Electric vehicle road tax is no longer free in Malaysia. The exemption ended on 31 December 2025, and the revised JPJ rates took effect on 1 January 2026. For a fully electric BYD, the rate is based on maximum motor power in kilowatts, or kW, rather than price, battery capacity or driving range.
BYD road tax rates in Malaysia for 2026
The table includes current variants and selected discontinued versions that remain relevant to existing owners and used-car buyers. Check the exact registered variant before using the figure.
| BYD model | Variant | Maximum motor power | Road tax per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin | Standard (discontinued) | 70 kW | RM40 |
| Dolphin | Extended (discontinued) | 150 kW | RM160 |
| Atto 2 | Premium | 130 kW | RM120 |
| Atto 3 | Ultra | 150 kW | RM160 |
| Atto 3 | Premium | 230 kW | RM335 |
| Atto 3 | Performance special edition (69 units nationwide) | 330 kW | RM665 |
| Seal 6 | Dynamic (discontinued) | 100 kW | RM70 |
| Seal 6 | Premium | 160 kW | RM180 |
| M6 | Standard (discontinued) | 120 kW | RM100 |
| M6 | Extended | 150 kW | RM160 |
| Seal | Premium | 230 kW | RM335 |
| Seal | Performance | 390 kW | RM965 |
| Sealion 7 | Dynamic | 170 kW | RM200 |
| Sealion 7 | Premium | 230 kW | RM335 |
| Sealion 7 | Performance | 390 kW | RM965 |
These are annual rates for private passenger vehicles under the 2026 Zero Emission Vehicle schedule. They apply in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Langkawi and Labuan receive a 50% reduction from the normal rate.
How does JPJ calculate EV road tax?
JPJ places a zero-emission vehicle into a power band using its maximum motor output. Two cars with similar outputs can therefore have different annual rates.
Some bands relevant to the current BYD range are:
| Motor power | Annual road tax |
|---|---|
| Above 60 kW to 70 kW | RM40 |
| Above 90 kW to 100 kW | RM70 |
| Above 110 kW to 120 kW | RM100 |
| Above 120 kW to 130 kW | RM120 |
| Above 140 kW to 150 kW | RM160 |
| Above 150 kW to 160 kW | RM180 |
| Above 160 kW to 170 kW | RM200 |
| Above 220 kW to 230 kW | RM335 |
| Above 320 kW to 330 kW | RM665 |
| Above 380 kW to 390 kW | RM965 |
The boundary matters. A motor rated at exactly 390 kW falls in the RM965 band. Use the power for the exact registered variant rather than rounding it.
Motor kW, battery kWh and charging kW are different
Three figures on an EV specification sheet can look similar, but only one decides road tax.
- Motor power in kW is the maximum output used to drive the car. JPJ uses this figure.
- Battery capacity in kWh is how much energy the battery can store.
- Charging power in kW is how quickly the car can receive energy from a charger.
For example, the Atto 2 has a 130 kW motor, so its road tax is RM120 a year. Its battery capacity and DC charging limit do not change that amount. Our AC and DC charging guide explains the charging figures separately.
Why do Performance variants cost more in road tax?
Performance variants normally use a more powerful motor setup. The 230 kW Seal Premium has annual road tax of RM335, while the 390 kW Performance is RM965. The higher-output version may also offer all-wheel drive, quicker acceleration or different equipment, so road tax is only one part of the comparison.
The same comparison applies to the Sealion 7. Its Dynamic, Premium and Performance variants sit in three different bands at RM200, RM335 and RM965 a year.
Is the rate different for a company-owned EV?
The same ZEV schedule covers private passenger vehicles registered to an individual or company, including saloon, non-saloon and e-hailing use. A plug-in hybrid still has a combustion engine and does not use this table.
Is road tax included in the advertised BYD price?
A headline price may be the recommended retail price, body price or on-the-road price without insurance. Registration fees, number plates and road tax can be listed separately. Check our BYD price list, then ask for a written quotation confirming whether the first year’s road tax is included.
How to check the exact road tax before buying
Start with the full model and variant name, then check its motor power against the current JPJ band. The official price package or order form should show the amount, and registered vehicle details can later be checked through JPJ or MyJPJ.
Frequently asked questions
Is BYD road tax still free in Malaysia?
No. The EV road tax exemption ended on 31 December 2025. The revised JPJ ZEV rates have applied since 1 January 2026.
Is BYD road tax based on battery size?
No. JPJ uses maximum motor power in kW. Battery capacity in kWh, range and charging speed do not determine the rate.
Why is the Seal or Sealion 7 Performance road tax higher?
Both Performance variants have a 390 kW motor system, placing them in the RM965 annual band. Their lower-powered variants fall into cheaper bands.
Is EV road tax cheaper in Sabah and Sarawak?
No. Only Langkawi and Labuan receive a 50% reduction.
Sources checked
- JPJ 2026 ZEV road tax rate circular, dated 1 April 2026
- BYD Malaysia official model and price packages, for Malaysian variant motor outputs and published road tax amounts
- 2026 BYD Sealion 7 launch information, for the Dynamic, Premium and Performance line-up
- 2026 BYD Atto 3 launch information, for the Ultra and Premium line-up
- Atto 3 Performance Malaysia launch coverage, for the 330 kW special edition limited to 69 units nationwide