Ever since the government announced its commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the earliest, the development of the EV (electric vehicle) industry has accelerated. While the government has given exemption of all import taxes for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to make them less expensive and therefore promote faster adoption, efforts have also been underway to quickly build up the EV infrastructure and ecosystem.

Of importance is the network of charging stations which needs to be nationwide so that EV owners can travel long distances. The government wants the network to have at least 10,000 points by 2025 and at last count, the number has reached around 900 charging stations.

In 2020, Maserati began its electrification journey with the Ghibli Hybrid, followed a year later by the Levante Hybrid. By the end of this decade, the Italian brand plans to have its entire range composed of fully electric models.

The brand’s electrification has also been taking place in Malaysia as Naza Italia began selling the Ghibli Hybrid at the end of 2021. Now it is also offering the latest Levante GT Hybrid for those who want the versatility of a SUV. Priced at RM738,000 (including duties, other taxes but without insurance premium), the model comes with a 3-year warranty with no mileage restriction.

Just 8 months ago, it was an idea and with the positive feedback encouraging the top management, MINI is now going ahead with a limited production of a battery-electric Cooper SE Convertible. 999 units of the world’s first zero-emissions premium convertible in the small car segment will be produced alongside the conventional MINI Convertible in the Netherlands.

“Three years ago, we launched the all-electric MINI Cooper SE. Today, one in five MINI sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.