This is a question that requires an answer. Recently Geely launched their all new Geometry A full-electric vehicle (EV) in Singapore and signed a few partnerships with other countries to sell the Geometry A.
Malaysia was not included despite our Prime Minister’s recent call to have a new national car programme which would be fully electric and to look into having EV battery production in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, BMW Malaysia launched their new i3 electric car at a recent motor show organised by MITI and MARii, for RM279,000.
With no confirmation on the 2019 National Automotive Policy (NAP) and no indication on which direction our electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid import taxation is heading, the rather conservative German company, took a bold step to launch a full electric vehicle at the MITI and MARii auto show.
So, why did BMW Malaysia do this when Geely took a step aside and headed down south for their EV launch?
It seems BMW Malaysia knows something Geely does not, or was BMW Malaysia “forced” to show their support for the auto show and launch an exciting new product?
Meanwhile, Singapore will be the first right-hand drive market to receive the Geometry A, with the launch date expected for December this year or January 2020.
The Geometry A is a 120 kW electric sedan available as a standard and a long-range.
CATL batteries with a capacity of 51.9 and 61.9 kWh, respectively, and a range of 410 and 500 NEDC kilometres are used. Quick charging from 30 to 80% should be possible in about half an hour. The average consumption of the Geometry A is 13.5 kWh per 100 km.
Geely describes the exterior design as “minimalist” and “avant-garde”. Particular attention has been paid to the aerodynamics of the exterior. The minimalist style is also reflected in the interior of the BEV.
In addition, several cameras and sensors have been installed to enable autonomous driving functions of level 2+.
Prices in China start at 210,000 yuan before subsidies with the standard battery or 230,000 yuan in the long-range version.
Geely states that it has already received 27,000 advance orders for Geometry A – including 18,000 from overseas markets such as Singapore, Norway and France.
The EV direction in Malaysia remains unsure due to the delay in introducing the 2019 NAP but the new government wants to head towards lower carbon emissions.
Therefore, the introduction of well-priced (with tax subsidies) plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles must happen very soon.
This article is powered by DS&F, visit www.dsf.my for more automotive updates.
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-FMT
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