Following a subtle tease about a week ago, we now see the Perodua Electric Motion-Online (EM-O) concept in all it's miniature glory at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow 2023.

Though only a scaled down concept of what a future B-Segment EV hatchback by Perodua could look like, the EM-O concept additionally previews the EV powertrain that could power it, as the company's moves its products closer towards electrification as part of its long-term plans.

To this effect, Perodua has released some exacting product specifications of the EM-O concept, which presumably will be powered by a single-motor on the front axle delivering 95 PS and 121 Nm, exactly the same as the (1NR-VE) 1.3-litre four-cylinder found in the Myvi and Bezza.

The powertrain will be juiced by a 50 kWh lithium ion battery which can deliver a driving range of between 300 km - 350 km.

Also read: Perodua: EVs to overtake ICEs and hybrids in Malaysia by early 2030s - 17 suppliers may not survive the transition

The EM-O concept is claimed to complete the 0-100 km/h dash in 10 seconds and accelerate to a top speed of 160 km/h.

Perhaps most impressively, is its dual 400V / 800V electrical architecture which enables a max charging capacity of 300 kW, higher even than the 270 kW architecture found in the Porsche Taycan.

According to Perodua, this will enable AC charging to 100 percent in 7.5 hrs and ultra-fast DC charging to 80 percent in just 20 minutes. 

A full-sized EM-O concept measures 3,895 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width, 1,515 mm in heigth with a wheelbase of 2,500 mm - identical to the current Myvi. Of course, this simply could be for design visualisation purposes. 

Perodua sources familiar with the EM-O concept, have even said that the final product from Perodua will be based off a completely new platform and not the DNGA platform which currently underpins other Perodua models. 

The platform will be developed exclusively for electrification and will not support any ICE-engine applications. 

Besides the powertrain and platform, the design of the EM-O could also point to the design language of a future Myvi. Designed in-house by Perodua, the snazzy looking hatchback highlights angular proportions and muscular stance, not unlike the Toyota GR Yaris. 

That aside, there are subtle hints of the Kia EV6 as well, with sharp creases of the front fascia, grille and blacked out headlights. 

The inside however, can be experienced entirely virtually if you visit the Perodua booth at Malaysia Autoshow 2023. Here, the concept features driver focussed cockpit with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and fully-digital instrument cluster. 

The EM-O is visibly a five-seater hatcback with bucket seats finished in varying colours to spice up the cabin space.

The 'Online' in its name refers to a range of connected features and personalised services for future owners. 

Combining IOT, big data with integrated AI and automation, the EM-O concept will connect to the world around it, and the integrated charging network to ensure seamless mobility. 

Though no bigger than a baby push-cart for now, the EM-O concept could separately also serve to hint at an all-new hybrid model Perodua plans to launch sometime in 2024.

Ruling out the Ativa (and lease-only Ativa Hybrid), new Alza and recently launched second-generation Axia, the most likely candidates are the aging Bezza and 3rd-gen Myvi, which has been around since 2017. 

On a larger scale, Perodua wants to move its local vendor and supply chain towards electrified vehicles, a segment it believes will see rapid growth in Malaysia between 2024 to early 2030s.

Also read: Perodua: Readiness of local suppliers crucial for electrification; hybrid as stepping stone to EV

Perodua has previously mentioned that a locally produced hybrid model will prepare local suppliers to support the company’s future BEV product plans, which is targeted to be launched in Malaysia in 2029.

Based on Perodua's projections - they believe demand for hybrid vehicles (HEVs) will exceed conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) models by 2030 but by 2033, BEVs will outsell both ICE and hybrids.