Introduction: The EV vs Petrol Cars Debate in Malaysia

The question of EV vs petrol cars Malaysia is on every driver’s mind today. With the government offering incentives for electric vehicles and more charging stations appearing in cities, EVs seem like the “future of driving.” On the other hand, petrol cars are still everywhere on Malaysian roads, and for many people, they remain the practical and affordable choice.

So which is really worth buying in Malaysia today? To answer this, let’s break down the real sales statistics, the pros and cons of both EVs and petrol cars, and then focus on why petrol cars—when maintained properly—are still the smarter choice for most Malaysians in 2025.

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EV vs Petrol Malaysia – Which Car is More Worth It?

Before deciding which car is more “worth it,” it’s important to look at the actual market situation.

• In H1 2025, Malaysia recorded 30,573 xEV sales (EVs + hybrids), a 35.6% jump compared to the same period in 2024.
• Pure EV sales grew even faster, increasing 91.4% year-on-year, but still only accounted for 3.4% of total car sales.
• Petrol cars, however, remained dominant. In Q1 2025 alone, out of 191,768 total new registrations, about 165,247 were petrol vehicles—over 85% of the market share.

👉 This shows that while EV adoption is growing quickly, the vast majority of Malaysians still choose petrol cars for daily use.

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EV vs Petrol Malaysia: Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

✅ Advantages of EVs

1. Lower running cost per km – On average, charging an EV can be 50–70% cheaper than refueling with petrol, depending on electricity tariffs and charging method.
2. Fewer moving parts – EVs don’t require engine oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust maintenance, which reduces workshop visits.
3. Government incentives – No import tax and excise duty exemptions (until 2025), making EVs more affordable than before.
4. Eco-friendly driving – EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which is better for urban air quality.

❌ Challenges of EVs in Malaysia

1. Higher upfront cost – Even with tax breaks, EVs are still significantly more expensive than entry-level petrol cars.
2. Charging infrastructure – While improving, charging stations are still concentrated in urban areas. For long-distance drivers, this can be inconvenient.
3. Battery replacement – EV batteries can cost tens of thousands of ringgit, raising concerns about long-term ownership costs.
4. Resale value uncertainty – The second-hand EV market is still small, making depreciation harder to predict.

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EV vs Petrol Malaysia: Pros and Cons of Petrol Cars

✅ Advantages of Petrol Cars

1. Lower upfront cost – A new petrol car can start as low as RM40,000+, making it accessible for most Malaysians.
2. Convenience of refueling – Thousands of petrol stations nationwide ensure you can refuel in minutes, anywhere.
3. Wider model variety – From small hatchbacks to SUVs and MPVs, petrol cars dominate the showroom floors.
4. Mechanic familiarity – Every workshop knows how to service petrol engines, making maintenance easier and cheaper.

❌ Disadvantages of Petrol Cars

1. Higher running cost per km – Petrol prices fluctuate and can be costly, especially for high-mileage drivers.
2. Regular maintenance – Engine oil, filters, spark plugs, and belts all require timely servicing.
3. More emissions – Petrol cars contribute to CO2 and air pollution, though newer engines are cleaner than before.

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Petrol Cars in Malaysia – Why They Still Dominate

Despite the hype around EVs, the majority of Malaysian households still rely on petrol cars. Here’s why:

• Affordability: The gap between entry-level petrol cars and EVs can be RM30,000–100,000.
• Infrastructure readiness: Not every home has access to charging stations, especially in apartments and rural areas.
• Usage habits: Long drives between states, balik kampung trips, and sudden refueling needs are still better served by petrol cars.

Simply put: EVs are promising for the future, but petrol cars are still the practical choice today.

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EV vs Petrol Malaysia – Long-Term Cost Considerations

Even if petrol cars cost more to run, there are many ways to save money and extend your car’s life:

1. Maintain proper tyre pressure – Underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
2. Use high-quality engine oil – Clean oil reduces friction, improves fuel efficiency, and extends engine life.
3. Replace air filters on time – A clogged filter makes your engine work harder, wasting fuel.
4. Service spark plugs – Properly working plugs improve combustion efficiency and save fuel.
5. Lighten your load – Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the car, which increases fuel burn.
6. Drive smoothly – Harsh acceleration and braking increase fuel consumption by 20–30%.

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Petrol Cars in Malaysia – How to Save Fuel with Proper Maintenance

Skipping maintenance might save a few hundred ringgit today, but it often leads to thousands in repair bills later. Proper maintenance ensures:

• Better fuel efficiency
• Longer engine life
• Safer driving conditions
• Higher resale value

This is where DAS Malaysia can help petrol car owners get the most out of their vehicles.

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How DAS Malaysia Helps You Save on Petrol Car Ownership

At DAS Malaysia, we specialize in making petrol car ownership more cost-efficient and stress-free:

• 🔍 Free 33-point inspection – Covers tyres, engine, filters, brakes, and suspension.
• 📹 Photo & video proof – Every finding is documented so you only pay for what you really need.
• 🛠 Quality oils & filters – To ensure your engine runs efficiently and saves fuel.
• 💡 Practical advice – Our team guides you on how to stretch your fuel budget and keep your car running longer.

Instead of worrying about breakdowns or hidden costs, DAS customers drive away with confidence—and extra savings in their pocket.

📍 DAS Malaysia Glenmarie, Shah Alam
📍 DAS Malaysia Kota Damansara, The Strand
☎️ Call/WhatsApp: 011-1313 1903 (Shah Alam) 011-13132193 (Kota Damansara)
📅 Book your appointment today.

Conclusion: Which Should You Buy in Malaysia Today?

The choice of EV vs petrol cars Malaysia ultimately depends on your lifestyle, budget, and driving needs.

• If you live in a city, have home charging access, and want to reduce long-term fuel costs, an EV could be a good fit.
• But if you prioritize affordability, convenience, and reliability, petrol cars are still the better choice—especially if you maintain them properly.

So, if you’re already a petrol car owner, don’t just accept high fuel bills and costly breakdowns. Take control of your car’s performance today.

👉 Book a free inspection with DAS Malaysia and discover how much you can save with proper servicing and maintenance.

🛡️DAS Malaysia – Keeping You Safe on the Road

Trusted by thousands of car owners in Klang Valley, DAS Malaysia offers professional car services with transparent pricing and expert care. Whether it’s your battery, brakes, or air-cond — we’ve got your back.

🛡️In DAS, We Inspect, We Service, We Care.

Stay safe. Stay informed.

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