SHAH ALAM – Malaysia's automotive ecosystem is not yet fully prepared to handle the unique maintenance demands of electric vehicles (EVs), with a significant challenge being a shortage of skilled EV technicians.
This gap in technical expertise, coupled with underdeveloped service infrastructure and safety concerns, threatens to slow the country’s EV adoption despite growing market enthusiasm.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Engineering Faculty Road Safety Research Centre head Law Teik Hua said that while some large dealerships have trained personnel and adequate diagnostic tools, many smaller workshops, especially in rural areas, remain ill-equipped.
“The shortage of qualified EV technicians, limited diagnostic equipment and scarce spare parts cause significant delays and inconvenience.
“To address this, government support is crucial. Funding technician training at TVET institutions and polytechnics, along with tax incentives for workshops that upgrade their facilities, would help build capacity," he said.
He said vehicle manufacturers partnering with vocational colleges to create accredited training programmes would also strengthen the ecosystem.
From a safety standpoint, Law cautioned that unexpected EV breakdowns on highways pose significant dangers.
He stressed the need for built-in diagnostics and fail-safe mechanisms to prevent sudden shutdowns, suggesting that EV models prone to repeated shutdowns should be thoroughly investigated and potentially recalled.
“Manufacturers operating in Malaysia must provide reliable 24/7 roadside assistance, particularly on highways, to support drivers in emergencies.
“Insurance and towing services also need to adapt to the unique challenges posed by EVs," he said.
Concurring with Law, Automotive expert Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Civil Engineering Associate Professor Dr Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor acknowledged that the country is still in the early stages of adapting to the demands of EV maintenance.
She identified the lack of skilled EV technicians as a significant challenge.
To overcome this, she called for collaboration between the government and industry players to expand training programmes, incorporate EV-focused courses into current automotive education and provide incentives to motivate technicians to develop expertise in EV technologies.
Meanwhile, Piston.My Managing Editor Keshvinder Singh Dhillon said there is a need to develop a sustainable EV workforce starting with early education.
He stated that while automotive brands already provide thorough training for their technicians, a longer-term solution involves incorporating EV safety and maintenance education into school and college curricula.
“Just as students are taught the dangers of flammable petrol, they should also be educated early on about EV-specific risks and technologies.
“This early exposure allows them to make informed career choices and ensures the next generation of technicians is better prepared," he said.
Keshvinder also said public education must extend to EV safety features.
He cited a tragic case in Canada where four people died because the electronic door handles on an EV malfunctioned after a severe accident.
However, he noted that most EVs are designed with concealed mechanical latches that can be accessed in emergencies.
“It is crucial for governments to ensure that automakers train their sales personnel to clearly explain these features to buyers,” he added.
Real-life safety concerns
In early May, two Malaysian EV owners publicly raised serious concerns about the safety and reliability of their vehicles following sudden breakdowns.
On May 1, Facebook user Nur Afifah Abdul Rahim shared a harrowing experience involving her husband’s BYD Atto 3, which suddenly braked on the Cheras-Kajang highway and locked all four tyres without warning.
The family was told the issue was a faulty 12V battery, which was not covered under warranty due to the vehicle’s mileage, despite it being only 10 months old.
Separately, on May 6, Facebook user HL Tan, owner of an Audi e-tron GT, reported three breakdowns in just over 13,000km.
The most recent shutdown occurred on April 25 on the North-South Expressway while he was driving with his family.
While he praised the after-sales service from Audi Malaysia, no definitive fix had been found.
These incidents raised alarms over the reliability of EVs in Malaysia, highlighting the urgent need for improved support, warranty clarity and proactive safety measures from manufacturers and regulators alike.