Tuesday Tech: Is EV Really the Future for Malaysia?

Today, let’s talk about tech and yes, I do think electric vehicles (EVs) fall under the tech category. After all, they’re one of the biggest examples of how technology is shaping the way we live, drive, and even think about the environment.

In recent years, Malaysia has been slowly but surely introducing EV cars to the masses by offering more affordable options especially from Proton. With models like the eMas 7 and now the eMas 5, we’re seeing more EVs on the road than ever before. It’s a good sign that Malaysians are becoming more open to embracing new technology in transportation.

But one question still remains, are EVs really environmentally friendly?

Yes, they don’t burn petrol or release harmful exhaust gases, which sounds like a win for Mother Earth. But then comes the next question, where do we get the electricity to power them? If our electricity still heavily relies on fossil fuels, then are we truly cutting down emissions, or just shifting the problem elsewhere?

There’s also the issue of battery production and disposal. EV batteries require materials like lithium and cobalt, which come from mining and that has its own environmental consequences. It’s one of those “clean but not entirely clean” situations that make this debate so interesting (and complicated).

Now, for my take, I honestly think EVs are a great move. They’re a big step in the right direction towards greener transportation, even if the journey isn’t perfect yet. While I doubt that owning an EV is actually cheaper than using fuel right now, I believe that with better infrastructure like more charging stations, lower maintenance costs, and cleaner energy sources, EVs can definitely be a fantastic option for all Malaysians.

And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll get myself an EV too.