10 EVs with the cheapest road tax in Malaysia

Considering an electric car but fearing high road tax? Relax! Malaysia's new EV road tax system, starting in January 2026, is much cheaper around 70% less than the old way of calculating it.

By the way, the new EV road tax isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. It considers how much power (measured in kilowatts, kW) your electric car packs. This table acts like a handy decoder ring, breaking down the different power levels and their corresponding tax rates. So, you can find the exact amount you'll be paying based on your specific EV's muscle.

Here are 10 EVs with the cheapest road tax in Malaysia, based on the new structure that will be implemented in January 2026. The new system bases the road tax on the EV's kW output,

1.BYD Dolphin Standard Range: RM40Looking for a super affordable electric car with low road tax? Look no further than the BYD Dolphin Standard Range! At just RM40 per year, it's one of the cheapest EVs to own in Malaysia under the new 2026 road tax structure.

This wallet-friendly price tag comes thanks to the Dolphin's standard range power output of 70 kW. It's important to note that this low tax rate applies specifically to the Standard Range model. If you opt for the more powerful Extended Range Dolphin, you'll pay a slightly higher road tax.

2.Neta V: RM40Joining the BYD Dolphin in the ultra-low road tax category is the Neta V.  It also benefits from a 70 kW electric motor, resulting in a road tax of just RM40 annually –  a very attractive proposition for budget-minded EV buyers.

On top of its affordability, the Neta V boasts a respectable NEDC-rated range of 380 km on a single charge, thanks to its 38.5 kWh battery pack. This means you can enjoy worry-free commutes and even some weekend adventures without needing to constantly search for charging stations.

3.Renault Zoe R110: RM60Remember the Renault Zoe? It was one of the first EVs to hit Malaysian roads, and it's still going strong!  This entry-level version of the second-generation Zoe packs a punch with an 80 kW electric motor. While not quite the most powerful option, this translates to a very reasonable road tax of only RM60 per year under the new system.

So, if you're looking for a reliable and established EV with competitive running costs, the Renault Zoe shouldn't be overlooked.

4.GAC Aion Y Plus: RM70Following closely behind the Renault Zoe R110 is the GAC Aion Y Plus, a newcomer that debuted at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024. This EV SUV boasts a front-mounted electric motor with a higher output of 100 kW compared to the Zoe. As a result, its road tax is slightly steeper at RM70 annually.

However, the Aion Y Plus might be a compelling choice for those seeking a spacious and practical EV.  Thanks to its 63.2 kWh battery pack, it offers a NEDC-rated driving range of 490 km, giving you plenty of range for errands, commutes, and even some out-of-town adventures.  While the road tax is a touch higher than the Zoe, the added space and range make it a worthwhile consideration.

5. Hyundai Kona e-Lite & e-Plus: RM70The Hyundai Kona Electric might not be listed under that name on Hyundai Malaysia's website anymore, but fear not! It's simply the first generation model that's been phased out in favor of the newer second-generation model that debuted in late 2022.The good news is that both the e-Lite and e-Plus variants of the original Kona Electric are still very relevant options.  They share a front-mounted electric motor producing 100 kW, which translates to a road tax of RM70 per year under the new system.

Both Kona variants also come equipped with a 39.2 kWh battery pack, offering a WLTP-rated driving range of up to 305 km. This makes them suitable for daily commutes and errands without needing to constantly search for charging stations.So, if you come across a good deal on a first-generation Hyundai Kona Electric, it's still a great choice for an affordable and practical EV, especially considering the low road tax. Just be aware that you might be looking at the newer model under a different name on Hyundai's official channels.

6.Renault Zoe R135: RM70Following the Renault Zoe R110 is the top-spec second-generation Zoe. Interestingly, despite boasting a more powerful 100 kW electric motor, it still falls under the same RM70 road tax bracket. This is likely due to a combination of the new tax structure and the Zoe's overall efficiency.  The top-spec Zoe also features a larger 52 kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of 386 km – a significant improvement over the R110.

7.GWM Ora Good Cat 400 Pro & 500 Ultra: RM80The GWM Ora Good Cat comes in two variants, the 400 Pro and 500 Ultra, both offering excellent driving ranges. However, their road tax is slightly higher than some of the previous options at RM80 annually. This is due to their shared front-mounted electric motor that produces 105 kW.

While the road tax is a touch higher, the Ora Good Cat makes up for it with impressive range. The 400 Pro boasts a 47.8 kWh battery pack, offering a NEDC-rated driving range of 400 km. For those seeking even more distance, the 500 Ultra comes equipped with a larger 63.1 kWh battery pack, extending the range to a NEDC-rated 500 km. This makes it a great choice for those who frequently take longer trips or simply want the peace of mind of fewer charging stops.

8. Nissan Leaf: RM80

Joining the GWM Ora Good Cat in the RM80 road tax bracket is the Nissan Leaf, a familiar name in the EV world.  This popular hatchback is powered by a front-mounted electric motor with an output of 110 kW. While not the most powerful option, it still delivers good performance and falls under a reasonable road tax category.

If you're looking for a dependable and proven EV with a comfortable balance between power, range, and affordability, the Nissan Leaf is definitely worth considering.

9.Hyundai Ioniq 6 Lite & Plus RWD: RM100The Hyundai Ioniq 6 enters the scene with two budget-friendly variants, the Lite and Plus RWD.  Both models live up to their names by featuring a single rear-wheel-drive electric motor generating 111 kW.  This translates to a road tax of RM100 annually, making them attractive options for those seeking a balance between affordability and performance.

Despite the single motor, both Lite and Plus trims offer a respectable WLTP-rated driving range of 429 km thanks to their shared 53 kWh battery pack. This ensures you can enjoy a good mix of city and highway driving without range anxiety.So, if you're looking for a stylish and practical EV with a focus on value, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Lite and Plus RWD are definitely worth considering. Their combination of decent power, good range, and relatively low road tax make them strong contenders in the Malaysian EV market.

10.Hyundai Ioniq 5 Lite & Plus: RM120The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Lite and Plus come with the same rear-wheel drive system and battery, resulting in a low road tax of RM120. They both offer a driving range of 384 km on a single charge.

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