. On the exterior, the Prime gets 17-inch wheels, which is only available from the Flagship onwards in the turbo. Now, even the Lite gets AACP and a reverse camera, things that the Executive turbo doesn’t have. As for AACP, it’s a Flagship-only feature in the turbo.

  This points to a realignment for the turbo to make things less awkward, and we’re expecting the 1.5T range to get a more extensive facelift soon to set it apart from the Lite/Prime NA variants.

  The revision should include a visual update, added kit and perhaps a new interior to match the current X50 facelift. The design could be handled by Proton as the S70’s Emgrand base has already been replaced by an all-new generation in China. Check out the mules with quad tailpipes.

  

  

  Expect a facelift for the S70 turbo to set it apart from the NA – click to enlarge

  Anyway, order books are now open for the S70 Lite and S70 Prime variants and prices are estimated to start from below RM60,000 for the Lite. Final pricing will be announced at the official launch, with no hint or target month/quarter given. Coincidentally, this announcement comes just as Honda is rolling out the City facelift.

  By the way, the S70 turbo range with 181 PS/290 Nm is priced from RM69k for the Executive to RM90k for the Flagship X, so below RM60k for the NA sounds about right? Also, would it be a good deal if the price difference between the variants is RM10k? Check out the brochure scans below.

  Finally, customers who book and register the S70 Lite and Prime variants by December 31, 2026 will be eligible for an ‘exclusive early bird reward’, which will be announced at the launch. Based on what we know so far, what do you think of the ‘S70 NA’ as a replacement for the Iriz-based Persona?

  

  

  Proton S70 Lite and Prime specifications – click to enlarge

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• Pahang JPJ issues 1,447 saman, seizes 197 vehicles driven by foreigners – no lesen, road tax, insurance

  In Cars, Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 7 September 2026 10:22 am

  

  The Pahang road transport department (JPJ) has issued 1,447 saman and seized 197 vehicles for various offences under the Operasi Pemandu Warga Asing (Ops PeWA), which targets errant non-Malaysian drivers, Bernama reports.

  Conducted from June 16 to August 31, the operation uncovered offences including driving without a licence, expired road tax, driving without insurance and technical violations.

  “Vehicles seized under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 will be released after the cases are settled in court and the fines imposed have been paid,” the Pahang JPJ said in a statement, adding that the public can report offences involving foreign drivers directly to JPJ or via the MyJPJ app under e-Aduan@JPJ, or by emailing [email protected], with complete details.

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• BYD to announce Malaysia EV development plan within a week – own Tanjong Malim plant, or Inokom CKD?

  In BYD, Local News / by Paul Tan / 6 September 2026 8:59 pm

  

  The question of how BYD will put down assembly roots in Malaysia is about to be answered. The company will reveal its EV development plan for Malaysia within a week, according to BYD vice-president and general manager of its Asia Pacific auto sales division, Liu Xueliang.

  Speaking to Malaysian media in Shenzhen, Liu was asked whether BYD would work with a local partner or set up its own manufacturing operations here. “Wait another week and we will announce it,” he said, as reported by Bernama.

  “We will continue to explore, together with local partners, how we can better support the development of Malaysia’s new energy vehicle industry,” Liu added.

  The announcement will land at a pivotal time. Malaysia’s tax exemption for imported CBU electric vehicles expired at the end of 2025, and since July 1 this year, imported CBU EVs must have a minimum CIF value of RM200,000 and at least 180 kW (245 PS) – rules that effectively shut fully-imported, affordable EVs out of the market. For a brand whose Malaysian line-up leans heavily on sub-RM200k models like the Atto 3 and Seal 6, local assembly is now the only way forward.

  BYD confirmed plans for its own CKD plant in Tanjong Malim, Perak back in August 2025, but progress appears to have stalled since – as of last month, MITI said no official decision had been made on the plant.

  Meanwhile, the contract-assembly route has been gathering steam. Liu himself visited the Sime Motors Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah in May, hinting at Sime Motors becoming BYD’s local contract-assembly partner – an arrangement that would sit well with MITI’s preference for EV makers to work with local partners rather than build new factories of their own. Just this week, the Sime Motors leadership team visited BYD’s Shenzhen headquarters for talks on “strategic priorities and areas of mutual interest”.

  Beyond manufacturing, Liu also singled out East Malaysia as a growth area for the brand. “We believe East Malaysia still has significant room for development, but first, we hope to have suitable models,” he said. Given the popularity of pickup trucks in Borneo, could we be looking at a locally assembled BYD Shark?

  So, own plant in Tanjong Malim or contract assembly at Inokom with Sime Motors? All signs point to the latter, but we’ll know for certain within the week – stay tuned.

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• 2026 Honda City facelift in Malaysia – RS petrol, e:HEV previewed; 10-inch touchscreen, 360-degree cam, BLIS

  In Cars, Honda, Local News / by Anthony Lim / 4 September 2026 9:57 pm

  

  Following the opening of the order books for it at the end of last month, the 2026 Honda City facelift is now on the ground in Malaysia, with the B-segment offering making its first public appearance in the Klang Valley in its sedan form at a series of pop-up previews, which runs until Sunday. On show at the one-day showcase today at Alamanda, Putrajaya, was a RS petrol sedan example.

  First unveiled in India in May before making its Southeast Asian debut in Thailand a month later, it’s the second facelift for the fifth-generation version of the sedan, which arrived here in October 2020 before it was replaced by its first facelift, in August 2023.

  The exterior rework for the GN2 this round brings about a sharper front end, with slimmer headlights (bi-LED projectors, as shown by the RS) and a new bumper, with different lower profiles depending on model grades – on the RS, the central air intake has a sharper, upturned design, while the non-RS variants will come with a less edgier downturned styling, flanked by aggressive-looking air curtain elements finished in black.

  

  The honeycomb grille has also been slimmed down, with the Honda logo now relocated from the grille to the upper part of the body-coloured ‘unibrow’ element. On the RS, there’s a light bar running across the width of the grille, which presumably won’t be seen on the lower grade models.

  Meanwhile, the logo itself continues with the old rectangular badge, not the automaker’s new ‘H’ mark, and interestingly, the unit on the e:HEV (shown at another pop-up display) doesn’t have the blue outline element that the company usually uses to distinguish its hybrids, the unit on the car having a full black background.

  At the back, the shape is a bit more familiar, but some changes dress up the car in a sportier manner, at least in the case of the RS. The trapezoidal tail light design has been carried over, but the unit on the RS now gets an ‘albino’ look, its internal design elements presented in a mix of clear and black, with in red when the lights are on).

  

  

  

  Elsewhere, there’s a redesigned rear bumper, that on the RS dressed with a black grille-like “mesh” centre, a diffuser-like insert, twin “tusks” and vertical reflectors. With plenty of black elements, in this case a trunk spoiler extension, door handles, shark fin antenna and side mirror covers, the RS mimics the Civic RS in visual approach.

  The RS also gets new wheels, in this case turbine-style 16-inch alloys – finished in Berlina Black with a darkened machined face, they are wrapped with 185/55 profile Toyo Proxes R57 rubbers.

  Unlike the exterior, there aren’t that many changes on the inside, but some upgrades have come about. The dashboard trim on the RS moves away from the all-red finish previously to a more textured silver finish (with a red accent line), and it also gains ambient lighting.

  

  There is also a new, larger 10-inch Display Audio infotainment touchscreen, which we have been told will be found in the V variant onward, with the existing 8.0-inch DA continuing on elsewhere. The new 10-inch screen comes with the 360-degree camera system that was added to the City earlier this year and has now been updated with a multi-view angle and moving object detection interface.

  A switch has been added to the tip of the left steering column stalk to provide users with the ability to cycle through all the angles. Some observations about the floating touchscreen, as noted during the preview – visual clarity of the unit is good, but its angling does feel a tad too slanted.

  Meanwhile, the seat upholstery on the RS has also been revised in terms of presentation – the central stitching on the previous facelift’s front seats has been ditched, the unit now plain, and the reddish contrast perforation surface on the spine seen previously has been relocated, now placed on the sides.

  

  

  

  Elsewhere, the e:HEV RS gets a new wireless mobile charger located on the forward part of the centre console. However, the sports pedals on the new RS versions move to a two-piece set-up, losing the alloy footrest seen previously. Speaking of omissions, the Malaysian-spec City will not get the ventilated seats or sunroof seen in other markets.

  Safety-wise, the City facelift will continue to come equipped with Honda Sensing as standard. The driver assist suite includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with (e:HEV RS-exclusive) stop and go, lane centring assist, road departure mitigation, front departure alert and auto high beam.

  New to the 2026 car is blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and this works with the existing LaneWatch camera – still accessible from the right steering column stalk – to now provide alerts to the driver on both sides (camera for left side, blind spot monitor for right side).

  

  

  

  There are no mechanical changes, and so powertrain options continue as they are from before. Petrol models will feature the familiar L15Z 1.5 litre DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder offering 121 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4,300 rpm, paired with an Earth Dreams CVT.

  Likewise, the i-MMD system on the e:HEV hybrid is unchanged. The system consists of a primary electric traction motor with 109 PS and 253 Nm providing drive through a single-speed transmission, with an Atkinson-cycle version of the 1.5 litre mill acting as a generator to recharge the battery. The engine, which has 98 PS from 5,600 to 6,400 rpm and 127 Nm between 4,500 and 5,000 rpm, can also clutch in to provide mechanical drive at higher running speeds.

  Some final notes about model grades. The current City facelift is available in five variants (petrol S, E, V and RS, and hybrid e:HEV RS), but word on the grapevine indicates that the range for the new car is set to be trimmed to four. With both RS petrol and e:HEV variants being shown at the pop-up previews, this likely means that one of the petrol variants won’t make the cut.

  

  As for pricing, nothing has yet been suggested, but for reference, that for the outgoing car starts from RM84,900 for the S grade, moving up to RM89,900 for the E and RM94,900 for the V, with the petrol RS going for RM99,900. The City sedan range tops out with the e:HEV RS, which retails for RM111,900..

  Anoraks will have noted that the ASEAN debut of the City facelift saw the hatchback being launched alongside the sedan. The refreshed City Hatchback is set to make its way here, but it will get its own launch when the time comes.

  GALLERY: 2026 Honda City sedan facelift, petrol RS

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  GALLERY: 2026 Honda City sedan facelift, e:HEV RS

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• Mitsubishi Pajero lineup to be expanded with two smaller models, including kei car, China-rivalling compact SUV

  In Cars, International News, Mitsubishi / by Jonathan Lee / 4 September 2026 7:26 pm

  

  During the world premiere of the new Mitsubishi Pajero, you might have caught a glimpse of the diamond brand’s plans for a revitalised lineup. President and COO Keisuke Kishiura said the company will offer two more models sitting below the Triton-based regular Pajero, which replaces both the Pajero Sport and the full-fat Pajero that was discontinued in 2021.

  Those models are a “compact SUV and a small SUV”, with silhouettes being shown on screen. The former appears to take the form of a kei car, marking the nameplate’s return to the city car segment since the Pajero Mini.

  This would enable Mitsubishi to field a rival to the Suzuki Jimny (as an aside, the one that we get, sporting fender flares, larger bumpers and a 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine in place of a 658 cc turbo triple, is badged the Jimny Sierra in Japan). However, it’s unlikely that the Pajero-badged model will be built on a similarly rugged ladder-frame chassis, instead likely sharing its unibody underpinnings with the existing eK.

  

  This Pajero Mini was the only Pajero kei car

  Of perhaps more importance is the “small SUV” that is expected to hold much more global appeal – a less massive, less expensive version of the new Pajero. This could take one of two forms, with the first being a shrunken-down ladder-frame model in the vein of the global Jimny and the new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ.

  This would retain a prodigious amount of off-road capability, meaning that the Pajero moniker loses none of its credibility. A body-on-frame model could also be twinned with the forthcoming Nissan Xterra, meaning that it may be offered in the US as the Montero. However, such a car would limit its appeal to outdoorsy types, and with fuel prices being as volatile as they are these days, efficiency is a massive consideration for mainstream buyers.

  As such, we could see the smaller Pajero move back to a unibody construction, perhaps utilising the Outlander and Nissan X-Trail‘s Common Modular Family (CMF) platform. This would put the car in the bustling C-segment, which includes not just traditional Japanese rivals like the Honda CR-V but also the horde of Chinese competition that Mitsubishi has ceded plenty of market share to over the past few years.

  

  The Pajero iO could form the template for a unibody SUV with rugged styling

  Again, Mitsubishi has had previous experience, offering the Pajero iO from 1998 to 2007. This Pininfarina-designed unibody soft-roader had full-sized Pajero looks but used the Lancer’s petrol engines. It was even offered in Malaysia at one point, replacing its larger sibling.

  A new version would thus enable Mitsubishi to capitalise on the resurgence of the ruggedly-styled SUV. Chinese examples like the electric iCaur V23 and especially the very popular Jetour T2 ape the designs of legacy 4x4s while offering consumers the comfort and efficiency of a unibody vehicle. With the Pajero’s brand equity still strong, the company could steal sales from those cars and transform its fortunes.

  Over to you now. Which form would you like the small Pajero to take – a tough, go-anywhere compact 4×4 or a passenger car-based model with all the looks but with a greater focus on on-road driving? Let us know in the comments below.

  GALLERY: 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero

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• Vietnam proposes gradual ban of petrol, diesel vehicles in Ho Chi Minh City low emissions zone from July 2027

  In International News / by Mick Chan / 4 September 2026 6:07 pm

  

  Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam has proposed a gradual ban of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles from downtown areas as part of a planned low emissions zone (LEZ) pilot programme from July 2027, reported Vietnamese newspaper Thanh Nien (via The Star).

  Under the proposal, the LEZ pilot programme would begin in the core downtown area and the new Thu Thiem urban area which covers around 390 hectares, according to the report.

  After a two-year pilot, the low emissions zone would be expanded to include the city’s Ring Road 2 from early 2029. This area already restricts heavy trucks and sleeper buses from the inner city during certain hours.

  Buses are the first group of vehicles required to convert, and these will need to be powered by electricity or clean energy when entering the LEZ from 2027. Buses will be followed by motorcycle taxis and delivery motorcycles, while other vehicle categories, such as taxis face later deadlines.

  This proposal for a low emissions zone in Ho Chi Minh City is subject to further review before it is formally approved, according to the report. In June, Hanoi planned to phase out petrol-powered ride-hailing motorcycles from low emissions zones, starting with voluntary restrictions before moving to a ban from January next year.

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• Geely to install 1,800 kW DC fast chargers to rival BYD Flash Charging – coming to global markets?

  In Cars, Geely, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 4 September 2026 3:58 pm

  

  It seems like Geely is not content with sitting at the sidelines watching BYD steal the headlines with its Flash Charging technology. The company is wading in with ultra-fast chargers of its own – and they could very well be headed to global markets, Autocar reports.

  Speaking to the British publication at the launch of the EX2 (known to you and me as the Proton eMas 5) there, country managing director Michael Yang said the UK was high on the priority list of overseas locations to receive the technology, given its status as a key market.

  “In China we are already developing an ultra-fast charging facility, where efficiency is rated at 1800 kW,” said
Yang. “And we also have Zeekr cars that are capable of ultra-rapid 900-volt charging on the roads, so the speed of development is very high.”

  

  A Geely solid-state battery shown at Auto China 2026

  The full potential of these chargers will be harnessed by solid-state batteries, which Yang said were “just a few months away” in China. This ties in with another report by CarNewsChina, which stated that Geely is set to begin pilot deployment of these batteries next year, boasting an energy density of 500 Wh per kg and enabling a range of over 1,000 km.

  More recently, the portal stated that Geely is working on a 1,000-volt electrical architecture that would help its cars surpass currently-achievable charging performance. The company is already touting BYD-beating charge times with a 900-volt Lynk & Co 10 sedan, which is capable of being charged from 10 to 80% in just five minutes and 32 seconds.

  Yang told Autocar not to expect these ultra-fast chargers to be rolled out in the UK so soon. “We are ambitious, but we also have to have a more pragmatic approach to the UK than China, because it’s very different.

  

  BYD’s 1,500 kW Flash Charging is the current gold standard

  “First, we’re aiming to give as many people access to charging as we can, with a wall charger at home. And then we will work to introduce cars capable of ultra-fast charging, which will require us to bring ultra-high-kilowatt chargers here. To do that, we will first have to work with charging partners.”

  Geely’s 1,800 kW chargers will use a similar battery energy storage system (BESS) to BYD’s Flash Charging to enable the high speeds without straining the local grid. The technology will be rolled out by its partners and will be open to all EVs and not just Geely’s, because “a charging station is just like a petrol station, and no petrol station can make enough money by providing a service to only brand or model.”

  While BYD has earmarked Malaysia as one of the first ASEAN markets to receive Flash Charging, don’t hold your breath for Proton-branded 1,800 kW chargers anytime soon, because the national carmaker likely won’t have any models that can take advantage of them. Instead, any sort of local deployment will likely fall on the shoulders of Zeekr, as a competitor to Denza that is rolling out those Flash Charging stations here.

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