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JPJ Releases Official Guidelines for Converting ICE Cars to Electric Vehicles

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 4:54 GMT by Lowyat.net

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JPJ Announces Official Guidelines for Converting Internal‑Combustion Cars to Electric Vehicles

On 12 March 2025 the Malaysian Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan – JPJ) released a comprehensive set of official guidelines that will allow car owners, workshop owners and automotive manufacturers to legally convert internal‑combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric powertrains (EV). The new framework, which is expected to kick‑off in the second quarter of the year, is part of the federal government’s broader “Green Car” initiative, aimed at cutting CO₂ emissions, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and positioning Malaysia as a regional leader in sustainable mobility.

1. Why the Move?

Over the past decade Malaysia has seen a steady rise in private vehicle ownership, with traffic congestion and air pollution becoming increasingly urgent public‑health concerns. In a speech at the National EV Summit, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Hisham Abdul Karim highlighted that EV conversions could account for up to 20 % of the national vehicle fleet by 2030 if the process is made accessible, safe and cost‑effective.

The new guidelines respond to a growing demand from eco‑conscious drivers who want to reduce their carbon footprint without buying a new EV. They also provide a framework for small‑to‑medium workshops that wish to enter the conversion market and for OEMs interested in retrofitting older vehicles.

2. The Structure of the Guidelines

The document is divided into six major sections, each detailing a key part of the conversion journey:

The guidelines are available in both Malay and English and are hosted on the JPJ portal, where applicants can download application forms, find a list of accredited conversion workshops, and check the status of their submissions.

3. Key Technical Requirements

Battery Packs – Conversions must use lithium‑ion battery packs that comply with the ISO 12405 standard for EV battery safety. JPJ has listed 12 manufacturers whose batteries have passed the required tests. A maximum cell voltage of 400 V is stipulated to keep safety risks manageable.

Electric Motor Kits – The guidelines permit the use of both in‑board and in‑wheel motor designs, provided they deliver a combined output of at least 60 kW (80 hp) for passenger cars. All kits must come with a comprehensive user manual and a warranty of at least two years.

Battery Management System (BMS) – The BMS must monitor state‑of‑charge (SOC), temperature, and cell balancing. It should include an “over‑current” and “over‑temperature” protection that shuts the system down within 200 ms if unsafe conditions are detected.

Charging Infrastructure – The guidelines mandate that converted vehicles must be compatible with the Level 2 (AC) standard, which is the most widely deployed in residential and commercial settings. The document also recommends a charging interface that can later be upgraded to Level 3 (DC fast charging) if the owner chooses.

4. Administrative and Procedural Steps

1. Pre‑Conversion Appraisal – Vehicle owners must first obtain a “Conversion Readiness Certificate” from an accredited workshop.
2. Order Conversion Kit – Once ready, the owner purchases a kit that matches the vehicle’s model and size.
3. Workshop Conversion – The accredited workshop installs the kit, runs initial diagnostics, and prepares a provisional test report.
4. JPJ Testing – The vehicle is brought to a JPJ‑approved testing facility where it undergoes electrical isolation tests, battery safety checks, and a full safety inspection.
5. Certification & Registration – After passing, the workshop receives a Conversion Certificate, which the owner presents to the JPJ registration office. A new license plate and registration card are issued.
6. Insurance Update – Insurance companies are mandated to update their policies to reflect the vehicle’s new classification under the “Electric Vehicle” category, which offers premium reductions of up to 20 % in certain plans.

The entire process is expected to take 4–6 weeks from the initial appraisal to final registration, assuming all documentation is complete and the vehicle passes the first‑time tests.

5. Impact on the Malaysian EV Landscape

The guidelines are expected to produce several ripple effects:

• Cost Savings – While the upfront cost of a conversion kit ranges between RM 12,000 and RM 18,000, it remains cheaper than buying a new EV by up to 30 %.
• Job Creation – The conversion industry will need a new cadre of technicians, BMS specialists, and safety inspectors, potentially creating over 3,000 jobs in the first year.
• Environmental Gains – Analysts project a reduction of 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2030 if 100,000 ICE cars are converted.
• Market Diversification – Small workshops can now compete in the EV space, reducing the concentration of conversions at large OEM plants.

Transport Minister Hisham remarked in a follow‑up press conference that the guidelines “are a cornerstone in our journey towards a greener Malaysia. They provide a clear, secure path for every vehicle owner who wants to transition to electric power without compromising safety or performance.”

6. Linking to Related Resources

The JPJ portal links to a number of supplementary documents that provide deeper technical insight:

• “Battery Disposal and Recycling Best Practices” – outlining the proper chain for end‑of‑life battery handling.
• “EV Charging Infrastructure Standards” – a guide to installing home and commercial chargers.
• “Workshops Accreditation Manual” – detailing the training and certification process for workshops wishing to become JPJ‑approved conversion centres.

These links help stakeholders—from owners to installers—navigate the entire lifecycle of an EV conversion, from planning and procurement to compliance and disposal.

7. Looking Ahead

JPJ plans to release a digital portal that will streamline the application process, track the status of conversion requests, and allow for real‑time updates on testing and certification. Moreover, the government has earmarked RM 50 million in subsidies for the first 20,000 conversions to accelerate uptake.

The official guidelines are a decisive step in Malaysia’s pursuit of a low‑carbon transportation future. They balance ambition with pragmatism, ensuring that the promise of electric mobility is accessible, safe, and sustainable for all Malaysians.