Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a distant trend—they’re becoming a present-day reality in many countries. Across Malaysia’s transport landscape, the interest in these new-technology vehicles is also growing. While private EVs often dominate the headlines, electric buses can now also be seen to be quietly but steadily making their mark in key cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, signalling a transformative shift in public mobility.

On the Road: Malaysia’s Electric Bus Momentum
In urban centres, several public transport agencies are already piloting or expanding electric bus fleets:

Kuala Lumpur – Rapid KL’s Commitment to Change
Rapid KL, under Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, is leading the charge with operational electric buses in the Klang Valley.

“We are set to acquire a total of 310 diesel-engine buses, marking this as the final procurement of diesel-engine buses before transitioning to fully electric vehicles (EVs) by 2037.”
— Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah, CEO, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad
(Source: Prasarana – A Greener and Smoother Ride Awaits 2024)

Over 15 electric buses are currently deployed on the Sunway BRT line.

The target: Add 1 138 electric buses between 2025 and 2030, in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

Penang – Smart Transport in Action
The Penang state government is progressively electrifying its fleet under its smart transport initiative, focusing on cleaner and more efficient solutions for urban routes.

• Pilot electric buses have been introduced in George Town and tourist-heavy zones.
• Collaborations with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) support these efforts, although specific deployment numbers are still emerging.

Johor Bahru – Global Partnerships on the Horizon
Johor Bahru is in discussions with leading global manufacturers such as Yutong and BYD to introduce electric buses in support of the Iskandar Malaysia smart city agenda.

The Business Case for Electric Buses in Malaysia
Electric buses are attractive to transport operators for several compelling reasons:

• Lower Operational Costs: EV buses reduce fuel and maintenance costs by an estimated 20–40 percent over their lifecycle.
• Passenger Comfort: Smoother rides and quieter cabins significantly improve the urban travel experience.
• Government Support: Grants, soft loans, and tax relief under the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) and Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint lower the adoption barrier.
• Health benefits: Thanks to elimination of vibrations from an engine, the impact on the human bodies (joints, muscles) is reduced, as is noise level inside and out. With no tailpipe emissions, electric buses help to keep the air fresh in urban areas.
• ESG & Compliance: Aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards is increasingly essential for public procurement and investor confidence.

Tackling Infrastructure Challenges
Despite promising progress, the electric bus ecosystem still faces hurdles, particularly in relation to charging infrastructure.

“By establishing a well-distributed and easily accessible charging infrastructure, electric vehicle owners can confidently plan longer journeys and seamlessly integrate electric vehicles into their daily routines.”
— Datuk Ir. Baharin Din, CEO, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)
(Source: TNB Sustainability – EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy)

• TNB has already installed 36 fast chargers, with plans to exceed 200 by 2025.
• Cyberview’s Mobility Hub in Cyberjaya is piloting integrated depot solutions, including fast charging and maintenance stations for public fleets.
• Malaysia aims to install 10 000 EV chargers nationwide by 2025, driven by public-private partnerships. Admittedly, currently this plan is not on target.

Local Industry Participation
Malaysia’s domestic industry is stepping up to support the transition to sustainable public transport:

• Companies such as Gemilang Coachwork and SKS Coachbuilders are assembling electric buses locally, reducing reliance on imports and supporting local employment.
• In partnership with Volvo Buses, Gemilang launched the BZL-GML Eco Range, a fully electric low-floor city bus developed for Malaysia’s urban transit needs.

“The introduction of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range will contribute to a more sustainable environment through zero emissions while strengthening industry networks and technology sharing.”
— Marcus Mak, Country Manager, Volvo Buses Malaysia
(Source: Volvo Malaysia Newsroom, May 2024)

Looking Forward
As local manufacturing scales up and infrastructure gaps are addressed, Malaysia’s electric bus market is poised for significant growth. Analysts forecast a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12–15 percent in the segment through to 2030.

Electric buses are no longer just a cleaner alternative—they’re central to Malaysia’s mission for sustainable urban development, reduced emissions, and energy-efficient public transport. The road ahead is electric, and Malaysia is already in the driver’s seat.