BYD is set to announce its next move for further expansion in Malaysia within the next week, potentially providing more clarity on its long-discussed local manufacturing plans. According to Bernama, company vice-president Liu Xueliang said BYD is continuing to explore ways to work with local partners while supporting the development of Malaysia’s new energy vehicle industry.
“Of course, our development in Malaysia has also been progressing very well,” Liu said in a statement yesterday. “Very soon, we will announce our approach towards sustainable development.”
However, he stopped short of revealing whether BYD would pursue a partnership or establish its own manufacturing operation. When asked whether BYD would cooperate with a local partner or take another approach, Liu simply said: “Wait another week and we will announce it.”
Local Manufacturing Plans Remain Unclear
In May, the company was reported to be evaluating a contract assembly arrangement with Sime Motors’ Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, as it reviewed its manufacturing strategy for Malaysia. Meanwhile, progress on BYD’s previously proposed manufacturing facility in Tanjung Malim, Perak, appeared to have stalled by March. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) subsequently addressed claims surrounding conditions attached to BYD’s manufacturing licence, clarifying that the company would be subject to the same localisation, export and pricing requirements imposed on other investors.
The timing is particularly significant following the introduction of new requirements for fully imported or completely built-up (CBU) EVs. Since 1 July, CBU EVs entering Malaysia must have a minimum declared cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of RM200,000 and produce at least 180kW, or around 245hp. These rules came after the expiry of Malaysia’s special tax exemption for imported CBU EVs at the end of 2025, making local assembly a potentially more attractive route for automakers looking to offer a broader range of models in the country.
BYD previously said it remained committed to Malaysia despite the regulatory changes and would continue working with the government and local partners to find solutions suited to the market. The company has also highlighted East Malaysia as an area with significant growth potential, although Liu said suitable vehicle models would be important to expanding its presence there.
Local Charging Infrastructure Expansion
On a separate note, BYD is also preparing to expand its EV ecosystem in Malaysia. The company has said it is researching the deployment of its Megawatt Flash Charging technology locally, with an initial rollout expected at selected BYD and Denza showrooms and service centres before eventually expanding to public locations.
The second-generation system can deliver up to 1.5MW of charging power using a 1,000V electrical architecture and currents of up to 1,000A. BYD claims compatible vehicles can gain around 400km of driving range from five minutes of charging under ideal conditions. For now, BYD has not disclosed where its first megawatt charging stations will be located or when they will open.
(Source: Bernama)
