TQ WULING offers Malaysians an affordable EV at RM67,800

Quick look

• One of Malaysia’s lowest priced EVs, and the first 500 buyers get it even cheaper with a RM5,000 cash rebate.

• Compact, retro-modern hatchback has claimed range of up to 410 kms.

• Assembled locally at the Tan Chong Group plant in Kuala Lumpur.

In the 1960s, the Tan Chong Motor Group – one of the first Malaysian-owned car companies – contributed to the motorisation of the country by offering low-cost Datsun cars from Japan. Imported in CBU (completely built-up) form initially and then assembled locally, the Datsuns proved to be reliable and economical and were affordable enough for many to own.

Six decades later, the same company is again contributing to changing mobility needs in the 21st century. This time, it is the transition to electric mobility which is part of the government’s decarbonisation strategy. And again, the Tan Chong Motor Group, in collaboration with SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), is providing fully electric vehicles at affordable prices so more Malaysians can own an EV.

New EV brand
The locally-assembled model is the Bingo EV, sold under the TQ WULING brand which has been established for the Malaysian market. It is managed by TQ Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (TQ), a wholly owned subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad. TQ is collaborating with SGMW, the top-selling single vehicle manufacturer in China for 14 consecutive years, which has a history going back to 1958.

The Bingo, which is the first model from the brand, is available as the Bingo PRO priced from RM67,800 and the Bingo MAX from RM72,800. At this time, only the Proton e.MAS 5 is priced so low in the EV segment. Although the government had earlier restricted prices of EVs to not less than RM100,000, this has changed to allow models that are locally produced to be sold below that level.

It’s only right since competition has already forced the EV players to bring down prices and now, with the duty-exemption coming to an end for CBU EVs, the next move would be to encourage the local assembly of EVs. For this, the government is providing another 2 years of duty-exemption, which also helps TQ to offer such a low price.

Slightly larger than a Myvi
The compact hatchback EV has a length of 3950 mm and width of 1708 mm, which makes
it just slightly larger than a Perodua Myvi. Its wheelbase is also 60 mm longer than the Malaysian car.

333 – 410 kms range
Both versions have a front-mounted electric motor generating 50 kW (68 ps)/150 Nm powered by a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack with a capacity of 31.9 kWh (PRO) or 37.9 kWh (MAX). The smaller battery is claimed to have a range of up to 333 kms, while the bigger one can take the Bingo up to 410 kms on a full charge.

Recharging takes around 35 minutes from 30% to 80% when using a DC (50 kW) power supply. With an AC charger, recharging from empty to 100% (although 80% is usually recommended by battery longevity) is said to take between 4.5 and 5.5 hours with a 6.6 kW supply.

Engineered for long-term reliability, the battery carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, an important consideration in Malaysia’s climatic conditions. Needless to say, the battery pack is thoroughly sealed so water cannot enter if splashed up from the road.

Smart energy management features include efficient regenerative braking and intelligent thermal management. These help maintain battery health, improve range stability and enhance everyday usability.

MAGIC Battery system
The battery is managed by SGMW’s proprietary MAGIC Battery system, claimed to be one of the most reliable and trusted EV battery systems in this segment. Used in more than 3 million EVs worldwide, the battery and system are said to have no recorded fire incidents, demonstrating exceptional real-world safety performance. It has successfully passed extensive durability and safety tests, including heat and fire exposure, over-discharge, over-charge, external short-circuit, nail penetration and pressure testing.

Retro-inspired modernity
The cabin of the Bingo mirrors the exterior’s theme of ‘retro-inspired modernity’. The interior has a dual-tone colour scheme paired with soft leatherette upholstery in a Caramel Latte colour. The seats are finished in perforated leatherette for comfort and breathability, while interior trim panels use a ‘glossy ceramic’ texture. This adds a premium look and feel to the compact EV.

A highlight feature in the cabin is the ‘floating-island’ centre console and dashboard layout. This is made up of dual 10.25-inch screens — one serving as the digital instrument display and the other for is a touchscreen to manage the infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard for connectivity with smartphones.

Though having a footprint of 6.7 sq. metres, the cargo capacity of the Bingo is generous. The standard boot volume is 395 litres, expandable to as much as 1240 litres when both rear backrests are folded down.

The Bingo comes with comfort and convenience features that would not be expected with a car at this price level. These include 6-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, keyless entry with walkaway auto-lock/unlock, cruise control, automatic air conditioning with physical buttons electic parking brake with Auto-Hold, and a rotary gear selector.

“This launch represents a significant milestone for the Tan Chong Group as we proudly introduce a highly affordable electric vehicle option for all Malaysians. As the first EV to be locally assembled at the Tan Chong Plant – built on nearly 50 years of automotive manufacturing and assembly heritage – the Bingo EV reflects our commitment towards advancing the nation’s electric mobility landscape. We are honoured to play a humble role in driving Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem forward,” said Daniel Ho, Group CEO of Tan Chong Motor Holdings.

Benefits for first 500 owners
The first 500 customers who make a booking (for just RM50) and will be placing an order for the Bingo will enjoy over RM12,000 worth of benefits. These include cash rebates of RM5,000, an 8-year/120,000 km EV Battery Warranty and 8-year/160,000 km Drive Motor Warranty (whichever comes first), low monthly instalments from RM625 (terms and conditions apply), complimentary 7 kW home EV charger and portable 3-pin EV charger and TQ premium solar tinting package.

The same early bird owners will also enjoy 17 comprehensive insurance benefits and special EV benefits for their Bingo (when insured with selected insurance partners).

Bingo owners can be assured of complete aftersales support from the established Tan Chong service network. Initially, there will be 7 aftersales centres to provide maintenance and spare parts, with more outlets to be added in due course.

Tan Chong Group to assemble TQ WULING Bingo EV