Chery Q EV Spied in Malaysia, RHD Version to Launch Soon?

Chery Q EV in Malaysia: Right-Hand-Drive Unit Spied on Road Test

The Chery Q is a compact battery-electric vehicle (BEV) manufactured by Chinese automaker Chery Automobile, positioned as a direct rival to the Proton eMas 5 and the TQ Wuling Bingo in the Malaysian market. Known as the Chery QQ3 in its native China, this five-door hatchback was spied in right-hand-drive (RHD) form on Malaysian roads in August 2026, indicating an imminent local launch. The vehicle solves the problem of affordable urban mobility with a 400 km claimed range, making it relevant for Malaysian city commuters seeking a low-cost, low-emission alternative to petrol-powered hatchbacks.

Chery already operates a CKD (completely knocked down) assembly plant in Malaysia via Inokom, suggesting the Q could be locally assembled to achieve competitive pricing against the Proton eMas 5. The model was previously launched in Thailand in 2026 with pricing ranging from 449,900 baht to 519,900 baht (approximately RM56k to RM64k).

Key Facts

The Chery Q's core specifications position it within the affordable urban EV segment, competing directly with Malaysian-made and regional rivals on price, range, and equipment.

What Does the Chery Q Spy Shot in Malaysia Reveal?

A right-hand-drive Chery Q was photographed during road testing in Malaysia, with the image shared to the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Group on Facebook. This sighting confirms that Chery is actively evaluating the model for Malaysian market conditions, including local road infrastructure and tropical climate requirements.

The RHD prototype sighting in Malaysia strongly indicates that Chery is conducting final validation tests ahead of a formal launch announcement. The company's existing CKD operations at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, provide a logistical advantage for local assembly. According to the source material, "the carmaker's CKD operation presents an opportunity for the brand to sell the Chery Q in Malaysia to compete with aforementioned rivals the Proton eMas 5 and the TQ Wuling Bingo."

What Is the Chery Q Price in Malaysia?

Official Malaysian pricing has not been announced; however, based on the Thai market launch where the Chery Q is priced from 449,900 baht to 519,900 baht (approximately RM56k to RM64k), Malaysian pricing is expected to fall within a similar bracket, potentially lower if CKD tax incentives apply.

Thai market pricing across three variants — Qlick, Qool, and Quint — provides the most reliable benchmark. The approximate RM conversion is based on exchange rates at the time of the Thai launch. Local Malaysian pricing will depend on excise duties, sales tax exemptions for EVs (which currently apply in Malaysia), and whether Chery opts for local CKD assembly.

Based on the Thai launch price of 449,900 baht (RM56,000) for the base variant, the Chery Q is expected to undercut or match the Proton eMas 5 in Malaysia, making it a compelling budget EV option.

What Are the Chery Q's Performance and Range Specifications?

The Chery Q is powered by a single rear axle electric motor producing 122 PS and 115 Nm, drawing energy from a 41.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. The claimed driving range is 400 km on the NEDC cycle, or approximately 340 km on the stricter WLTP standard.

For Malaysian users, the WLTP figure of 340 km is the more realistic estimate for mixed urban and highway driving, particularly given tropical climate conditions where air conditioning usage is frequent. DC fast charging capability of up to 85 kW allows a 30–80% state of charge in just 16 minutes, making the Q practical for quick top-ups at DC charging stations located at shopping malls and highway rest stops across Peninsular Malaysia. AC charging is supported at up to 6.6 kW, suitable for overnight home charging via a standard 240V wallbox.

"For charging, the Chery Q can take up to 85 kW DC, which brings a 30-80% SoC in 16 minutes, while AC charging is up to 6.6 kW. In terms of luggage capacity, the Chery Q holds 375 litres, or up to 1,450 litres with its rear seats folded."

Source: paultan.org, August 2026

The 41.3 kWh LFP battery provides a realistic 340 km WLTP range, sufficient for approximately one week of commuting for the average Malaysian driver covering 50 km per day.

What Variants and Equipment Does the Chery Q Offer?

The Chery Q is offered in three trim levels in Thailand — Qlick, Qool, and Quint — each with distinct equipment levels. Standard safety equipment across the range includes at least four airbags, with higher variants adding more advanced driver assistance systems.

Chery Q Variant Comparison

The mid-range Qool variant provides the best value for Malaysian buyers, offering comprehensive ADAS features and a 360-degree camera suite at a price point expected to be below RM65,000.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The Chery Q is designed for urban and suburban Malaysian drivers seeking an affordable entry into EV ownership, particularly those living in condominiums and apartments in the Klang Valley, Penang, and Johor Bahru. Its compact dimensions and 375-litre boot capacity make it suitable for city parking and weekly grocery runs, while the 340 km WLTP range covers daily commuting needs without range anxiety.

Key Malaysian use cases include:

• City commuters: Daily travel within Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, and surrounding areas with access to DC fast charging infrastructure.
• Second-car households: Families with a larger primary vehicle (e.g., SUV or MPV) seeking a low-cost EV for daily errands and school runs.
• Grab and e-hailing drivers: The low running cost per kilometre (estimated at RM0.05–RM0.08 per km depending on electricity tariff) makes the Q attractive for high-mileage urban drivers.
• First-time EV buyers: The sub-RM70k expected price point undercuts most EVs currently available in Malaysia, making it a gateway model.

The Chery Q is best suited to urban Malaysian drivers with access to overnight home charging or workplace charging, as its 6.6 kW AC capability allows a full charge in approximately 6–7 hours.

Common Questions

Will the Chery Q be CKD-assembled in Malaysia?

Chery has not confirmed CKD assembly for the Q specifically, but its existing Inokom plant in Kulim already assembles the Chery Tiggo Cross. The RHD prototype spied in Malaysia suggests local validation is underway, and CKD assembly would reduce costs and enable competitive pricing against the Proton eMas 5.

How does the Chery Q compare with the Proton eMas 5?

Both vehicles target the same compact EV segment, but the Chery Q offers a larger 41.3 kWh battery and a claimed 400 km NEDC range. The Proton eMas 5 is a Geely-based platform; direct comparisons will require final Malaysian specifications. Thai pricing suggests the Q will be competitively positioned at RM56k–RM64k.

What charging infrastructure does the Chery Q support in Malaysia?

The Chery Q supports DC fast charging up to 85 kW and AC charging up to 6.6 kW. In Malaysia, this is compatible with the CCS2 charging standard used by Gentari, ChargeSini, and other local operators, as well as standard 240V home wallboxes with Type 2 connectors.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the paultan.org article titled "Chery Q EV in Malaysia – right-hand-drive unit spied on road test; rival to Proton eMas 5 to launch soon?" published on 18 August 2026. Additional context regarding Thai market specifications and pricing was drawn from linked paultan.org articles covering the Chery Q's Thailand launch.

Currency conversions from Thai baht to Malaysian Ringgit are approximate, calculated at the prevailing exchange rate referenced in the source material (449,900 baht ≈ RM56,000; 519,900 baht ≈ RM64,000). Range figures are quoted as claimed by the manufacturer under NEDC and WLTP cycles; real-world range in Malaysian tropical conditions may vary.

This article was last updated on 19 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the paultan.org source. Malaysian pricing, variant availability, and CKD assembly plans have not been officially confirmed by Chery Malaysia at the time of writing.