It looks like demand for fully-imported (CBU) EVs is flying through the roof, as sales in this segment have surged by 33% in November 2025. This sudden spike comes as buyers scramble to beat the looming 31st December deadline, marking the final call for EV tax exemptions on CBU models, before their price lists are revised.
According to data from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) reported by The Star, 4,282 CBU EVs found new homes last month compared to 3,211 units in October. This performance not only marks a new monthly high but also represents the fourth consecutive month of growth for CBU EV sales since July.
The Proton eMAS 7 (stylised as e.MAS 7) remains the nation’s best-selling EV, with 7,413 units registered from January to the end of October 2025. In the non-national segment, BYD continues to dominate the charts. The BYD Atto 3 and the BYD Sealion 7 are currently cementing the first and second spots for non-national EVs, with both models recording an identical 3,569 units sold in the first 11 months of the year.
Tesla holds the next two positions, with the Model Y securing third spot at 3,490 units sold, followed by the Tesla Model 3 with 1,977 units. The remaining leaderboard of best-selling EVs in the country includes the BYD M6 (1,496 units), BYD Atto 2 (1,336 units), Denza D9 (1,002 units), BYD Seal (989 units), Zeekr 7X (831 units), and the BYD Seal 6 (824 units).
RELATED: XPeng partners with EPMB for CKD in Malaysia – G6, X9 and X9 PowerX REEV to be produced in Melaka
Despite the looming deadline, the Finance Ministry has yet to announce a new tax rates for CBU EVs. When asked if pricing for these vehicles will increase on January 1, BYD Malaysia managing director Eagle Zhao told the publication that the exact impact is still being evaluated.
“While the introduction of excise duty for imported EVs may lead to price adjustments across the market, both BYD and Sime Motors remain committed to keeping EV’s accessible,” he added.
Nevertheless, carmakers are rapidly establishing locally assembled (CKD) operations in Malaysia. BYD has begun construction of its assembly plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak, with production expected to commence sometime this next year, while XPeng and MG have both recently announced their partnership with EP Manufacturing Berhad to establish their CKD assembly lines in Melaka.
Even local marque Proton has launched its all-new EV factory where it will assemble the eMAS 7, followed by the Proton eMAS 5 (stylised as e.MAS 5), and could also include production of Zeekr models in the future.
ALSO READ: BYD confirms plans for CKD plant in Tanjung Malim, vehicle production to begin in 2026
