It’s an electrifying season for the automotive world in Asia, as two major players—Malaysia’s Perodua and China’s Huawei—make bold moves into the electric vehicle (EV) arena. Each is charting a distinct path, but both are betting big on the future of smart mobility, innovative technology, and consumer-centric design. As the EV market heats up, their stories reflect not only the rapid evolution of the industry but also the unique approaches shaping the cars of tomorrow.
Perodua, long recognized as Malaysia’s second national car manufacturer, has thrown its hat into the EV ring with the launch of its very first electric model, the QV-E. According to Mothership, the QV-E is now available at an entry price of RM80,000 (about S$25,150), not including the cost of the battery—a detail that turns out to be more than just a footnote. Instead of bundling the battery with the car, Perodua is introducing what it calls a "Battery as a Service" model. For a monthly subscription fee of RM297 (S$93.40), which includes an 8 percent sales and service tax, customers lease the battery, ensuring what Perodua’s president and CEO Zainal Abidin Ahmad describes as "peace of mind" thanks to a lifetime battery guarantee.
Why lease the battery? The answer lies in addressing a common anxiety among EV buyers: battery longevity and replacement cost. Batteries are often the most expensive component of an electric car, and their gradual degradation has left many would-be owners worried about future expenses. By separating the battery cost from the vehicle and offering a lifetime guarantee, Perodua hopes to lower the psychological and financial barriers to EV adoption. The subscription fee is conveniently bundled into the monthly car loan installment, making the total monthly commitment for a nine-year loan tenure RM1,185 (S$372.50). This covers RM910 (S$286) for the car and RM275 (S$86.50) for the battery, providing a clear, predictable cost structure.
For those who prefer to pay for the car upfront, the battery subscription remains a separate, ongoing obligation, handled via Perodua’s P-Circle app. It’s a move designed to keep things simple for customers while ensuring that the battery—arguably the beating heart of any EV—remains under continuous warranty and monitoring. The QV-E itself comes in two sleek color options, Ice Blue and Caviar Grey, and is powered by a 52.5kW lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. With a driving range of up to 445 kilometers depending on conditions, the car is poised to meet the needs of daily commuters and weekend explorers alike.
The QV-E is the product of a substantial RM800 million (S$251.50 million) investment and is manufactured at Perodua’s new Smart Mobility Plant in Sungai Chih, Selangor. Production capacity currently stands at 500 units per month, but there are ambitious plans to ramp up to 3,000 units monthly by the third quarter of 2026. This signals Perodua’s confidence in the growing demand for electric vehicles in Malaysia and possibly beyond. As of December 2, 2025, the company is already looking ahead, aiming to make EVs a mainstream choice for Malaysian drivers.
Meanwhile, across the South China Sea, Huawei is making waves of its own. On November 20, 2025, the tech giant unveiled its new premium intelligent EV brand, Qijing, at the Qianqunkon Ecosystem Conference. As reported by Huawei News, Qijing is the result of a joint venture between Huawei and The Qi Jing Team, with significant investment from Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC). The brand is positioned as a youthful, high-end offering that promises not just style, but also cutting-edge intelligence and quality—a blend that’s increasingly in demand among discerning consumers.
Qijing’s debut model marks Huawei’s first foray into its "Scene" series, a lineup that embodies the company’s strategic vision for intelligent vehicles. Jin Yuzhi, CEO of Huawei’s Smart Mobility Solutions Business Unit, articulated the company’s ambition: "We aim to integrate intelligence into every vehicle and make travel safer while improving life quality." He described the collaboration with Qi Jing as "a journey entering a scene, jointly pursuing a better future," emphasizing a shared commitment to creating a "dream car" that surpasses expectations in design, performance, and smart features.
The partnership is more than just a branding exercise. According to Qi Jing CEO Liu Jiaming, the collaboration involves deep joint research and development in areas such as design, engineering, intelligent interaction, chassis performance, and comprehensive safety systems. Liu candidly acknowledged that the process hasn’t always been smooth: "There were initial differences regarding perspectives, which caused some 'collisions' during communication." However, he stressed that both sides maintained a "core principle of putting users first," ultimately transforming conflicts into opportunities to better understand and meet user needs.
This synergy has already borne fruit. Qi Jing plans to launch two new models in 2036, and one vehicle—described as "the most beautiful Chinese-style shooting brake coupe"—has completed rigorous extreme heat environment testing and finalized its design. It’s expected to be ready for delivery by June 2026. With Huawei’s full-stack intelligent technology driving the effort, Qijing is setting its sights on establishing a clear brand identity, delivering breakthrough designs, and integrating advanced smart technologies that cater to the evolving tastes and lifestyles of premium car buyers.
Both Perodua and Huawei’s Qijing are responding to a rapidly changing automotive landscape. The demand for electric vehicles is surging, fueled by concerns over climate change, government incentives, and a growing appetite for high-tech features. But the two companies are taking notably different approaches. Perodua is focusing on affordability, practicality, and long-term peace of mind for everyday drivers, while Qijing is aiming to redefine what a premium, intelligent vehicle can be—fusing Chinese design aesthetics with world-class technology and a relentless focus on user experience.
In the end, the race isn’t just about who can build the fastest or the fanciest electric car. It’s about understanding what drivers want—whether that’s a worry-free ownership experience or a car that feels like it’s been plucked from the future. As these two brands roll out their visions, the only certainty is that the electric vehicle revolution in Asia is just getting started, and the next few years promise to be as dynamic and unpredictable as the technology itself.
