Toyota Mirai: The Car That Runs on Hydrogen

By Jayden Chua Pui Kang

When most people hear “eco-friendly car,” electric vehicles usually come to mind. But Toyota took a different route with the Toyota Mirai — a car that runs on hydrogen, not petrol and not a plug.

It sounds futuristic, but the Mirai is already on the road in selected countries.

What Makes the Toyota Mirai Special?

The Mirai is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). It generates electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen in a fuel cell system. That electricity powers the motor, and the only by-product released is water.

No smoke. No carbon emissions. Just clean driving.

Driving Experience

Driving the Mirai feels very similar to an EV:

• Smooth and quiet acceleration

• Comfortable ride quality

• Premium sedan feel

Toyota clearly designed the Mirai for refinement and daily comfort rather than aggressive performance.

Refuelling Advantage

One of hydrogen’s biggest advantages is refuelling time. Filling up the Mirai takes only 3–5 minutes, which is much faster than charging most EVs.

This makes hydrogen cars feel more familiar to drivers who are used to petrol vehicles.

The Reality Today

Despite its advantages, hydrogen vehicles face major challenges:

• Very limited hydrogen refuelling stations

• High vehicle and fuel costs

• Complex hydrogen production and storage

Because of this, the Mirai is mainly found in Japan, South Korea, Europe, and parts of the US.

Future Planning & Possibilities of Hydrogen Vehicles (HCEV)

So, where does hydrogen go from here?

Expansion Beyond Passenger Cars

In the future, hydrogen is more likely to grow first in:

• Heavy-duty trucks

• Buses

• Commercial fleets

• Long-distance transport

These vehicles benefit more from fast refuelling and long range, where batteries can be heavy and impractical.

Government & Industry Support

Many countries are already investing in hydrogen roadmaps, focusing on:

• Green hydrogen production

• Refuelling infrastructure

• Public transport trials

Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda continue to develop fuel cell technology, showing that manufacturers haven’t given up on hydrogen.

Hydrogen in Malaysia?

For Malaysia, hydrogen vehicles are still a long-term possibility rather than an immediate solution. EVs and hybrids make more sense right now due to infrastructure readiness.

However, hydrogen could eventually be introduced through:

• Public buses

• Industrial vehicles

• Pilot projects in selected regions

Once infrastructure and costs improve, passenger hydrogen cars like the Mirai could become more realistic.

A Future Together With EVs

Hydrogen is unlikely to replace EVs completely. Instead, both technologies may co-exist, each serving different needs:

• EVs for city and personal use

• Hydrogen for long range and heavy transport

Final Thoughts

The Toyota Mirai proves that hydrogen cars are not just a concept — they are real and functional. While hydrogen vehicles are still limited today, future planning and continued development could make them an important part of clean mobility.

For now, the Mirai stands as a symbol of what’s possible, reminding us that the future of cars doesn’t depend on one technology alone.

Perodua QV-E or Proton e.MAS: Which EV Makes More Sense for Malaysians?

By Jayden Chua Pui Kang

Electric vehicles (EVs) are slowly becoming a normal sight on Malaysian roads. With fuel prices going up and more charging stations popping up, it’s clear that EVs are no longer just for the future. Local brands are also stepping up, and two names that stand out are Perodua QV-E and Proton e.MAS. Both aim to make EVs more accessible, but they take very different approaches.

Perodua QV-E: A Smart but Different Approach

Perodua QV-E

The Perodua QV-E marks Perodua’s serious entry into the EV market. Staying true to its reputation, Perodua focuses on practicality and cost control. One of the most interesting things about the QV-E is its battery leasing concept. Instead of buying the battery together with the car, owners lease it separately.

This helps lower the initial purchase price and reduces long-term worries about battery replacement. The QV-E also offers a longer driving range, which makes it more suitable for drivers who travel often or drive longer distances. For those who want range confidence and trust Perodua’s wide service network, the QV-E feels like a solid choice.

However, some buyers may not like the idea of monthly battery payments and would rather own everything outright.

Proton e.MAS: Simple EV Ownership

Proton e.MAS

Proton’s EV lineup comes under the e.MAS brand, which focuses on making EVs affordable and easy to own. Models like the e.MAS 5 are clearly aimed at city drivers, students, and first-time EV users. The biggest advantage here is simplicity — the battery is included, so there’s no leasing or extra commitments.

Although the range is shorter compared to the QV-E, it is more than enough for daily commuting and city use. Proton also puts emphasis on modern interiors and digital features, giving e.MAS cars a youthful and tech-focused feel.

For drivers who mainly move around town and want a straightforward switch from petrol to electric, e.MAS feels very user-friendly.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want longer driving range and don’t mind battery leasing, the Perodua QV-E is a smart and future-oriented option. But if you prefer lower upfront cost, simple ownership, and mostly city driving, Proton e.MAS is likely the better fit.

Final Thoughts

It’s exciting to see both Perodua and Proton pushing Malaysia towards an electric future. The QV-E focuses on innovation and range confidence, while e.MAS prioritises affordability and ease of ownership. Whichever you choose, one thing is clear — EVs are becoming a realistic choice for everyday Malaysians.

Proton Saga MC2 vs MC3: Evolution of Malaysia’s Favourite Sedan

Saga MC2

Saga MC3

The Proton Saga has always been one of Malaysia’s most popular and affordable sedans. Over the years, Proton has continuously improved the Saga to meet modern driving needs. Two important versions are the Saga MC2 and the newer Saga MC3. While both models share the same identity, the differences between them show how much the Saga has evolved.

Proton Saga MC2: Practical and Reliable

The Saga MC2 was introduced as a facelift to keep the Saga relevant in a competitive market. It focused mainly on practicality and affordability. Powered by a 1.3-litre petrol engine, the MC2 delivers smooth and reliable performance for daily city driving. It is not designed to be sporty, but it does its job well as a basic, no-nonsense car.

In terms of design, the MC2 looks simple and conservative. The interior is functional, with basic infotainment and controls that are easy to use. Safety features such as airbags, ABS, and stability control are included, making it a suitable choice for first-time car buyers or those on a tight budget.

Proton Saga MC3: A Big Step Forward

The Saga MC3 represents a major improvement compared to the MC2. Proton has given it a more modern look, with sharper exterior styling and full LED lighting that makes the car appear more premium. Inside, the cabin feels more updated, featuring a larger touchscreen infotainment system and better material quality.

One of the biggest changes in the MC3 is the engine upgrade. The MC3 uses a larger 1.5-litre engine, providing more power and better driving confidence, especially on highways. Proton has also introduced more advanced safety features, including driver assistance systems on higher variants, making the MC3 one of the safest cars in its segment.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Saga MC2 and MC3 depends on your needs and budget. The MC2 remains a good option if you are looking for an affordable and reliable car for daily commuting. It is simple, proven, and easy to maintain.

On the other hand, the MC3 is clearly the better choice for buyers who want modern technology, stronger performance, and improved safety. Although it costs more, the added features and upgrades make it feel like a much more complete and future-ready vehicle.

Conclusion

The Proton Saga MC2 and MC3 show how Proton has steadily improved its most iconic model. While the MC2 focuses on affordability and basic transport, the MC3 brings the Saga into a new era with modern design, better performance, and enhanced safety. No matter which version you choose, the Proton Saga continues to be a symbol of practical motoring for Malaysians.

Perodua Traz and the Toyota Yaris Cross: A Rebadge Story and the Future of Hybrid Technology

Toyota Yaris Cross

Perodua Traz

In recent years, rebadging has become a common strategy in the automotive industry, especially among brands that share technology and platforms. One clear example in Malaysia is the Perodua Traz, which is closely linked to the Toyota Yaris Cross. This relationship has sparked interest among car buyers, particularly regarding design similarities and the possibility of a future hybrid (HEV) version.

Rebadging Explained: Traz and Yaris Cross

The Perodua Traz is widely recognised as a rebadged version of the Toyota Yaris Cross for the Southeast Asian market. Both vehicles are built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, developed under the Toyota–Daihatsu–Perodua collaboration. This shared platform allows manufacturers to reduce development costs while maintaining proven reliability and safety standards.

Although they share the same core structure, the Perodua Traz is positioned differently. Perodua focuses on affordability and practicality, offering fewer premium features compared to Toyota while still retaining essential safety systems and modern design. Exterior styling details, feature packaging, and pricing are adjusted to suit Perodua’s target market, making the Traz a more accessible alternative to the Yaris Cross.

Why the Perodua Traz Is Not Hybrid (Yet)

In other markets, the Toyota Yaris Cross is available with a hybrid electric powertrain, which offers improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. This naturally raises the question: Why doesn’t the Perodua Traz come with an HEV option?

The main reason lies in cost, development time, and market positioning. Hybrid systems require additional components such as batteries, electric motors, and advanced power management systems. Integrating these into a Perodua model would significantly increase production costs and retail price, which goes against Perodua’s core philosophy of affordability.

Additionally, developing and certifying a hybrid vehicle requires extensive testing and close coordination with Toyota. These factors likely led Perodua to prioritise a conventional petrol engine for the Traz’s initial launch.

Could Perodua Release a Traz HEV in the Future?

While there is no official confirmation, the possibility of a Perodua hybrid SUV in the future should not be ruled out. Perodua has publicly expressed interest in electrification, and hybrid technology is often seen as a practical stepping stone before full electric vehicles become mainstream in Malaysia.

If hybrid costs decrease and customer demand increases, Perodua could introduce an HEV model — either as a facelifted Traz or as a new model altogether. A hybrid Traz would appeal strongly to urban drivers seeking better fuel efficiency without worrying about charging infrastructure.

Conclusion

The Perodua Traz demonstrates how rebadging can benefit consumers by offering reliable, modern vehicles at more affordable prices. As a rebadged Toyota Yaris Cross, the Traz inherits a strong platform and proven engineering. While it currently lacks a hybrid option, the growing push toward electrification means a Perodua HEV SUV could become a reality in the future. For now, the Traz remains a smart, practical choice for buyers who want SUV versatility with Perodua’s trusted value.