Malaysia's new import thresholds for EVs block budget models from Chinese brands like BYD, impacting the electric vehicle market significantly.
Malaysia has imposed strict new import thresholds for fully assembled electric vehicles, effectively blocking budget models from Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, reported Caixin.
From July 1, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry required any completely built-up EV to have a declared customs value of at least MYR200,000 (US$49,019) and a motor output of no less than 180 kilowatts.
The move directly impacts BYD, whose seven models sold in Malaysia all start below the new customs value threshold. Entry-level models, including the Dolphin and Atto 3, also fail to meet the power requirement, making them ineligible for import.
Other popular Chinese brands such as Zeekr and Chery Automobile face similar restrictions, with their lower-cost models also excluded under the new rules.
