Since preparing its factory in Kuala Lumpur (one of the oldest in Malaysia) to assemble electric vehicles, the Tan Chong Group is making full use of its facilities to grow its EV offerings.
The first model was the TQ WULING Bingo, a small EV handled by TQ Manufacturing Sdn Bhd in a collaboration with China’s SAIC-GM-Wuling.
EV option for businesses
Now comes the Porta EV which offers a fully electric option for Malaysian businesses. The model (known as the Wuling Yangguang in China) takes the TQ WULING brand beyond passenger cars into the commercial sector, targeting fleet operators, logistics firms, retailers, service businesses and smaller enterprises.
Also assembled locally, the Porta EV is a mid-sized panel van with a length of 5010 mm, width of 1800 mm and a wheelbase of 3050 mm, which makes it larger than the Nissan NV200 sold by Edaran Tan Chong Motor.
6.5 cubic metres, up to 1.1 tons payload
The flat-floored cargo space has dimensions of 2830 mm in length, 1680 mm in width and 1365 mm in height, totalling up to 6.5 cubic metres of volume. The maximum payload is 1,105 kgs.
Access is provided by sliding doors on both sides that are 777 mm wide and two side-hinged rear doors that open through 270 degrees. One or both doors can be opened, and when both are open, the width of the opening is 1366 mm with the floor 595 mm above the ground.
The Porta’s body structure is a steel monocoque like a passenger car’s. 83% of the structure is of ultra high-strength steel, light but a strong contributor to rigidity.
Two battery sizes
Powering the front wheels is a silicon-carbide electric motor producing 75 kW/180 Nm of torque. There are two battery sizes for the Porta – 41.9 kWh and 56.2 kWh – which can provide up to 300 kms and 400 kms of range, respectively.
The lithium-ferro phosphate (LFP) batteries use WULING’s MAGIC technology which employs a multifunctional unitised structural design claimed to increase structural strength by more than 60%. The modular construction allows individual cells to be serviced or replaced, which reduces battery repair and maintenance costs by up to 90% percent over the vehicle’s life, it is claimed.
With DC fast charging, the larger battery can be recharged from 30% to 80%in 20 minutes, while the smaller battery take at least 30 minutes. AC charging from 20% to 80% requires at least 6.75 hours for the larger battery and 5.15 hours for the smaller one.
The MAGIC battery has been subjected to extreme tests and is used in more than 3 million New Energy Vehicles worldwide with no reported fire or explosion incidents to date.
Active safety systems
Even though it is a light commercial vehicle, the Porta has a comprehensive list of active systems to make driving safer. These include ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control and traction control, and hill-start assist. There’s also a low-speed alarm to alert pedestrians of the quiet EV’s presence.
The cabin, with airbags for both occupants, is equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT instrument display, 4-way adjustable seats, electronically controlled air conditioning and an 8-inch infotainment unit supporting Bluetooth, MP3 and USB. Notably, the infotainment interface interacts with not only English and Chinese languages but also Bahasa Melayu.
While many customers may buy the Porta to transport goods and use the full volume of the cargo area, TQ WULING also had a model configured as an ambulance. In China, there are also 6-seat and 9-seat window van variants and TQ WULING is exploring the possibility of offering these as well.
Low operating costs
With prices of RM105,800 for the 400-km version and RM99,800 (estimated) for the 300-km version, TQ WULING is optimistic that the Porta EV will find a niche in the market with its low operating costs. Servicing costs over 5 years are under RM2,000, representing a potential reduction of more than 65% compared with conventional diesel vans of similar size.
Warranty coverage is 5 years/120,000 kms for the vehicle; 5 years/200,000 kms for the drive motor, EV battery and battery management system; and 6 years/300,000 kms for the battery cells.
Aftersales service outlets nationwide
Being associated with the Tan Chong Group that has built up its network over more than half a century gives TQ WULING the immediate availability of aftersales outlets nationwide through Tan Chong Ekspress Auto Servis (TCEAS). Currently, there are 28 TCEAS service outlets in Peninsular Malaysia’s central, northern, southern and east coast regions as well as East Malaysia.
Tan Chong Group and SAIC-GM-Wuling sign deal to assemble EV batteries in Malaysia