25-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Tesla Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian arm of the renowned American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Tesla Inc, officially commenced its operations in Malaysia yesterday with the much-anticipated launch of its Model Y for the local market.
In a joint statement with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, Tesla stated that its expansion into Malaysia is a direct response to the Battery Electric Vehicle Global Leaders initiative, which was introduced by the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry.
Interested customers can now book and purchase the Model Y directly from Tesla’s website since July 14, with prices ranging from RM199,000 to RM288,000. Delivery of the first Tesla unit is expected around early 2024.
Tesla’s regional director, Isabel Fan, expressed that the company plans to introduce more models in the future to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of Malaysian consumers.
Low-volume production has already commenced, as Tesla aims to demonstrate the security and viability of electric cars. The revenue generated from this initial phase will pave the way for more affordable vehicles, eventually leading to mass-market high-volume production.
In addition to car sales, Tesla is heavily investing in establishing an extensive network of fast-charging and regular-charging stations across strategic locations in Malaysia. This move aims to address the lack of charging infrastructure in the country, thereby promoting a higher adoption rate of electric vehicles.
Tesla’s first indoor supercharger station, equipped with eight superchargers, will soon open at the basement of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, subject to license approval before commissioning and utilization. Future charging stations in Johor and Penang are also in the works, ensuring seamless travel for Tesla customers between Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
The Model Y comes in three trims, including Model Y (rear-wheel drive), Model Y Long Range, and Model Y Performance. The mid-size SUV offers an ideal combination of range, performance, safety, and technology, boasting over 2,100 liters of cargo space and seating for up to five passengers.
With ultra-responsive motors, the Model Y can accelerate from 0 to 100km per hour in just 3.7 seconds, offering an impressive range of up to 533 km (WLTP) per charge. Notable features include an all-glass roof, autopilot, active safety features, and a Hepa air filtration system.
Alongside the car launch, Tesla plans to establish a state-of-the-art head office and service center in Cyberjaya, serving as the central hub for corporate operations, marketing, training, customer support, and vehicle services. The center will be equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed by highly trained technicians to provide efficient after-sales services to customers.
Tesla also has plans to set up experience centers in major metropolitan areas across Malaysia, allowing potential customers to explore and experience the latest EV models firsthand while gaining valuable insights into the benefits of electric mobility.
In alignment with Malaysia’s commitment to promoting low-carbon mobility and supporting the EV industry, Tesla customers will enjoy full import and excise duties exemption for newly registered zero-emission Tesla electric vehicles. Additionally, customers are eligible for 100% road tax exemption and individual income tax relief of up to RM2,500 on expenses related to EV charging facilities for the assessment year of 2023.
Furthermore, companies that rent non-commercial EVs are eligible for tax deductions on the rental amount of up to RM300,000 from the year of assessment 2023 until 2025.
