The electric vehicle (EV) landscape in Malaysia hasn’t just shifted; it has undergone a total seismic transformation. If you’ve spent any time on the Federal Highway recently, you’ve likely seen the change firsthand. The silence of the traffic is getting louder, and the data for January 2026 confirms what we’ve all been suspecting: the local hero has officially arrived.

According to the latest registration data from Data.gov.my, January 2026 marked a historic milestone for mass-market EV adoption in Malaysia. Leading the charge is the Proton e.MAS 5, which didn’t just take the top spot, it absolutely decimated the competition.

In this deep dive, we’ll break down the winners, the surprises, and what this means for you if you’re looking to buy an electric car in Malaysia this year.

The Proton e.MAS 5 Phenomenon: 3,068 Reasons to Believe

For years, critics wondered if a local manufacturer could truly compete in the high-tech EV space dominated by Chinese and American giants. The answer is a resounding “yes.”

In January 2026, the Proton e.MAS 5 registered a staggering 3,068 units. To put that into perspective, that is more than seven times the volume of the second-place finisher. This isn’t just a successful launch; it’s a total market takeover.

Why is this happening? It’s the perfect storm of brand trust, an aggressive price point, and a charging infrastructure that Proton has been quietly scaling across its nationwide dealer network. For the average Malaysian family, the e.MAS 5 represents the first “no-compromise” electric vehicle that fits a middle-class budget.

Internal Link: Check out our Ultimate Guide to EV Charging Stations in Malaysia to see how the network is expanding near you.

The Premium Battle: Zeekr vs. Tesla

While Proton dominates the volume, the premium segment is where the real drama is unfolding. Zeekr has emerged as a formidable powerhouse, with the Zeekr 7X claiming the #2 spot with 426 registrations.

The 7X’s success suggests that Malaysian buyers are looking for more than just a badge; they want the cutting-edge tech and “lounge-on-wheels” interior that Zeekr provides. Interestingly, its sibling, the Zeekr 009 luxury MPV, also made the list at #17 with 59 units, proving that the luxury “Alphard-killer” segment is going electric.

What about Tesla? The pioneer is facing stiff competition. The Tesla Model 3 sits at #10 with 91 units, followed closely by the Model Y at #12 with 85 units. While Tesla remains a status symbol, the sheer variety of Chinese and local options is starting to dilute its once-unchallenged market share.

BYD and Chery: The Consistent Powerhouses

If Proton is the king and Zeekr is the rising prince, then BYD is the bedrock of the Malaysian EV market. The BYD Atto 3 remains a fan favorite, securing the #3 spot with 389 registrations.

BYD’s strategy of “an EV for everyone” is evident in the rankings:

• BYD Sealion 7: #6 with 196 units.
• BYD Seal 6: #7 with 195 units.
• BYD Atto 2: #18 with 56 units.
• BYD M6: #20 with 53 units.

Chery is also making significant moves. The iCaur V23 took the #4 spot with 268 units, while the iCaur 03 followed at #8 with 183 units. Chery’s design-forward approach seems to be resonating with younger, urban drivers who want an EV that looks as futuristic as the technology inside it.

Detailed Breakdown: Top 10 EVs in Malaysia (Jan 2026)

For those who love the raw numbers, here is how the top of the leaderboard looks:

Rank	Model	Units Registered
1	Proton e.MAS 5	3,068
2	Zeekr 7X	426
3	BYD Atto 3	389
4	Chery iCaur V23	268
5	Proton e.MAS 7	208
6	BYD Sealion 7	196
7	BYD Seal 6	195
8	Chery iCaur 03	183
9	Leapmotor B10	100
10	Tesla Model 3	91

Notice the Proton e.MAS 7 at #5 with 208 units? This indicates that Proton’s broader EV ecosystem is already gaining traction, providing options for different segments of the market.

New Entrants and Niche Players

The January data also highlights the entry of several new brands into the Malaysian consciousness:

• Leapmotor: With the B10 (#9) and C10 (#16) moving a combined 171 units, this brand is one to watch.
• XPENG: The G6 (#15) and X9 (#26) are carving out a niche for high-tech enthusiasts.
• Smart: The combined registrations for the #1, #3, and #5 models reached 38 units at the #23 spot.
• European Luxury: Brands like Porsche (Taycan), Volvo (ES90, EC40), and BMW (iX2) continue to hold steady, albeit at lower volumes as they cater to the high-end boutique market.

Why This Data Matters for Your Next Car Purchase

When looking at registration data, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. But as experts in the Malaysian automotive landscape, we see three key takeaways:

1. Resale Value Confidence

High registration numbers for the Proton e.MAS 5 and BYD Atto 3 mean a healthier used car market in the future. Buying a popular model often ensures better parts availability and higher resale value.

2. Infrastructure Follows Volume

Charging providers (like Gentari and ChargEV) prioritize locations where the most EVs are driving. If you buy a top-ranking model, you’re almost guaranteed that public charging infrastructure will be optimized for your vehicle’s charging standards.

3. The End of “Range Anxiety”

With the “milestone for mass-market EV adoption” reached, the conversation is shifting from “Will I get stuck?” to “Which tech features do I want?” The variety of models, from the affordable Neta V (#29) to the luxury Mercedes-Benz EQS (#13), means there is now an EV for every lifestyle in Malaysia.

External Link: Verify the latest official figures and road tax structures at theJPJ Official Portal.

Verdict: Is 2026 the Year You Go Electric?

The data is clear: the Proton e.MAS 5 has broken the dam. The initial hesitation regarding EVs is evaporating, replaced by a competitive market that benefits the consumer with better prices, better tech, and more choices.

Whether you’re eyeing the dominant Proton, the tech-heavy Zeekr, or the reliable BYD, January 2026 has proven that the electric revolution in Malaysia is no longer “coming”. It is here.

What do you think? Does the Proton e.MAS 5’s dominance surprise you, or did you see it coming? Let us know in the comments below!

This post was drafted based on registration data provided by Data.gov.my as of January 2026.

Would you like me to create a comparison chart between the top 3 models (Proton, Zeekr, and BYD) to help you decide which one fits your budget? Or you can simply visit our website MetaFin to get your quotation