A life-size concept vehicle of the Perodua EM-O is on its way by the end of this year or early next year, Perodua CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin shared at the recent Malaysia Autoshow 2023.

"The actual concept car will be developed pretty soon, if not end of this year, then maybe the early part of next year. Why this actual concept car, because we want customers to feel and sit inside it," he explained, touching on the point that there's a need for would-be customers to better understand cars with newer technology.

"For example, when we develop a car for Malaysian customers, there are something called the Malaysian unique [selling points]," he said, referring to non-negotiables like large boot spaces and adequate soundproofing to keep the sound of the rain out.

"When we develop this kind of car [EM-O], somehow or rather I want our Malaysian customers to feel that driving an EV is not something new; it's like a normal car, except now that we have to ensure that there's enough chargers and power for them to use this vehicle without any concern," he explained.

To that end, the EM-O's development is deeply rooted within the Malaysian context. Besides conducting local studies and surveys to better understand consumer behaviour to this new product, Datuk Zainal says that the design is fully local – and the sporty interior is a reflection of it too.

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

When asked about the roots of its B-segment hatchback design in lieu of an SUV, Datuk Zainal explained it's due to the brand's expertise in that bodystyle. He says their experience and understanding of the form allows Perodua designers to expedite the design stage and minimise some costs, factors which aid in the overall development stage.

Read betwen the lines and it's clear that the all-local design and interpretations are our earliest look at a reborn Perodua, so to speak. Though certain parties were quick to detract the model as 'soon another rebadge', remember that Perodua's technical partner, Daihatsu, hasn't got their own battery EV model.

Hence, Perodua is in a better position than Daihatsu to decide and craft EVs tailored to Malaysians, which also extends to estabilishing the local vendor base and infrastructure that they require. The company has begun pushing its vendors into the EV space but of course, baby steps first – the upcoming Perodua hybrid, said to arrive in 2024, is a first step in introducing high voltage cabling, battery- and motor-related technology to local vendors.

Though we're still quite far away from the actual EM-O model, the clock is ticking and Perodua will be one to watch in the next decade.

Also read: Other than EVs, Perodua keen to produce hybrids, low-emissions ICE: first locally-made HEV to come in 2024