According to a report by RHB Investment Bank, Perodua is expected to unveil its first hybrid (HEV) in 2024. Further details were not divulged, only that the electrified segment (HEV, PHEV, BEV) in Malaysia will continue to grow.

Earlier this year, Perodua announced the Ativa Hybrid that comes fully-imported (CBU) from Japan and is a direct rebadge of the Daihatsu Rocky e:Smart Hybrid. The Perodua Ativa Hybrid is not for sale but instead leased to selected customers under its EZ MOBi arm.

Also read: 2022 Perodua Ativa Hybrid in Malaysia: Leasing only, 40% better fuel consumption than regular car!

The 300-unit batch of Ativa Hybrids is meant as a feasibility study to provide insights into customer interests, needs, driving habits and running costs (especially in high-traffic cities) before Perodua ventures into hybrids and later potentially Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV).

Also read: Here's the explanation of why you can't buy the Perodua Ativa Hybrid

At the moment, Daihatsu doesn’t make BEVs and the Rocky e:Smart Hybrid is the only HEV in its line-up. While the report doesn’t mention which model will be Perodua’s first HEV, current indications point towards the Perodua Ativa, possibly as a new variant in its mid-cycle facelift.

Also read: Next-gen Daihatsu Move (aka Perodua Kenari) to be brand's first EV, will debut in 2023

Under the bonnet of the Ativa Hybrid is a series-hybrid system with a 106 PS/170 Nm electric motor and a 1.2-litre WA-VEX three-cylinder petrol engine (82 PS/105 Nm) that acts as a generator to charge up the 4.3 Ah lithium-ion battery. 

Also read: Hybrid 101: Demystifying MHEV, HEV, PHEV, and understanding whether Toyota, Honda, or Perodua hybrids are best for you

This arrangement eliminates the need for a conventional gearbox, making it a pretty compact and light powertrain. All in, this allows the Ativa Hybrid to a net a fuel efficiency figure of 31.3 km/litre on the Malaysian Driving Cycle (MDC) (or 3.2 litre/100 km).

Also read: Same same, but very different - CBU 2022 Perodua Ativa Hybrid vs CKD Perodua Ativa