Kuala lumpur: The government is actively exploring strategies to incentivise transport operators to transition to electric vehicle (EV) trucks, aiming to alleviate the nation's diesel subsidy expenses. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the ministry will present its proposals at the upcoming EV Task Force meeting to discuss potential incentives to boost EV truck adoption.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke highlighted the necessity of this initiative not only for achieving the net-zero target by 2050 but also for improving fuel efficiency and reducing governmental costs. "It is more beneficial for the government to incentivise operators to switch to EV trucks due to the current high diesel subsidy bill," Loke remarked during the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) 2026.

Loke acknowledged that the substantial cost of EV trucks, being two to three times higher than diesel trucks, is a significant barrier to their widespread adoption among transport operators. He mentioned ongoing discussions about potential incentives, including tax exemptions, to address this issue.

Additionally, Loke pointed out that the lack of charging infrastructure poses a challenge, especially for long-distance interstate operations. While trucks operating within the Klang Valley might not face major issues, cross-state operations, such as travelling from Kedah to Johor, require charging points due to the limited range of typical EVs.

Loke emphasized the government's intention to create a supportive environment to encourage EV adoption rather than enforcing strict regulations. "We are adopting a carrot approach to incentivise the industry to consider EVs," he explained.

Simultaneously, the Transport Ministry is examining possible frameworks for autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in Malaysia, which includes identifying suitable testbeds and sandbox environments. Loke noted the complexities involved, particularly concerning responsibility in the event of accidents, and stressed the need for pragmatic solutions to facilitate necessary testing before full development.