Changan EVs confirmed for Malaysia, Melaka to get RM 1bil CKD EV plant

Malaysia's electric vehicle (EV) space will welcome a new competitor in the form of Chinese carmaker Changan, as confirmed by a statement by the Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md. Ali.

He said that Fieldman EV Sdn. Bhd. has obtained exclusive rights to distribute EVs in Malaysia and in Southeast Asia from Changan Automobile Corp, reports Bernama.

This follows the announcement of Fieldman EV Sdn. Bhd. investing RM 1 billion in Melaka to develop the country's first EV assembly plant, set to be built on a 200-hectare site at the Elkay Lipat Kajang industrial area in Jasin.

“Fieldman EV intends to launch EVs and is interested to build an assembly plant in Melaka together with local companies by utilising Changan’s technology," said Sulaiman to reporters at a handover ceremony between Fieldman EV and the Melaka state development corporation yesterday.

He added that the factory would also provide 5,000 new job openings and create downstream opportunities for the local automotive industry.

What models are in the line-up?

Readers of this site will know that Changan's line-up is an interesting one, comprising of the funkily-designed Uni- range of cars.

Also read: The Changan Uni-V is a sportback that is missing an Audi logo

However, we think that one of the first models to be introduced here will be the Changan Eado EV460 sedan instead, as that's been spotted testing in the capital late last year, and Fieldman EV's site already showcases the car.

Also read: Far from home, what’s this Changan Eado EV doing in Malaysia?

Still, as we wait for the company's official announcement, click the link below to read a quick run-down of what to expect from the RM 90k (in China) EV.

Also read: Remember that Changan Eado EV that was spotted in Malaysia? Here's a quick run-down on this RM 90k EV