The debate between Petrol vs Electric Car Cost in Malaysia is becoming more relevant every year. With rising petrol prices, increasing environmental awareness, and more affordable electric vehicles (EVs) entering the Malaysian market, many buyers are confused: Is an electric car really cheaper than a petrol car? Or is it just a trend?
This post gives you a clear, real-world, money-based comparison β not just technical talk. We will look at purchase cost, fuel vs charging cost, maintenance, insurance, resale value, and hidden expenses so you can make a smart decision.
π 1. Initial Purchase Cost β Which Is Cheaper?
π’ Petrol Car Price in Malaysia
Petrol cars have been in Malaysia for decades, so they are available in every price range:
- Budget petrol car: RM 35,000 β RM 60,000
(e.g., Perodua Axia, Myvi used models) - Mid-range petrol car: RM 80,000 β RM 140,000
(Honda City, Toyota Vios, Proton X50) - Premium petrol car: RM 180,000+
(BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus)
Because petrol cars are mass-produced and widely used, they are generally cheaper upfront.
π΅ Electric Car Price in Malaysia
Electric cars are still relatively new in Malaysia, so prices are higher:
- Budget EV: RM 90,000 β RM 120,000
(e.g., BYD Dolphin) - Mid-range EV: RM 150,000 β RM 220,000
(BYD Atto 3, Tesla Model 3 standard range) - Premium EV: RM 300,000+
(Tesla Model Y, BMW iX, Mercedes EQ series)
π Verdict on Purchase Cost:
Petrol cars are cheaper to buy. Electric cars cost more upfront due to battery technology and import taxes.
β½β‘ 2. Fuel Cost vs Charging Cost β Big Difference Here
This is where the comparison becomes interesting.
β½ Petrol Car Running Cost in Malaysia
Letβs assume:
- Petrol price: RM 2.05 per liter (RON 95)
- Average fuel consumption: 15 km per liter
If you drive 1,500 km per month, your cost:
1,500 km Γ· 15 km/L = 100 liters per month
100 Γ RM 2.05 = RM 205 per month
Yearly petrol cost β RM 2,460
β‘ Electric Car Charging Cost in Malaysia
Electricity tariff (average home charging):
- Around RM 0.57 per kWh
Assume:
- EV efficiency: 6 km per kWh
- Monthly driving: 1,500 km
1,500 Γ· 6 = 250 kWh per month
250 Γ RM 0.57 = RM 142.50 per month
Yearly charging cost β RM 1,710
If you charge at public fast chargers, cost may increase slightly, but still usually cheaper than petrol.
π Verdict on Fuel vs Charging:
Electric car is cheaper to run than petrol.
π§ 3. Maintenance Cost β Who Wins?
Petrol Car Maintenance
Petrol cars need regular servicing:
- Engine oil change
- Oil filter
- Spark plugs
- Timing belt
- Gearbox oil
- Coolant
- Brake pads (same for EV too)
Average yearly maintenance: RM 1,200 β RM 2,500
Older petrol cars may cost even more.
Electric Car Maintenance
EVs are mechanically simpler:
- No engine oil
- No spark plugs
- No timing belt
- Fewer moving parts
However, you still need:
- Brake service
- Tire rotation
- Cabin filter
- Battery health check
Average yearly maintenance: RM 500 β RM 1,200
π Verdict on Maintenance:
Electric car is cheaper to maintain.
πͺ« 4. Battery Cost β The Biggest Fear of EV Buyers
Many Malaysians worry:
βWhat if my EV battery fails? It will be very expensive!β
Good news:
- Most EV batteries come with 8 years or 160,000 km warranty
- In Malaysia, brands like BYD and Tesla offer strong battery warranties
Battery replacement cost (out of warranty):
- Could range from RM 25,000 β RM 60,000
But realistically, most users will sell or upgrade before needing a battery replacement.
π Battery is a risk, but not as scary as people think.
π‘οΈ 5. Insurance Cost β Petrol vs Electric
Insurance in Malaysia depends on car value, not fuel type.
Since EVs are generally more expensive:
- EV insurance tends to be higher
- Petrol car insurance is usually cheaper
Example:
- RM 60,000 petrol car β lower premium
- RM 150,000 EV β higher premium
π Verdict:
Petrol car insurance is cheaper.
π 6. Resale Value β Which Holds Value Better?
Petrol Car Resale
- Very stable market in Malaysia
- Easy to sell
- Many used car buyers
- Strong demand for Japanese brands
Electric Car Resale
- Still uncertain in Malaysia
- Some buyers worry about battery life
- Market is still developing
π Verdict (for now):
Petrol cars have better resale value in Malaysia.
π 7. Environmental Cost β Not Just Money
Even if you only care about cost, this still matters in the long run.
Petrol Car Impact
- Produces carbon emissions
- Contributes to air pollution
- More harmful to environment
Electric Car Impact
- Zero tailpipe emissions
- Quieter
- Better for cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru
Malaysia is also slowly increasing renewable energy use, which will make EVs even cleaner over time.
ποΈ 8. Charging Infrastructure in Malaysia β Is It Ready?
This is a key concern.
Current situation:
- More charging stations appearing in:
- KL
- Selangor
- Penang
- Johor
- Still limited in rural areas
If you live in:
- Condo with parking: Charging can be tricky
- Landed house: Easy to install home charger
π If you mainly drive within city areas, EV is practical.
π If you travel long distances often, petrol may be more convenient for now.
π° 9. 5-Year Cost Comparison (Real Example)
Letβs compare a typical scenario:
Petrol Car (RM 80,000)
- Fuel: RM 2,460 Γ 5 = RM 12,300
- Maintenance: RM 1,800 Γ 5 = RM 9,000
- Insurance (average): RM 2,500
- Total 5-year cost β RM 23,800
Total including car price β RM 103,800
Electric Car (RM 150,000)
- Charging: RM 1,710 Γ 5 = RM 8,550
- Maintenance: RM 900 Γ 5 = RM 4,500
- Insurance (average): RM 3,500
- Total 5-year cost β RM 16,550
Total including car price β RM 166,550
π Even though EV is cheaper to run, the higher purchase price still makes it more expensive overall (for now).
β 10. Final Verdict β Who Should Buy What?
Choose Petrol Car if:
- Your budget is limited
- You want lower purchase price
- You live in rural areas
- You want better resale value
- You travel long distances frequently
Choose Electric Car if:
- You drive mostly in city
- You can charge at home
- You care about environment
- You want lower maintenance
- You plan to keep the car for many years
β FAQs
Running cost is cheaper, but purchase price is higher.
Around RM 0.57 per kWh at home (varies slightly).
Yes, significantly cheaper than petrol cars.
Yes in cities; still developing in rural areas.
If prices drop further, EV will likely win in the future.
Right now, in Malaysia, the choice is not just about money β it is about lifestyle.
If you are a practical buyer who wants low upfront cost, petrol car is still the safer choice today.
But if you are a forward-thinking driver who wants lower running cost and cleaner driving, electric car makes a lot of sense.
