Summary
Lepas is a new automotive brand under Chery, officially announced in 2023 and set to launch in Malaysia in the first half of 2026. The brand embodies a design philosophy called “Leopard Aesthetics,” combining dynamic innovation with refined elegance, and positions itself as a global new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer focused on electrified SUVs and crossovers. Supported by Chery’s global research and development network, Lepas aims to introduce at least five models within three years, targeting annual sales exceeding 500,000 units worldwide.
The initial Malaysian offering will be the Lepas L8, a premium D-segment SUV available in internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants. The L8 PHEV stands out with a powerful 275 PS powertrain and an impressive pure electric driving range of approximately 100 kilometers, enabled by Chery’s Super Hybrid (CSH) technology that delivers high thermal efficiency and a combined driving range exceeding 1,300 kilometers. This model’s launch aligns with Malaysia’s increasing push toward sustainable transportation, as the country expands its EV infrastructure and incentives amid a nascent but rapidly evolving market.
Malaysia’s electric vehicle market, while still in its early stages with about 25,000 EVs on the road as of 2025, is marked by intensifying competition among both local and international brands. Government policies promoting EV adoption, including tax exemptions and infrastructure investments, create a favorable but challenging environment influenced by global trends such as China’s aggressive EV market corrections. Lepas’s entry into this landscape aims to capitalize on these dynamics by offering technologically advanced and stylish electrified vehicles tailored to regional preferences and regulatory frameworks.
Despite positive market prospects, challenges remain, including limited charging infrastructure accessibility, high investment costs, and consumer awareness hurdles. Lepas’s strategic rollout—starting with the L8 followed by the L6 and L4 models—alongside Malaysia’s supportive policy environment, positions the brand as a notable new player poised to contribute significantly to the country’s transition toward greener mobility and the broader global shift in automotive electrification.
Brand Background
The Lepas brand name is a fusion of the words “LEAP” and “PASSION,” symbolizing a blend of dynamism, vitality, elegance, and fervor. This naming reflects the brand’s commitment to combining energetic innovation with refined design principles. Lepas models embody what the company terms “Leopard Aesthetics,” a design philosophy that creates boundary-defying visual signatures to distinguish the brand in the competitive automotive market.
Lepas is supported by Chery’s extensive global resources, including eight research and development centers worldwide. This backing allows the brand to reimagine the concept of “elegant control,” emphasizing sophisticated engineering and driving experience. The brand is positioned as a key pillar in Chery’s expanding global strategy, aiming for substantial growth and market penetration in various regions, including Malaysia.
The product lineup under Lepas will be rolled out sequentially, starting with the L8 model, followed by the L6 urban crossover, and then the subcompact L4. Over the next three years, the brand plans to introduce a total of five new models. Alongside this, Lepas is establishing a global dealer network with approximately 1,200 centers, targeting annual sales exceeding 500,000 vehicles. This aggressive expansion underlines Lepas’s ambition to become a significant player in the electric and plug-in hybrid SUV and crossover segments.
Malaysian Market Context
The Malaysian electric vehicle (EV) market is currently in its early stages of development, with approximately 25,000 EVs—comprising battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)—on Malaysian roads as of 2025. Passenger cars, which account for 89.1% of the total car market in Malaysia, are a significant source of CO2 emissions, highlighting the importance of accelerating EV adoption to promote sustainable transportation.
Competition within the Malaysian EV industry is intense, involving both local and international brands striving for market share in this nascent market. The market’s future segmentation is expected to involve a variety of prominent automotive brands, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Honda, Volvo, and Hyundai, offering different EV technologies such as BEVs and PHEVs.
Policy developments play a crucial role in shaping the market’s trajectory. Malaysia is approaching the expiration of its completely built-up (CBU) EV tax exemption and Approved Permit (AP) floor value policies by 2025, placing the automotive sector at a strategic crossroads similar to the aggressive market corrections experienced in China’s EV industry between late 2022 and mid-2023. The Malaysian Automotive Association has recommended that government incentives be extended to all types of electrified vehicles (xEVs) rather than only pure EVs under Budget 2024, reflecting efforts to broaden support across the market.
Infrastructure expansion is a key focus to support growing EV adoption. As of October 2024, Malaysia has installed 3,354 EV charging stations nationwide, including 956 DC fast chargers and 2,398 alternating current (AC) chargers, reaching 33.54% of the 2025 infrastructure target. DC fast chargers, essential for long-distance travel by replenishing 80% of battery capacity within approximately 30 minutes, complement the more prevalent, cost-effective AC chargers found primarily in urban areas. However, challenges remain, as many charging stations require activation passes, and investment costs for charging stations and grid upgrades continue to be significant constraints despite RM81.3 million approved for EV charging infrastructure in 2024.
To encourage investment and expedite infrastructure development, Malaysia has introduced enhanced tax incentives for individual home charging installations and the Green Technology Incentive (GITA) aimed at businesses investing in EV charging infrastructure. These policy measures aim to provide consumers with better information on the benefits of EVs—including lower operating costs and available incentives—and to improve charging infrastructure, all critical factors in promoting sustainable EV adoption in Malaysia.
Model Lineup Overview
The Lepas brand, launched officially in early 2025, has positioned itself as a global new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer with a focus on design, powertrain technology, and spaciousness. The brand’s vehicle portfolio is built around its “Elegant Technology” electrified framework, which integrates a three-electric core system comprising the battery pack, electric motor, and motor controller. Lepas aims to introduce at least five new models within three years, targeting an annual sales goal of 500,000 units globally.
At the forefront of the lineup is the Lepas L8, a premium D-segment two-row SUV that seats five passengers. The L8 is available in traditional internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants, demonstrating Lepas’s commitment to diverse powertrain options catering to a wide range of users. The L8 is essentially a rebadged next-generation Chery Tiggo 8, notable for its modern design elements such as V-shaped daytime running lights inspired by a leopard’s gaze, a “jewellery-grade” grille, and an interior aesthetic drawing inspiration from skylines and waterfalls. Its spacious cabin boasts a 2,800 mm wheelbase and class-leading legroom of 970 mm, along with ventilated and massaging seats featuring multiple reclining modes and comprehensive safety features including eight airbags and a reinforced body structure aimed at five-star safety ratings.
In addition to the L8, Lepas’s model roadmap includes the L6, a C-segment SUV, and the L4, the smallest model targeting the A0 segment. Both the L6 and L4 are expected to offer ICE, PHEV, and BEV powertrain options, aligning with the brand’s strategy of delivering electrified mobility solutions across different vehicle sizes and market segments. The brand’s vision involves launching two new models per year, ensuring a steady expansion of its product range.
The Lepas L8 PHEV stands out with its advanced plug-in hybrid system, utilizing Chery’s Super Hybrid (CSH) technology, which enables a combined driving range exceeding 1,300 km, thermal efficiency above 46%, and a fuel consumption rate as low as 4.5 liters per 100 km. This model is expected to spearhead Lepas’s entry into the Malaysian market as early as 2026, with Chery Corporate Malaysia indicating a preference for the L8 to distinguish the brand from other SUVs within the parent company’s portfolio.
Lepas L8 PHEV Technical Specifications
The Lepas L8 PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle variant of the Lepas L8 lineup, expected to launch in Indonesia in November 2025, with plans for a Malaysian release in early 2026. It is positioned as a premium two-row, five-seater D-segment SUV offering multiple powertrain options, including traditional internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric (BEV) versions.
The PHEV model shares a proven 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, similar to that found in the new Chery Tiggo 9 flagship, combined with Chery’s latest Super Hybrid (CSH) system. This hybrid setup enables a claimed combined driving range exceeding 1,300 kilometers, with a thermal efficiency rating above 46%, and an average fuel consumption as low as 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The vehicle bears a ‘CSH’ badge on its tailgate, signaling its electrified powertrain.
Performance outputs for the Lepas L8 PHEV are rated at 275 PS (horsepower) and 365 Nm of torque, matching closely with the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEV models. Its pure electric driving range is reported to be approximately 100 kilometers, indicating a relatively large battery capacity for the segment.
The Lepas L8 PHEV integrates advanced technologies including a 13.2-inch infotainment system powered by a high-performance 8155 chip, multi-mode voice control, and immersive in-cabin resting experiences such as sleep, lying, and cinema modes. Driver assistance features encompass both Automated Parking Assistance (APA) and Remote Parking Assistance (RPA) systems.
In terms of platform and design, the Lepas brand emphasizes “Elegant Driving” through the LET (Lepas Elegant Technology) multi-energy vehicle architecture, capable of supporting hybrid and electric powertrains. The L8 SUV offers a wheelbase of approximately 2,800 mm and generous legroom of 970 mm, which the company claims to be class-leading.
Lepas L6 Model Features
The Lepas L6 is positioned as a stylish C-SUV model complementing the Lepas lineup, following the debut of the Lepas L8. It is expected to offer multiple powertrain options including internal combustion engine (ICE), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants, aligning with Lepas’s commitment to diversified electrification.
Designed under the brand’s “Leopard Aesthetic” philosophy, the Lepas L6 emphasizes a dynamic yet elegant visual identity. This design language incorporates distinctive elements such as V-shaped daytime running lights inspired by the gaze of a leopard and intricate “jewellery-grade” grille detailing, which convey a sense of vitality and premium craftsmanship. The interior styling is inspired by natural motifs such as skylines and waterfalls, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and refinement.
Built on a new energy vehicle (NEV) platform that supports various vehicle sizes and powertrain configurations, the Lepas L6 is expected to deliver a balance of performance, efficiency, and comfort. While exact dimensions have not been disclosed, it follows the footprint of the brand’s design principles emphasizing generous interior space and class-leading legroom, as seen in the Lepas L8’s 2,800 mm wheelbase and 970 mm legroom. The platform enables the integration of advanced technologies aimed at intelligent driving experiences and upgraded user interfaces.
The powertrain options are anticipated to feature outputs comparable to those of the L8 PHEV, which delivers 275 PS and 365 Nm of torque, and includes a PHEV variant with an impressive pure electric range of approximately 100 km. This suggests the Lepas L6 will also offer strong performance credentials combined with environmentally conscious driving capabilities.
Launch in Malaysia
Chery Corporate Malaysia (Chery Malaysia) has confirmed that its new sub-brand, Lepas, will be officially launched in Malaysia in the first half of 2026 (1H 2026) as part of a broader multi-brand strategy. The Lepas brand, which was globally announced at the 2023 Auto Shanghai and made its first overseas debut in Indonesia, is expected to introduce the Lepas L8 as its initial model in the Malaysian market, following the same rollout pattern observed in Indonesia.
The Lepas L8 PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle equipped with a powerful 275 PS powertrain and an impressive electric-only driving range of approximately 100 kilometers. This model embodies Lepas’s “Elegant Technology” electrified framework, centered around a three-electric core comprising the battery pack, electric motor, and motor controller, demonstrating Chery’s commitment to advanced automotive technology and sustainability.
Malaysia’s government is actively promoting the development of electric vehicles (EVs) through initiatives aimed at encouraging local manufacturing and expanding charging infrastructure. Although the EV market penetration in Malaysia remains relatively low at around 1%, growing governmental support and an increasingly competitive market environment are driving momentum for EV adoption.
Following the launch of the Lepas L8, Chery plans to introduce eight new models within the next three years in Malaysia, including the Lepas L4 B-SUV and Lepas L6 C-SUV. These upcoming models will feature both electrified and internal combustion engine (ICE) options, aligning with Lepas’s global vision to launch at least two new models annually and achieve an annual sales target of 500,000 units.
Market Reception and Competitive Landscape
The Malaysian electric vehicle (EV) market is characterized by intense competition, with both local and international manufacturers striving to capture market share in an industry that remains in its early stages of development. The entrance of new brands, including the Lepas brand with its planned launch in Q1 2026, is set against a backdrop of dynamic market forces and evolving consumer preferences.
Market dynamics in Malaysia are increasingly mirroring trends observed in China’s EV sector, particularly amid a price war that has driven aggressive market corrections since late 2022. This has heightened competition and influenced pricing strategies, affecting both imported fully built units and locally assembled completely knocked down (CKD) models. The continuity of supportive policies has fostered greater investor confidence, stimulating a post-COVID recovery in transport equipment investments, especially for CKD operations.
Sales data from 2021 indicate a growing EV market in Malaysia, with 7,592 units sold and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) projected at 16% to 2027. Government initiatives such as the National Green Technology policy and Greentech Malaysia have set ambitious targets for EV adoption, including 100,000 passenger EVs and 2,000 electric buses on national roads by 2020, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable transport.
Consumer adoption of EVs in Malaysia is influenced by multiple factors including digital features, financial incentives, and environmental concerns, highlighting the importance of sustainability perspectives in purchase decisions. Despite strong competition, local manufacturers continue to dominate, with Perodua capturing 66.9% of auto sales in 2023, though the growing EV segment presents opportunities for new entrants like Lepas to disrupt the market.
The Lepas brand aims to establish a significant presence with a global dealer network of 1,200 centers and an ambitious sales target of over 500,000 vehicles annually. Its model lineup will expand sequentially from the flagship L8 urban crossover to the L6 and
Contribution to Sustainable Transportation
The introduction of the Lepas brand, featuring the powerful 275 PS L8 PHEV and the stylish L6, aligns with Malaysia’s broader commitment to sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions. As one of the critical contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the transportation sector necessitates the adoption of cleaner alternatives, with electric vehicles (EVs) playing a pivotal role in this transition.
Despite the evident social and environmental advantages of EVs—such as improved air quality and reduced CO2 emissions—the adoption rate in Malaysia remains slow due to limited consumer awareness and infrastructural challenges. Lepas’ advanced models, particularly the L8 PHEV with a 100 km pure electric range and the BEV variant boasting over 700 km range and ultra-fast charging capabilities, present a significant step forward in making sustainable mobility more accessible and practical for Malaysian consumers.
Malaysia’s government policies, including the National Automotive Policy 2020, National Energy Policy 2022-2040, and Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2023, emphasize decarbonization and promote energy-efficient vehicles, thereby creating a conducive environment for the growth of EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The Lepas L8 PHEV serves as a transitional catalyst within this ecosystem, offering a substantial electric-only range combined with extended total range thanks to its hybrid system, which helps mitigate range anxiety and supports gradual consumer shift towards full electrification.
To further accelerate adoption, stakeholders and policymakers are encouraged to enhance consumer education about the long-term benefits and cost efficiencies of EV ownership, as well as to expand incentives and improve charging infrastructure. The Lepas brand’s focus on high-performance technology and user-centric features, alongside Malaysia’s strategic policy framework, positions it to contribute meaningfully toward the nation’s green transition and sustainable transportation goals.
Charging Infrastructure and Support
Malaysia is actively expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support the growing adoption of EVs. As part of the government’s efforts, the Malaysia Electric Vehicle Charging Network (MEVnet) platform, developed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) in collaboration with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), coordinates the nationwide planning and rollout of charging stations. By October 2024, Malaysia had installed 3,354 charging stations, comprising 956 DC fast chargers and 2,398 alternating current (AC) chargers, achieving 33.54% of the targeted 10,000 charging points by 2025. The network further expanded to 3,611 EV charging bays by the end of 2024, including coverage across Sabah and Sarawak.
DC fast chargers are pivotal for long-distance travel, as they can replenish approximately 80% of an EV battery in about 30 minutes, while AC chargers, being more cost-effective, primarily serve urban areas. Despite these advances, many public charging stations require users to activate charging through a pass system, which is an important consideration for accessibility.
To encourage the expansion of charging infrastructure, the Malaysian government has introduced several policies, including enhanced tax incentives for individual home charging installations and the Green Technology Incentive (GITA) for businesses investing in EV charging infrastructure. Businesses play a crucial role by investing in charging stations, benefiting from tax reliefs, and partnering with the government on public-private initiatives to alleviate funding constraints. Although the investment cost for charging stations and grid upgrades remains high, the government has allocated RM81.3 million for EV charging component investments in 2024.
These developments in charging infrastructure are essential to support Malaysia’s transition to sustainable transportation, complementing incentives aimed at boosting EV adoption and reducing carbon emissions in the passenger car segment, which dominates the vehicle market and is a significant source of CO2 emissions.
Future Prospects
The launch of the Lepas brand in Malaysia is poised to significantly impact the electric vehicle (EV) market, which is already forecasted to experience robust growth between 2021 and 2026. This expansion is supported by strong government initiatives, including the exemption of import duties, excise, and sales tax on fully and completely knocked down (CBU and CKD) electric vehicles until 2023 and 2025 respectively, creating a favorable environment for new entrants like Lepas.
Lepas, a brand that combines “Leopard,” “Leap,” and “Passion,” is strategically focused on design, powertrain innovation, and interior spaciousness. Its debut model, the L8, is built on an all-new new energy vehicle (NEV) platform capable of supporting multiple powertrains, including hybrid and electric configurations. The L8 PHEV variant delivers a powerful 275 PS with an impressive pure electric range of approximately 100 km, aligning well with the growing consumer demand for performance and sustainability.
Looking ahead, Lepas plans to introduce eight additional models over the next three years, all expected to utilize its “Elegant Technology” electrified framework. This system centers on the integration of the battery pack, electric motor, and motor controller, which may enhance the brand’s competitive positioning within the Malaysian market and beyond.
Malaysia’s EV industry is undergoing a transformation influenced by both local and global dynamics. The government’s consistent policy support has encouraged foreign investment and the establishment of CKD operations, strengthening the local original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and improving sector competitiveness. Nevertheless, challenges such as infrastructure deficits, high costs, regulatory complexities, and technological constraints remain and will need to be addressed to sustain long-term growth.
Moreover, the Malaysian EV market is beginning to mirror global trends, such as the aggressive pricing strategies seen in China’s EV sector, which have stimulated market corrections and increased competition. Lepas’s entry, supported by these favorable market conditions and policy frameworks, positions it well to capitalize on the evolving landscape, potentially accelerating EV adoption and innovation within the country.
