As EVs grab headlines, hybrids enjoy a record year in M’sia

Hybrid automobiles are experiencing a surge in popularity in Malaysia, with registrations for the first nine months of the year already surpassing the full-year record set in 2025. Electric vehicles have garnered significant attention, yet hybrid vehicles, which integrate conventional engines with electric technology, have surpassed their previous record with registrations still expected to rise in October to December.

According to data from the road transport department (JPJ), 40,181 hybrid vehicles were registered between January and September, marking an 83.1% increase compared to the same period last year. September alone saw 5,448 hybrid registrations, more than double the number from the same month in 2025. Hybrids made up 7.3% of new vehicle registrations in September, up from 3.8% a year earlier, highlighting their increasing presence in a market still dominated by traditional petrol-powered cars.

These vehicles offer motorists various advantages, including improved fuel efficiency and the ability to travel short distances without engaging their petrol engines. Hybrid technology operates differently depending on the design; some use electric power for acceleration and braking recovery, while others rely on regenerative braking or charging through the engine.

The growing variety of hybrid models has broadened their appeal, catering to diverse consumer preferences and vehicle segments. Plug-in hybrids, contributing 29% of registrations, stand out with larger batteries for external charging, enabling longer electric-only journeys. While full hybrids account for approximately 59% of registrations, the overall growth in hybrid vehicles reflects the expanding market for electrified transportation.

Despite the rise of hybrid vehicles, Malaysians are not abandoning fully electric vehicles, as EV registrations have also seen substantial increases. The trend suggests a market catering to various forms of electric and conventional powertrains, offering motorists more choices between traditional petrol engines and electric alternatives.