Daihatsu to Rebadge Perodua QV-E or Develop Next EV?

Perodua QV-E: Malaysia's First Homegrown EV and the Daihatsu Partnership Question

The Perodua QV-E is Malaysia's first locally developed and badged electric vehicle (EV), designed wholly in-house by Perodua with 204 PS and a 370 km WLTP range. It was created partly due to a government deadline for a locally-badged EV and because shareholder Daihatsu lacked an EV platform to offer. The QV-E solves the problem of establishing a domestic EV manufacturing capability and provides Malaysian consumers with a homegrown electric compact car.

This article examines the potential for Daihatsu to rebadge the QV-E or join Perodua in developing future EV models, based on recent diplomatic discussions between Malaysia and Japan. The QV-E is built on an EV platform developed with Magna Styer, and Perodua is already working on a smaller A-segment model using the same architecture to compete with the Proton eMas 5.

Key Facts

What is the Perodua QV-E?

The Perodua QV-E is a battery-electric vehicle developed entirely by Perodua's own engineering team, marking a significant shift from the company's historical reliance on Daihatsu for platforms, engines, and gearboxes. It represents the national carmaker's entry into the EV market and was developed out of necessity because Daihatsu did not have an EV to base the car on.

Perodua shouldered the entire project responsibility, partly due to the looming government deadline to launch a locally-badged EV. The QV-E does not share a single part with any Daihatsu model, making it a unique offering in the Malaysian market. Perodua's president and CEO, Zainal Abidin Ahmad, has stated that the learning process was expensive and hard to recover fully, unlike with internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.

"The QV-E is a 204 PS electric vehicle with a 370 km WLTP range, developed entirely in-house by Perodua with no shared components from Daihatsu."

Why is Daihatsu Interested in the Perodua QV-E?

Daihatsu's interest stems from its lack of electrified models, which leaves it vulnerable to competition from Chinese EV makers, particularly in its largest overseas market, Indonesia. The small car specialist currently only offers the Rocky e-Smart Hybrid, which was previously the lease-only Ativa Hybrid in Malaysia, and has no full EV in its lineup.

In Indonesia, Daihatsu risks losing market share to rivals like BYD. The QV-E, with its high local content, would benefit from reduced taxes under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), even if it won't be offered the same incentives as CKD locally-assembled EVs. This makes the Malaysian-developed EV an attractive proposition for Daihatsu to rebadge as its own model.

"We've done the EV ourselves. But we've gotten enquiries from them to join us in our EV development."

— Zainal Abidin Ahmad, Perodua President and CEO

"Daihatsu's lack of any full EV in its lineup makes the Perodua QV-E a viable candidate for rebadging, especially for the Indonesian market where it faces pressure from Chinese EV competitors."

Could Daihatsu Rebadge the QV-E as Its Own Car?

Yes, rebadging Peroduas is not out of the norm for Daihatsu, as evidenced by the Sirion in Indonesia, which is effectively a Myvi with D badges and is built in Malaysia. A Japanese brand using EV technology from Malaysia sounds far-fetched at face value, but it makes strategic sense given Daihatsu's vulnerability in the electrified vehicle segment.

The QV-E's high local content would qualify it for reduced taxes under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) in Indonesia, though it would not receive the same incentives as CKD locally-assembled EVs. This could provide Daihatsu with an affordable EV model to compete against Chinese rivals like BYD in its largest overseas market.

"Daihatsu has a precedent for rebadging Perodua models, as the Indonesian-market Sirion is essentially a Perodua Myvi with Daihatsu badges, built in Malaysia."

What Would a Daihatsu-Perodua EV Development Partnership Look Like?

A partnership could involve Daihatsu participating in Perodua's future EV development, a possibility raised by Perodua's president and CEO earlier this year. Perodua is already working on a smaller A-segment model built on the same Magna Styer-developed EV platform as the QV-E, which would help amortise development costs and enable it to compete with the Proton eMas 5.

Daihatsu and Toyota EVs built on this architecture could provide both companies with affordable models of their own. Their input may also help resolve the single biggest gripe with the QV-E: its cheap-feeling interior. Toyota's own EVs were the result of joint ventures with other carmakers, such as Subaru for the bZ4X and Lexus RZ, and Suzuki for the Urban Cruiser.

"Securing Toyota and Daihatsu as clients would be a major coup for Perodua, both as a means to increase exports and as vindication of its efforts to build its own EV from scratch."

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The Perodua QV-E is aimed at Malaysian consumers seeking a locally-developed EV that supports the national automotive industry. It is particularly relevant for urban dwellers in compact living situations like KL condominiums, where the 370 km WLTP range is sufficient for daily commuting and the compact dimensions suit tight parking spaces.

For Malaysian users, the QV-E represents a homegrown alternative to imported EVs, potentially offering easier access to local warranty support and parts availability. The development of a smaller A-segment model on the same platform suggests Perodua is targeting the budget-conscious EV buyer, competing directly with the Proton eMas 5 which starts from RM57,000.

"The QV-E is positioned for Malaysian urban commuters who want a locally-developed EV with a practical 370 km range, suitable for condominium living and daily city driving."

Common Questions

Will the Perodua QV-E be rebadged as a Daihatsu or Toyota?

It is possible. Daihatsu has enquired to join Perodua's EV development, and Toyota has also offered collaboration. Rebadging is not unusual, as the Indonesian Sirion is a rebadged Myvi. However, no official agreement has been publicly confirmed.

What is the main criticism of the Perodua QV-E?

The single biggest gripe with the QV-E is its cheap-feeling interior. This is a key area where Daihatsu and Toyota input could help improve the car, should a partnership for future EV development materialise.

How does the QV-E compare to the Proton eMas 5?

The QV-E offers 204 PS and 370 km WLTP range, while the Proton eMas 5 has 325 km range and starts from RM57,000. Perodua is developing a smaller A-segment model on the same platform to compete more directly with the eMas 5.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a report from Paul Tan's Automotive News, published on 28 August 2026, covering the potential Daihatsu-Perodua EV partnership. The original source includes statements from Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Johari Abdul Ghani and Perodua President and CEO Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

All specifications, including the 204 PS power output and 370 km WLTP range, are taken directly from the source material. No currency conversions were required as all figures are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). This article was last updated on 28 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the original Paul Tan's Automotive News report.