As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity in Malaysia, many car owners are asking: “How do I calculate the kWh for EV cars?” Whether you're planning to buy an EV or already own one, understanding how kilowatt-hours (kWh) work is essential for estimating charging time, electricity costs, and real-world driving range.

Top 3 key takeaways:

1. kWh matters – It affects your EV’s range, charging time, and electricity cost.
2. Easy to calculate – Use simple formulas to estimate cost per km, full charge cost, and charging time.
3. Sell smart with Mobee – Get the best price for your current car before switching to an EV.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about calculating kWh, EV power, and how this impacts your decision-making—especially if you’re considering selling your current car to switch to an electric one.

What is kWh in an EV?

kWh stands for kilowatt-hour, a unit of energy that measures how much electricity your EV uses or stores. Think of it like the fuel tank in a petrol car—the higher the kWh rating of a battery, the further the EV can typically travel.

Example:

1. A 40 kWh battery can store 40 units of electricity.
2. If your EV consumes 15 kWh per 100 km, you can roughly travel around 260 km on a full charge.

How to Calculate Energy Usage (kWh/km)?

To find out how efficient an EV is:

Energy Consumption (kWh/km) = Battery Capacity (kWh) / Range (km)

Example:

If your EV has a 50 kWh battery and offers 400 km of range:

→ 50 ÷ 400 = 0.125 kWh/km

This means your car consumes 12.5 kWh per 100 km.

How to Calculate EV Charging Time in Malaysia

Charging time depends on:

1. Battery size (kWh)
2. Charger power (kW)

Charging Time (hours) = Battery Size (kWh) ÷ Charger Output (kW)

Example:

1. 60 kWh battery
2. 7.4 kW home wall box

→ 60 ÷ 7.4 ≈ 8.1 hours

For fast charging:

Using a DC fast charger at 50 kW, the same 60 kWh battery would take about 1.2 hours (assuming constant rate).

How to Calculate EV Charging Costs at Home

In Malaysia, the average residential electricity rate is RM 0.57 per kWh (based on TNB tariffs, Tier 2–3).

Charging Cost = Battery Size (kWh) × Electricity Rate (RM/kWh)

Example:

1. 40 kWh battery × RM 0.57 = RM 22.80 per full charge

If your EV travels 250 km on that charge, then:

1. RM 22.80 ÷ 250 km = RM 0.09 per km

EV Charging Calculator Malaysia

While some EV brands and apps offer their own tools, here’s a simple formula to estimate your monthly EV charging cost:

Monthly Cost = (Daily Distance ÷ km per kWh) × RM/kWh × 30 days

Example:

1. Daily drive: 50 km
2. EV uses 0.15 kWh/km
3. Rate: RM 0.57/kWh

→ (50 ÷ 6.67) × 0.57 × 30 = RM 128.25/month

Why This Matters: Cost, Convenience, and Planning

Understanding kWh:

1. Helps you budget charging expenses
2. Avoids overloading your home’s electrical system
3. Informs decisions when comparing different EVs

If you’re planning to sell your petrol or hybrid car to upgrade to an EV, it’s important to evaluate not just the car’s specs but also your monthly electricity costs and charging setup at home.

Thinking of Switching to an EV? Sell Your Car the Smart Way

Mobee Cars helps Malaysian car owners sell their cars quickly, transparently, and for the highest market price—whether you’re buying an EV or just want to upgrade.

✅ Instant quotation

✅ No fees

✅ Hassle-free paperwork

✅ Trusted nationwide dealer network