THE Transport Ministry is reviewing the road tax structure for electric vehicles (EVs), said its minister Anthony Loke.

He said the decision to review the structure is aimed at making the rate for EVs lower than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, besides encouraging more people to use EVs.

“The MOT is part of the Special EV Task Force chaired by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and at the recent meeting a few days ago, we presented a proposal on how to support the EV industry. 

“Among the measures to be taken by the MOT is reviewing the road tax structure for EVs. Under the Road Transport Act (1987), there is a calculation for EVs, and according to the current calculation, the road tax for EVs is more expensive than for conventional cars,” he told reporters after launching the GWM 4S Service Centre in Seremban today.

Loke said road tax for EVs is currently free until the end of 2025, but the ministry said there have been queries from EV users about road tax rates after that date. 

He said the road tax for EVs will be finalised this year.

Loke said the MOT is planning to introduce special registration numbers for EVs, mainly to differentiate them from conventional vehicles for safety purposes.

“In case of accidents, for example, the way EVs should be handled is different from other vehicles. If there is a fire, EVs cannot be sprayed with water alone. The fire squad must have a (separate) standard operating procedure (for EVs),” he said. – Bernama, July 1, 2023.