CariCarz.com’s Top 5 EV Test-Drives of 2023

At the risk of repeating ourselves, there’s no denying the fact that 2023 proved to be a stellar year for Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia. Not just in the growth of products, it also applies to the local EV charging infrastructure’s growth throughout the year too.

Fortunately for us at CariCarz.com, we were able to see and experience both first hand through various new EVs we test-drove throughout the year too. Having thought this through, we’ve come up with FIVE that really stood out most, each with good reasons too.

Well, without any further delays, here’s our pick of the best EV test-drives we’ve conducted this year…

1. BYD Dolphin

Best ‘Starter’ EV

Chinese upstart BYD couldn’t have executed their Malaysian market entry any better with the Atto 3 in late 2022. And much of the Atto 3’s brilliance was repeated in the smaller but more ‘grounded’ Dolphin hatchback that launched last July.

Despite its petite size, the Dolphin impressed us firstly through its respectably good and balanced drive dynamics across both Standard and Extended Range forms. Next came the well thought out kit lists endowed in both, followed by their acceptable real world driving ranges and charging abilities.

Simply put, if you wanted a starter urban EV that had it all and, crucially, one that was NOT something lifted on stilts, then Dolphin is a seriously tempting proposition - one made more tempting by its seemingly ‘accessible’ price tag of around RM100,000. 

2. Volvo C40 & XC40 Recharge

Best Value ‘Premium’ Package

Presently, it’s safe to say that the local EV market space isn’t exactly targeted to the masses. Many EVs are positioned as luxuries still and, thankfully, many are rightfully equipped with plenty of posh amenities to justify they’re premium prices.

Amongst those we’ve sampled in 2023, the execution and delivery of luxe in both the Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge duo held the most value. This largely stems from the fact that both cars are produced locally (CKD) in Shah Alam, thus enabling Volvo Cars Malaysia to fully maximise on incentives and tax breaks for EVs given by the government.

Simply put, the amount of plush creature comforts, novel tech, and the strikingly functional Scandinavian designs in each, all bode well for the prices they command. There’s also the bonus of their sportscar-shaming powertrains with exceptional real-world range and charging abilities, as well as their highly comfortable ride and drive dynamics, to boot too.

3. Hyundai Ioniq 6  Max RWD

Best Real-World EV Range

Although its arrival was overshadowed by a certain American EV powerhouse's arrival, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 did stand out against the current crop of Chinese and European EVs in our market, albeit for a different reason.

Besides its quirky, retro-futuristic styling, the Ioniq 6, especially in this upper-mid Max RWD variant, boasts some serious EV range figures, plus decent performance numbers too. Underpinning Hyundai’s E-GMP 800-volt architecture with a massive 77.4-kWh battery pack, the Ioniq 6 Max RWD boasts a maximum 350 kW DCFC rate, plus a segment-leading WLTP range of 614 KM.

Through our real-world test involving a road trip to Ipoh via scenic B-roads and variable driving conditions, we managed to muster about 450 to 500 KM of range from this streamliner-shaped EV. Though still 100 KM shy of its claimed range, this is perhaps the best real-world range we’ve ever got out of any EV we tested in 2023.

4. BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport

Best Handling EV

When it comes to driving dynamics, none come close to eclipsing the Bavarian masters of handling. Though its new and sporty iX xDrive50 proved to be quite impressive as a lifted EV crossover SUV on this front, it won’t hold a candle to its more grounded, sleeker i4 cousin.

The BMW i4 eDrive40 M Sport we sampled in Aug 2023 stood as proof that BMW hasn’t forgotten its roots. It essentially is a ‘traditional’ BMW saloon that just happens to be electric-powered, the former’s best traits being better enhanced through the latter. 

This is the best-handling EV that isn’t a purpose-built sportscar we’ve sampled to date, and it has become our benchmark for any saloon-bodied EV in terms of drive dynamics.Our only gripe? Those massive faux-nostrils up front… but this hasn’t made us love the i4 any less.

5. GWM Ora Good Cat 500 Pro

Surprisingly Most Fun EV

Truth be told, our expectations weren’t high when we tested the quirky GWM Ora Good Cat in its top-specced 500 Pro form. Driven by the aim to unravel what’s good beneath this funky, feline-themed EV hatch, a rather surprising discovery was made.

Firstly, don’t let its cute looks fool you, as the Ora Good Cat is surprisingly fun to drive. Thanks to its single FWD electric motor setup rated at 134 HP and 210 NM, plus the surprisingly stellar GWM L.E.M.O.N. platform, we managed to tackle the steep Genting hillclimb with ease and had lots of fun whilst at it, even laden with four adults onboard. Besides that, its relatively light 1,510 KG kerb weight and low-slung nature have also contributed to the Good Cat’s decent driving dynamics.

Granted, its 500 KM-rated 63.1-kWh battery pack only granted us about 350 KM of real-world EV range through heavy-footed driving. But regardless of that, the GWM Ora Good Cat 500 Pro would still make a decent starter EV for those who are seeking a quirky and fun driving machine.