Malaysia EV sales 2026 continue to surge — the country registered 4,717 electric vehicles in March 2026, a 58.5% jump compared to 2,976 units in March 2025. This pushes Malaysia’s EV market share to 6.95% of total vehicle registrations, meaning roughly 1 in every 14 new cars on Malaysian roads is now fully electric.
What makes this even more striking is the context: the overall Total Industry Volume (TIV) for March was just 67,846 units, down 12% year-on-year. While the broader car market is shrinking, EV adoption is accelerating at a remarkable pace — and one brand is leading the charge.
Here’s everything you need to know about Malaysia’s March 2026 EV numbers, including the full brand rankings, top-selling models, and what Q1 2026 tells us about the road ahead.
ALSO READ: Malaysia EV Market 2026 Overview
Table of Contents
March 2026 Headline Numbers
Before we break down the rankings, here are the key figures at a glance:
| Metric | March 2026 | March 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| EV registrations | 4,717 | 2,976 | +58.5% |
| EV market share | 6.95% | ~3.9% | +3.05pp |
| Total TIV | 67,846 | 77,098 | -12.0% |
| Q1 EV total | 14,591 | 6,827 | +113.7% |
| Q1 TIV | 192,531 | 198,280 | -2.9% |
The numbers paint a clear picture: Malaysians are buying more EVs even as overall car demand softens. The 113.7% growth in Q1 cumulative EV registrations — from 6,827 to 14,591 units — suggests 2026 could comfortably surpass the 40,000-unit mark for the full year.
Top 5 EV Models — March 2026
The Proton e.MAS 5 continues its dominant run as Malaysia’s best-selling electric vehicle, outselling the rest of the top 5 combined.
| Rank | Model | Units (March) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proton e.MAS 5 | 2,071 | RM59,800 |
| 2 | BYD Atto 3 | 441 | RM123,800 |
| 3 | Proton e.MAS 7 | 306 | RM103,800 |
| 4 | Tesla Model Y | 179 | RM195,450 |
| 5 | Chery iCaur V23 | 160 | RM119,800 |
The Proton e.MAS 5 alone accounted for 43.9% of all EV registrations in March — a staggering figure for a single model. Priced from just RM59,800 for the Prime variant (or RM72,800 for the Premium), it is by far the most affordable EV in Malaysia. The Premium variant offers 325km WLTP range from a 40.16 kWh battery, while the entry-level Prime delivers 225km WLTP range from a 30.12 kWh pack — both with a 5-year warranty.
ALSO READ: Cheapest EVs in Malaysia 2026
The BYD Atto 3 remains a solid second despite increased competition, while the Proton e.MAS 7 — the larger SUV sibling priced from RM103,800 — is carving out its own niche with 306 units. Tesla’s Model Y came in fourth with 179 units at RM195,450, and the Chery iCaur V23 rounded out the top 5 at RM119,800.
Top 20 EV Brands — March 2026 Full Rankings
Here’s the complete brand-level breakdown based on JPJ registration data:
| Rank | Brand | March 2026 | YTD (Q1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proton | 2,377 | 7,455 |
| 2 | BYD | 879 | 2,261 |
| 3 | Tesla | 338 | 658 |
| 4 | Chery/iCaur | 265 | 1,002 |
| 5 | Zeekr | 177 | 857 |
| 6 | MG | 112 | 487 |
| 7 | Volvo | 90 | 164 |
| 8 | Xpeng | 72 | 244 |
| 9 | BMW | 67 | 139 |
| 10 | Leapmotor | 60 | 321 |
| 11 | TQ Wuling | 49 | 150 |
| 12 | Honda | 34 | 46 |
| 13 | Denza | 27 | 99 |
| 14 | MINI | 26 | 79 |
| 15 | Great Wall Motor | 26 | 107 |
| 16 | Dongfeng | 23 | 92 |
| 17 | Mercedes-Benz | 19 | 133 |
| 18 | Smart | 18 | 81 |
| 19 | Porsche | 14 | 57 |
| 20 | Neta | 13 | 46 |
Proton is the runaway leader with 2,377 units in March — nearly three times the volume of second-place BYD at 879. Between the e.MAS 5 and e.MAS 7, Proton has locked in the affordable EV segment. BYD remains strong thanks to the Atto 3, Seal, and Dolphin lineup, while Tesla holds third with 338 units from the Model Y and Model 3.
Further down, Zeekr is a notable performer at fifth place with 177 units in March and an impressive 857 YTD — the Zeekr 7X is clearly resonating with buyers. MG, Volvo, and Xpeng round out the mid-tier, while premium brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche maintain smaller but steady EV volumes.
ALSO READ: BYD Atto 3 vs Chery Omoda E5 Malaysia 2026
Proton’s EV Dominance — The Biggest Story of 2026
The standout narrative of Malaysia’s 2026 EV market is Proton’s meteoric rise. With 7,455 EVs registered in Q1 alone, Proton commands roughly 51% of the EV market year-to-date — up from approximately 18% in 2025.
How did Proton get here? Several factors:
- Aggressive pricing — The e.MAS 5 starts at just RM59,800, making it the cheapest EV in Malaysia by a wide margin
- Local assembly — CKD production at Tanjung Malim keeps costs down and supply steady
- Geely-Smart platform — Access to proven EV technology through the Geely partnership
- Dealer network — Proton’s extensive nationwide dealer and service network reduces buyer anxiety
- Brand trust — Malaysian consumers already know and trust Proton, easing the ICE-to-EV transition
The e.MAS 5 alone sold 6,701 units in Q1 2026, making it by far the best-selling EV in Malaysia. To put that in perspective, the second-best-selling model — the BYD Atto 3 — managed 999 units in the same period.
Q1 2026 — Top Models Cumulative Rankings
| Rank | Model | Q1 2026 Units |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proton e.MAS 5 | 6,701 |
| 2 | BYD Atto 3 | 999 |
| 3 | Proton e.MAS 7 | 754 |
| 4 | Zeekr 7X | 696 |
| 5 | Chery iCaur V23 | 607 |
The Zeekr 7X deserves a mention here — with 696 units in Q1, it has quietly become one of Malaysia’s top-selling EVs. Priced from RM182,800 for the Standard RWD variant, the Zeekr 7X offers premium features that compete directly with the Tesla Model Y.
ALSO READ: EV vs Petrol Running Cost Malaysia
What This Means for the Malaysian EV Market
Malaysia’s EV trajectory is looking increasingly healthy, even as headwinds hit the broader auto sector. Here’s what the March data tells us:
1. EVs are recession-proof (for now)
While total car sales dropped 12% YoY, EV registrations surged 58.5%. This suggests EV demand is being driven by structural shifts — lower running costs, government incentives, and improving infrastructure — rather than just macroeconomic sentiment.
2. The affordable segment is king
The best-selling EV in Malaysia starts at under RM60,000. The message is clear: Malaysians want EVs, but price remains the decisive factor. Brands competing above RM200,000 are fighting for a much smaller pool of buyers.
3. Chinese brands are winning
Between Proton (Geely-backed), BYD, Chery, Zeekr, Leapmotor, Xpeng, and others, Chinese-origin EV brands dominate Malaysia’s market. The established European and Japanese brands are playing catch-up.
4. Charging infrastructure needs to keep pace
With nearly 15,000 EVs added in Q1 alone, the pressure on Malaysia’s public and home charging networks is growing. If you’re an EV owner or prospective buyer, getting a home charger installed is more important than ever.
Looking for a home EV charger? Visit evsifu.com.my for the best selection of home and portable EV chargers in Malaysia, with professional installation support.
ALSO READ: Complete Home EV Charging Guide Malaysia
Q2 2026 Outlook — What to Expect
Several factors could push Q2 2026 even higher:
- New model launches — The Proton e.MAS 7 Long Range, BYD Seal 06, and Honda e:N1 are all expected to arrive in Malaysian showrooms during Q2
- Tax incentive deadline — The current EV tax exemptions (0% import duty, 0% excise duty, 0% cukai jalan) are set to be reviewed, potentially creating a rush to buy before any policy changes
- Expanding charging networks — TNB, ChargEV, and GenPlus continue to expand DC fast-charging coverage along major highways
If the current growth rate holds, Malaysia could see 18,000–20,000 EV registrations in Q2, pushing the H1 total past 30,000 units.
Planning to switch to an EV? Start by sorting out your home charging. Browse chargers at evsifu.com.my — we’ll help you find the right setup for your condo or landed home.
ALSO READ: EV Charger Installation Malaysia — Condo & Landed
FAQ — Malaysia EV Sales March 2026
How many EVs were registered in Malaysia in March 2026?
A total of 4,717 electric vehicles were registered in Malaysia in March 2026, according to JPJ data. This represents a 58.5% increase compared to March 2025 (2,976 units).
What is Malaysia’s EV market share in 2026?
As of March 2026, EVs account for 6.95% of total vehicle registrations in Malaysia. This means approximately 1 in every 14 new cars registered is an EV.
What is the best-selling EV in Malaysia 2026?
The Proton e.MAS 5 is the best-selling EV in Malaysia with 6,701 units registered in Q1 2026 alone. It starts from RM59,800 (Prime) and is locally assembled at Tanjung Malim.
How many EVs were sold in Malaysia in Q1 2026?
Malaysia registered 14,591 EVs in Q1 2026 (January to March), a 113.7% increase from 6,827 units in Q1 2025.
Which EV brand sells the most in Malaysia?
Proton is the top-selling EV brand in Malaysia with 7,455 units registered in Q1 2026, commanding approximately 51% of the EV market. BYD is second with 2,261 units.
Is the Malaysian EV market growing?
Yes, Malaysia’s EV market is growing rapidly. EV registrations increased 58.5% YoY in March 2026, even as the total auto market contracted by 12%. The government’s tax incentives and expanding charging infrastructure continue to drive adoption.
What are the cheapest EVs in Malaysia in 2026?
The most affordable EV in Malaysia is the Proton e.MAS 5 starting from just RM59,800 (Prime variant). Other affordable options include the Proton e.MAS 7 (from RM103,800), Chery iCaur V23 (from RM119,800), and BYD Atto 3 (from RM123,800).
Conclusion
March 2026 confirms that Malaysia’s EV revolution is well underway. With 4,717 registrations and a 6.95% market share, electric vehicles are no longer a niche — they’re becoming mainstream. Proton’s dominance through the e.MAS 5 and e.MAS 7 has fundamentally reshaped the market, while brands like BYD, Tesla, and Zeekr continue to offer compelling alternatives.
As Malaysia races towards its EV targets, the infrastructure needs to keep up. Whether you’re already driving electric or planning to make the switch, having a reliable home charger is essential.
Ready to charge at home? Browse Malaysia’s best EV chargers at evsifu.com.my — from wall boxes to portable chargers, with expert installation advice for condos and landed homes.
Data sources: JPJ registration data via SoyaCincau and paultan.org (April 2026). Pricing from official manufacturer sites, ZigWheels Malaysia, and paultan.org. All figures refer to fully electric (BEV) registrations only.