QuantumScape, a leading developer of solid-state batteries, has achieved significant success in recent testing conducted by Volkswagen’s PowerCo labs. The prototype of QuantumScape’s solid-state battery underwent an impressive 1,000 charging cycles, retaining over 95% of its initial energy capacity. This outstanding performance is equivalent to an electric vehicle covering more than 482,803km without experiencing any noticeable degradation in range.
The solid-state battery technology developed by QuantumScape is considered revolutionary due to its potential to offer longer ranges, shorter charging times, and enhanced safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The company’s target for the prototype was 800 cycles with 80% energy retention, and the actual results have far surpassed this goal.
The rigorous testing carried out by Volkswagen’s PowerCo labs is a crucial step in validating the performance potential of QuantumScape’s solid-state lithium metal batteries. The prototype cell used in the tests has the same number of layers and follows the same proprietary cell format as QuantumScape’s first production-intent battery cell, known as the QSE-5.
In a startling incident on December 12, 2023, negligence by contractors involved in the multi-level parking project at Rawang Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) station resulted in losses exceeding RM2.4 million. The aftermath saw a construction crane collapsing on the track between Rawang and Kuang, triggering widespread disruptions that affected more than 20,000 train passengers.
Contractor Warnings and Freezing of Approvals
According to NST, transport minister Anthony Loke disclosed that KTMB had issued warnings to the contractors, leading to the freezing of approvals to the Public Works Department (JKR) and Railway Assets Corp (RAC) due to unauthorized construction work near KTMB’s operational track. The revelation sheds light on a disregard for safety protocols that could have averted the catastrophic incident.
The freezing of approvals indicates a systemic failure in oversight and raises questions about the efficacy of regulatory checks in preventing unauthorised construction activities.
The world of electric vehicle has been thriving in the past couple of years, with new models being introduced every other month from well-known brands. Even all-new brands have been sprouting up like mushrooms after rain as well.
A lot of the all-new brands are from China, but some are also coming out of Europe and the good old USA as well. While that has been a common theme, some car makers are reviving well-known, legendary brands but as pure EV’s.
Take Lotus for example, the iconic British brand was bought over by the Zhejiang Geely group, and save for just one model, it makes only electric vehicles while once upon a time it made nothing but ultra-light high-performance cars. Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus, may be rolling in his grave but the company is now making big bucks, which should stop his twirl.
And we also have Smart, which is usually stylised in lower case. Though not as iconic as Lotus, Smart has been around since the 80s and has made quite a name for itself over the years.
Many associate Smart with Mercedes-Benz and they are not wrong about that. However, Smart’s story goes further than that. Smart’s foundations lays with Swatch watches when the latter’s CEO wanted to create a car with the same manufacturing technologies and personalization options as the watches.
But rather than going at it alone, Swatch began looking for automotive partners. Volkswagen had initially agreed to support the brand but that changed when a new CEO took up the mantle.
Smart and Daimler-Benz AG then reached an agreement in 1994 and a number of eye-catching cars such as the ForTwo and ForFour soon came around, but sales were abysmal.
Mercedes-Benz and Geely then formed the Smart Automobile Co. Ltd in 2019 and began building Smart cars in China. The German brand handled design and marketing while Geely would focused on architecture and engineering.
Fast forward a couple of years and Smart is officially in Malaysia with Proton thanks to Geely, except that this time there is a new company that manages the brand.
Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net) was formed in 2022 and handles sales of Smart cars in Malaysia and in Thailand. The first point of business was to establish the Smart brand in Malaysia, and thus, after a series of teasers, Smart was officially launched in Malaysia in November of last year.
Rather awkwardly called the #1 (pronounced as the hashtag one), the first model comes in three variants – the entry level Pro model, Premium, and the flagship model seen here, the Brabus.
Priced at RM249,000, this is officially the cheapest Brabus model that has ever gone on sale. And those that know Brabus will understand that Brabus cars are not your regular run of the mill models. Any car that has the Brabus logo is something remarkably special, and the #1 Brabus is no different.
While the lesser variants can be described as regular EV’s, the Brabus adds performance and good looks to it, particularly in this matte grey colour with its contrasting radiant red roof.
True to the original plan, the #1 was designed by Mercedes-Benz while Geely focused on the engineering. It is built on Geely’s Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA) platform that also underpins other Geely brands like the Lotus Eletre, Zeekr 01 and Polestar models.
But the #1 runs on the SEA2 version to be exact, which is the same platform that is found on the Zeekr X and the Volvo EX30.
In terms of size, the #1 Brabus is 4270mm long, 1822mm wide and has a 2750mm wheelbase. At first glance, it looks similar in size to a MINI Countryman, but once you research the numbers, you will notice that it is in fact slightly longer than a Honda Civic. This should not come as a surprise though as the #1 is technically Smart’s first SUV.
Despite being quite large, which is something Smart cars were never meant to be, there is no mistaking its design. Somehow, Mercedes-Benz has managed to make it bigger, yet still retain its design DNA. The LED lights at the front and the back are connected by a light strip that runs across the length of the car. This looks good and accentuates the width of the car.
Take a seat in the captain’s chair and you are greeted by a minimalist interior. Directly ahead of you is a small 9.2-inch meter cluster that gives you all the essential readings such as the speed, battery charge and range of the car. Up ahead there is a 10-inch heads-up display that can be adjusted according to your height.
Dominating the interior though is a massive 12.8-inch infotainment screen that houses all the controls of the car. From here you adjust everything from the position of the side view mirrors to the safety systems, the entertainment, navigation and even look for the closest charging station.
One nifty feature that it has is a built-in navigation system with local info on charging stations. This shows you all the charging stations that are located near you, the status of the station (operational or not) and its charging performance.
The one feature we particularly like is that you can key in your destination into the map, let the car do the calculations for you and it will tell you whether you have enough juice to get there.
If you don’t, the car will show you where to charge and how long it will take you. It basically does all the hard work for you, and that is something that makes owning an EV more pleasant since there aren’t as many charging stations as petrol stations.
Once you have that out of the way, you can sit back and indulge in one of the finest sound systems found in an automobile. Entertainment is provided by Beats with 13-speakers placed all around the interior to ensure you don’t only hear your favourite music the way the artist intended you to, but also feel it deep in your organs.
But in case you are not an audiophile like us, you will be happy to know that the Brabus has its own augment engine sounds as well. There are two different engine sound options called the Smart original sounds and classic, which sounds too fake as compared to the former.
These sounds match the character of the Brabus, with 428PS and 543Nm at its disposal, this #1 is capable of some serious performance. The acceleration to 100km/h is seen off in 3.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 180kmh. This is blisteringly quick considering that it weighs in at a hefty 1900kg.
Even charging it up is quite impressive. The #1 is capable of 22kW AC charging which allows it to recharge from 10 to 80% in just three hours. That is seriously fast and rare. Most EV cars in Malaysia are only capable of 11kW or 7kW AC charging, and only expensive EV’s like Audi’s e-Tron’s or the Porsche Taycan are capable of 22kW AC charging.
But of course, it is also capable of some seriously fast DC charging. With 150kW capability, it can spruce up from 10 to 80% in just 30 minutes. The only problem? There are not that many 150kW DC chargers available that allow you to do that. As for range, the #1 Brabus has a 400km range as compared to the 440km of the Premium variant, but that is still better than the 315km of the entry-level Pro variant.
Besides its obvious performance talents, there is much to love about the #1 Brabus, such as its spaciousness that allows a family of five to get fairly comfortable with luggage space for a weekend at the beach. Build quality is great too and features such as the vehicle to load function lets you power up appliances like a fan or a coffee machine if you like to spend time outdoors.
Even driving it is super fun as the suspension has been stiffened to match its performance, meaning you can throw it into corners and slingshot out in stitches of laughter. But when you want to take it slow, just press a button to open the full panoramic roof and turn off the radio, sink into the ultrasuede leather seats and bask in its silent ambiance.
But it is not all praises for the #1 Brabus. The Gunmetal trim around the centre console tends to glare in the afternoon sun and this blinds you when driving. There are no audio buttons so you are left with the steering buttons or have to dive into that centre screen to adjust simple things like the volume.
Then there is the annoying Lane Keep Assist function that forces you to fight the car which wants to stay in its lane when all you want to do is swerve out of the way of a suicidal motorcyclist. These are simple things that can be irritating, but they are not deal breakers as there is plenty to love about the #1 Brabus.
In fact, and at the risk of being crucified by Teslaholics, we would go so far as to say that it is perhaps a better buy than a Tesla. We dived into Tesla Malaysia’s website and specified our very own Model 3. We chose the Long-Range version with 19-inch wheels and full self-driving capability. And that would set us back RM262,500. But its glass roof does not have a shade, nor can a tint keep it cool enough for a bald man to drive comfortably, so that is out.
Then we chose the Model Y and opted for the Long-Range variant with 20-inch wheels with self-driving capabilities and that would set us back RM293,000, which is substantially more than the #1 Brabus.
And besides, the real flex is owning a Brabus, how many people can say that? Also, if you buy a Smart over a Tesla, the friendly salespeople will even help you apply for a loan, where else with a Tesla, you must do everything yourself, very much like assembling Ikea furniture.
Specifications
Motor: Dual Electric Motors
Power: 428PS
Torque: 543Nm
Range: 400km
AC Charging: 22kW; 10-80% in 3 hours
DC Charging: 150kW; 10-80% in 30 mins
We like: Performance, Features, Handling
We don’t like: Simple controls can be hard to access
Chery has officially launched its Fengyun A8 plug-in hybrid sedan in China. Priced between 119,900 to 149,900 yuan (approximately RM78k to RM97k), the Fengyun A8 is part of Chery’s new energy vehicle series. Positioned as a compact sedan, it offers consumers four model options.
Key features of the Chery Fengyun A8 include a large trapezoidal grille connected to the headlights in the front and an upturned tail design above the trunk at the rear that has a resemblance to the Audi A8. The interior boasts a 12.3-inch instrument panel, a 12.3-inch central control screen, and a four-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel. The cockpit is powered by Chery’s Lion 5.0 operating system, with high-end models equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.
Powering the Chery Fengyun A8 is Chery’s Kunpeng Super Performance Electric Hybrid C-DM system, comprising a fifth-generation ACTECO 1.5TGDI hybrid engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The total power output is 355hp and 530Nm of torque, with an acceleration time from 0 to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The car’s 18.3 kWh lithium battery pack provides a pure electric cruising range of 127km (CLTC) and a total range of over 1,400km (WLTC). The fast-charging capability allows the battery to be fully charged from 30% to 80% in 19 minutes, while slow charging takes at least three hours.
The lineup comes standard with navigation, OTA updates, Bluetooth, remote control through the app, and karaoke functions. Both CarPlay and HiCar are supported. The advanced driving assistance system, available only in high-end models, includes features such as front and rear collision warning, automatic emergency braking, full-speed range adaptive cruise control, and lane merge assist.
Nagakanni Subramaniam, the owner of a Perodua Bezza car that broke down less than eight hours after purchase, expressed dissatisfaction, stating that she had not received any written confirmation from Perodua regarding the resolution. While acknowledging Perodua’s media statement claiming to offer a courtesy car and suggesting repurchasing her vehicle, Nagakanni emphasised the absence of a written guarantee detailing the terms of repurchase, buyback period, loan payment, and related information.
In her Facebook post, Nagakanni clarified the situation, highlighting the malfunction of the car’s engine due to foreign substances, such as sugar. She emphasised the need for a concrete solution and written confirmation rather than media statements aimed at calming the situation without resolving the problem.
Perodua Sales Chief Operating Officer J.H. Rozman Jaafar had earlier stated that the company conducted a comprehensive investigation and had been in constant communication with Nagakanni since October. Perodua claimed to have taken several actions to address the issue, including offering a courtesy car and proposing to buy back her car. Nagakanni’s car had reportedly malfunctioned almost eight hours after purchase.
The case underscores the importance of clear communication and written assurances in resolving customer issues, especially in situations involving vehicle malfunctions shortly after purchase.
A video showinga woman filling her Thai-registered car with subsidised fuel at a petrol station in Rawang, Selangor, has ignited frustration among netizens. The video not only highlighted the audacious act but also raised eyebrows as a petrol station employee was seen assisting in the process.
In the footage, a man stood in front of the woman, holding the fuel nozzle, while another person, seemingly a station worker, pressed on the car’s boot—a common practice to facilitate the fuelling process. Netizens expressed their anger not only towards the woman’s actions but also questioned why the station employee allowed the use of subsidised fuel for a foreign-registered vehicle.
The video owner, expressing disbelief, remarked on the audacity of stealing subsidised fuel meant for Malaysian citizens and questioned the station employees for assisting in the act.
Amidst power outages caused by storms and flash flooding on 25th December 2023 in Australia, an electric vehicle (EV) owner on the Gold Coast utilised her car’s emergency power system to run her 11-year-old son’s life-saving dialysis machine.
Kristy Holmes, a resident of the Gold Coast, utilised her BYD electric car, equipped with a “vehicle to load” system, allowing the EV to function as an emergency power source for various devices.
The unexpected blackout prompted Holmes to initially assist her neighbours by connecting their refrigerators to her EV. However, as the power outage persisted, she realised that her BYD Atto 3, purchased in February, could potentially power her 11-year-old son Levi’s life-saving dialysis machine. Taking a decisive step, Holmes successfully ran the dialysis machine off the car’s power, ensuring that Levi, who is on the verge of joining a transplant list, received critical treatment despite the adverse weather conditions.
Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) has responded to concerns regarding a malfunction in a Perodua Bezza car, which reportedly occurred within eight hours of purchase by a clerk. Perodua’s Sales Chief Operating Officer, J.H. Rozman Jaafar, assured that the company conducted a comprehensive investigation into the matter, prioritising customer satisfaction.
Rozman stated that Perodua has maintained constant communication with the customer since October of the previous year. The company has taken several measures to address the issue, including offering a courtesy car and proposing to buy back the malfunctioning vehicle. The clerk, Nagakanni Subramaniam, had expressed frustration over continuing monthly loan payments despite her car being stranded at a service centre.
FB/Nagakanni Subramaniam
Perodua is actively working on a thorough investigation of the reported malfunction and has assured the public that details will be shared in due course. Rozman refuted allegations that no action had been taken, emphasising the company’s commitment to resolving the matter. Perodua apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked customers for their understanding during this process.
What was the issue? Here’s a recap:
October 17, 2023: A Troubling Start
The journey began on October 17, 2023, when the owner purchased a Bezza 1.3 X from Harapan Terang Motor Sales Center Sdn Bhd Segamat. Just eight hours later, at 7:40 p.m., the car refused to start, leading to the vehicle being towed to the Perodua Segamat Service Center.
October 18, 2023: Diagnosis and Hope for a Quick Solution
The mechanic at the service centre delivered the disappointing news—the engine was damaged. Hope for a prompt resolution emerged when the owner requested a replacement. However, the joy was short-lived.
November 9, 2023: A Baffling Turn of Events
Mr. Sufian, a Customer Sales Executive from Perodua HQ, presented an unexpected twist to the situation. Claiming that a foreign object, potentially sugar, had damaged the engine, he pointed to a two-week to one-month wait for a decision from Perodua HQ.
The owner’s denial of any tampering or presence of foreign objects raises questions about the veracity of the investigation and calls for a more transparent and accountable process.
November 15, 2023: Loan Limbo
Mr. Sufian urged the owner to apply for a new loan for a replacement car. However, the owner, still repaying the existing loan, understandably sought resolution before undertaking a new financial commitment.
December 4, 2023: Stalled Progress
Efforts to move forward faced a setback when the salesperson requested documents for a new loan, met with rejection from the owner who emphasised the outstanding first loan.
December 8, 2023: Elusive Approval
Customer Service conveyed that the final proposal lacked approval, citing ongoing internal investigations by Perodua. The absence of a definitive response in black and white left the owner in a state of limbo.
January 2, 2024: The Lingering Silence
As the calendar turned to 2024, the owner’s plea for resolution echoed in silence. With more than two months passed, the lack of a formal response from Perodua raises concerns about customer service and the timely resolution of legitimate grievances.
BMW enthusiasts in Malaysia may have reason to be excited as the BMW iX2 hints at its potential arrival on our shores. A cursory glance at BMW Malaysia’s website reveals a mysterious blacked-out silhouette, teasing the imminent introduction of this electric coupe. Unveiled globally in October 2023, the iX2 promises to be a sleek and powerful addition to BMW’s electric vehicle (EV) lineup.
While no booking or registration links are available yet, clicking on the enigmatic silhouette leads to a brief overview of the iX2. Among the key details shared is its impressive electric range, potentially reaching up to 449 km on a single charge.
The gradual expansion of BMW’s EV offerings in Malaysia reflects the growing demand for sustainable and high-performance vehicles in the market. The iX2, with its enticing features, is likely to find a receptive audience among Malaysian car enthusiasts.
The iX2 is essentially a coupe version of the iX1, boasting a more aggressive styling approach and a distinctive sloping roof. Its taillight design, though divisive, showcases BMW’s commitment to exploring new aesthetic directions.
Under the hood, the iX2 xDrive30 is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, delivering 313hp and 494Nm of torque. With a single-speed transmission, the iX2 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in a swift 5.6 seconds, showcasing the electric powertrain’s prowess. The 64.7-kWh battery provides a noteworthy WLTP range of 449km, positioning the iX2 as a formidable contender in the EV market.
The performance figures and range of the iX2 underscore BMW’s commitment to delivering an electric driving experience that combines power, efficiency, and range—an essential trio for widespread EV adoption.
Charging capabilities further enhance the appeal of the iX2, with options for 11kW AC charging or an upgrade to a 22 kW system. The latter allows for faster charging, exemplifying BMW’s dedication to providing convenient and efficient charging solutions.
Inside the iX2, familiarity reigns as it shares its interior design with the iX1. The twin floating screens and a spacious center console with a vertical wireless phone charger create a modern and user-friendly cockpit. The incorporation of BMW Operating System 9 and specially designed seats optimized for long-distance comfort elevate the driving experience.
The consistency in design and features across BMW’s EV lineup ensures a seamless transition for drivers embracing electric mobility, fostering brand loyalty and confidence in the evolving technology.
As BMW’s EV family in Malaysia potentially welcomes the iX2, the automotive landscape is poised for a dynamic shift towards sustainable and cutting-edge transportation. The iX2, with its blend of style, performance, and advanced technology, symbolises the next chapter in BMW’s electric journey and sets the stage for an electrifying future on Malaysian roads.
New images of China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, have been unveiled, showcasing next-generation launch tracks capable of catapulting a wider range of aircraft from its deck. First unveiled in June 2022, the domestically designed and built Fujian is yet to undergo its first sea trials.
The Fujian surpasses its predecessors, the Shandong commissioned in 2019 and the Liaoning, acquired from Ukraine in 1998, in terms of size and technological advancements. Images broadcasted on state television depict the Fujian being towed by a smaller vessel, revealing all three tracks of its electromagnetic catapult system on the deck.’
While sea trials are pending, the carrier has undergone various tests, including mooring tests. In November, the Fujian initiated launch tests for its electromagnetic catapult system, distinguishing it as the only carrier, besides the US Ford-class carriers, equipped with the latest Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).
China’s version of EMALS enhances its capability to launch a broader spectrum of aircraft compared to its predecessors, Shandong and Liaoning. Additionally, it is touted to be more reliable and energy-efficient, marking a significant milestone in China’s military modernisation efforts.
President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on increased combat-readiness and technological advancements aligns with the trajectory of modernising the Chinese military, with the Fujian showcasing its commitment to achieving these goals. The unveiling comes amid heightened tensions, with some speculating potential military actions concerning Taiwan, particularly ahead of the 100th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army in 2027. The carrier’s advanced features and capabilities underscore China’s commitment to strengthening its naval prowess on the global stage.
