Among the Toyota models on loan to the MOT includes a hybrid Alphard and the all-electric bZ4X.
It would seem that Ministry of Transport (MOT) employees will not be short of cars to head out to lunch anymore, as following BYD’s recent move to loan its EVs to the government, Toyota has now followed suit by providing a fleet of electrified vehicles to the Ministry, in an apparent effort to help support Malaysia’s push towards a lower-carbon future.
Here’s what UMW Toyota (UWMT) has supplied to the MOT:
3 Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs):
- Toyota Alphard HEV
- Toyota Camry HEV
- Toyota Corolla Cross HEV
2 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs):
- Toyota bZ4X
- Lexus RZ
Incidentally, it is worth highlighting here that both the Toyota Alphard Hybrid and bZ4X e-SUV aren’t actually available for official sale locally yet.
According to UMWT, this newly-launched vehicle loan initiative ties into Malaysia’s broader plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. UMWT President, Datuk Ravindran K., explained that allowing policymakers to use electrified vehicles daily can provide valuable firsthand experience. This real-world exposure could be instrumental in shaping more effective transport and environmental policies moving forward.
UMWT is also promoting Toyota’s Multipathway Approach, which supports the use of hybrids, BEVs, PHEVs, hydrogen and synthetic fuels. It acknowledges that full EV adoption is still a long-term goal for Malaysia, and that hybrid technology can be a practical stepping stone for consumers and the government alike.
UMWT believes that innovation should be connected to policymaking. Having officials experience the infrastructure, performance, and usability of both hybrids and BEVs is intended to give the Ministry clearer insights into how Malaysia can expand its low-carbon transport network.
Hybrid vehicles in particular, as highlighted by UMWT Executive Director Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, continue to serve an important role. They offer immediate emissions reduction without needing a massive overhaul of current infrastructure, which is essential during this early phase of Malaysia’s clean mobility transition.
The collaboration with the Ministry of Transport also supports government targets under the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021–2030, which calls for 15% xEV (electrified vehicle) adoption by 2030, and 38% by 2040. It also aligns with the objectives outlined in the National Energy Policy 2022–2040 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
By providing a diverse lineup of electrified vehicles, UMWT hopes to contribute meaningfully to public sector understanding and adoption of these technologies.
