If nothing changes with MITI and their latest instructions to electric vehicle manufacturers, starting July 1st 2026, BYD electric vehicles in Malaysia are expected to become more expensive, particularly for imported CBU models.
New MITI rules require imported EVs to meet a minimum RM200,000 CIF value and 180kW power.
This means most BYD models on sale right now, like the SEAL and Sealion which compete in a segment way …. way below RM300k, may need to raise selling prices or switch to local assembly (CKD) in Malaysia.
From July 1, 2026 Insurance and Freight (CIF) value of a BYD electric vehicle that is fully imported (CBU) is tagged at nothing less than RM200,000.
Once taxes are added, this is expected to raise retail prices for many imported electric car models, potentially pushing them above RM300,000.
Only some current BYD models, like the Seal and Sealion 7, meet the 180kW minimum requirement. However, because they are currently sold below the RM200,000 CIF threshold, they will likely see price adjustments.
This new regulations aim to shift the market towards local assembly. While BYD is developing a local, export-focused assembly plant in Tanjung Malim, early reports indicate that domestically sold, locally assembled vehicles may also be subject to a minimum pricing threshold.
Meanwhile, BYD vehicles already in stockyards or on the way to Malaysia with confirmed orders before the deadline may not be subject to these new price hikes immediately.
Incidentally, there are some about to be electric car buyers who are hesitating from buying a BYD EV right now, before the price hike as there is worry about after sales and parts after July 1st 2026.
Well, do not worry! Go ahead and buy that BYD electric car before the stock runs out!
Please note that this Chinese automaker is now among the 10 best-selling car brands in Malaysia. And with its current fully-electric lineup, it should come as no surprise that BYD is also the country’s most popular EV brand to date. Did you know that BYD recently announced over 28,000 of their vehicles are already running in Malaysia. And it only took them three short years to achieve it, with the Chinese automaker first handling operations locally in 2022.
