Today, Perodua has finally launched their first electric car, the QV-E. After years of hiding behind the code name EMO-II, their first electric car is finally offered to everyone. We had the opportunity to join a short test drive session at the Sepang Circuit and see Perodua's aspirations closer in approaching the future of local electric vehicles.
Stylish Exterior Design
Mentioned as the Kiu Vee, the Perodua QV-E can be said to be an electric sportback in terms of its slightly square and fierce shape. It can be said to almost follow the shape of the Toyota CH-R or not too much in the shape of the Peugeot 408 if you look at the comments of other users who saw the prototype pictures.
The headlights seem to be the same as Tesla with a row of LED daytime running lights that fill the entire front corner and will also be the left and right sequential lights, as well as projector lights to illuminate the road. However, there is no frunk storage space in the front, since the Perodua QV-E is front-wheel drive.
The charging plug is located on the left side of the vehicle near the left tire, and the sides of this electric car also have lines and materials that give the car aerodynamic characteristics and toughness. The door handles are also recessed, and will appear when unlocked.
However, it is slightly different from the door handles at the back where they have a high position like the Toyota CH-R or Honda HR-V. The tires used are Atlas 215 / 50 R 18 tires and they are regular tires, not tires specially developed for electric cars.
At the back, there are lights that also cover from the left end to the right end. It also uses sequential turn signals which makes it more beautiful when viewed when turning. The Perodua logo that is displayed is also a lever to open the rear bonnet.
Given its tapered design at the back, it can be said that the space that is usually available to see the situation behind the driver is very narrow. Thus Perodua also includes an LCD display on the rearview mirror panel. The location of this camera is in the spoiler, and another camera is located at the back for parking purposes.
Slightly Small Interior Space
Stepping into the driving cockpit, the driver's seat is equipped with electronic settings that make it easy for you to change the fit to provide a comfortable drive. The cockpit display with a 10-inch instrument panel displays all the information regarding your driving.
In the middle there is an infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display that also supports wireless tethering of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. One thing that can be praised is the selection of air conditioning settings using physical buttons that are more practical because drivers who want to change the temperature do not need to look at the infotainment screen panel.
Another thing is the presence of physical control buttons that involve driving functions. Drivers can easily change driving modes, namely Eco, Normal and Sport through the driving mode setting button, a knob that can be turned to select gear levels, and change regenerative braking (regen) through the button near the knob.
In terms of seating space, I feel there is no problem for the driver and front passenger, but the rear seat space may feel cramped for those who are 180cm tall and above. There is an armrest with a cup holder for the rear passenger, and in terms of legroom, it is quite spacious. For the rear passenger there is also a USB-A and USB-C charging plug and no air conditioning vents are provided.
Driving Performance
Perodua QV-E is equipped with a battery by CATL of 52 kWh and at that rate, it provides a driving range of 444km NEDC. This battery can be charged as fast as 30 minutes for DC charging 30-80% while AC charging 11 kW is expected to take 8 hours. What is interesting is that this car can reach a maximum speed of 165 km/h and more than the Proton e.MAS 5.
Through the test drive session at the Sepang circuit, the car driven is 90% complete with software that is still in the experimental stage. Among the routes covered were slaloms, and even emergency braking. What I liked about the Perodua QV-E was how the regen settings were quickly accessible, right next to the drive mode button.
I was also given the opportunity to change the driving level but it can be said that there is a slight delay before the regen starts, perhaps because this car has not yet used the final software or it may be a feature so that passengers do not feel the sudden regen effect that is usually associated with the discomfort experienced in electric cars. And in terms of the regen level used, it can also be said to be gentle, and not too strong.
Conclusion
From this short experience, it can be said that Perodua has taken a safe step in ensuring that the transition of users from petrol vehicles to electric vehicles is a smooth transition. Not only from the driving experience, but also the applications and services that cover the electric car ecosystem are seen to bring uniqueness to the Perodua QV-E offering.
Perhaps what remains is the public stigma against electric cars that usually depreciate in value at a rapid rate, and Perodua is trying to solve it with a separate battery rental, at a rate of RM 275 per month, excluding SST.
With the arrival of this Perodua QV-E, it certainly provides an answer for Perodua fans, and coupled with the collaboration of Perodua and Maybank in providing loans that are also included with the guarantee value of this electric car in the next few years. It cannot be directly compared to the Proton e.MAS 5 and e.MAS 7, as each has differences in terms of class, and also space.
However, when seeing Perodua's aspirations to bring an electric car with 100% locally made materials, it is clear that the Perodua QV-E has its own potential, and now the response and acceptance of local consumers will play a role in the electric car industry for the coming year.
