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Anthony Loke Announces New Road Tax Structure for EVs to be Revealed by End of 2023

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Transport Minister Anthony Loke has announced that the current road tax exemption for electric vehicles (EVs) will end on 31st December 2025. Loke’s ministry is working on a new road tax structure specifically for EVs. This new structure is necessary because the previous government had only granted road tax exemption for EVs until 2025.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the new road tax structure for electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to be revealed by the end of this year. The new structure will be a significant part of the Ministry’s Budget 2024 proposal. Anthony expressed awareness of consumers’ concerns about the current EV road tax structure, which can result in high costs of around RM4,000 to RM5,000 per year. He has instructed officers at the Ministry of Transport (MoT) to study this matter based on feedback from consumers and EV companies. The goal is to encourage more people to switch to EVs through an improved road tax structure.

Anthony Loke emphasized the importance of clear policies on electric vehicle (EV) usage to support the transition to sustainable transportation. Malaysia aims to achieve 15% of the total industry volume (TIV) for EVs and hybrid vehicles by 2030. The country also plans to have 10,000 EV charging points by 2025. Anthony mentioned the possibility of leveraging Sweden’s expertise in EV adoption, charging infrastructure, and smart traffic systems to accelerate Malaysia’s transition to eMobility.

The current road tax structure for electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia is based on the power output of the electric motors, unlike the engine capacity used for internal combustion engine vehicles. This difference in calculation creates a significant disparity in road tax rates between EVs and petrol-powered vehicles. For instance, a Hyundai Kona Electric e-Max or BYD Atto 3 with a 150kW motor would have an annual road tax of RM903, while a petrol-powered Hyundai Kona 1.6 N Line with a 1.6-liter turbo engine producing 195hp only pays RM90 in road tax. Despite having similar power outputs, the road tax difference between EVs and petrol-powered vehicles can be as much as tenfold.

Under the current road tax structure in Malaysia, owners of the Volvo XC40 or C40 with a 300kW power output have to pay RM4,503 annually, while a Mercedes-Benz S560e plug-in hybrid with a larger engine costs RM2,120 in road tax. Fully imported electric vehicles (EVs) are currently exempted from import duty and excise duty until 31st December 2025. Locally assembled EVs are also exempted from import duty on components, as well as excise duty and sales tax until 31st December 2027.

Renault Zoe E-Tech: Malaysia’s Affordable Compact EV with 22kW AC Charging and 395km Range – Starting at RM165k

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The updated Renault Zoe is now available for purchase in Malaysia. It is a compact fully electric hatchback. It is similar in size to a Perodua Myvi. The car offers a class-leading 22kW AC charging capability. This means it can charge quickly using standard AC charging stations. It is a 100% electric vehicle, meaning it runs solely on electric power. The Renault Zoe has a range of up to 395km on a full charge. It is an environmentally-friendly option for those looking for a compact car. The starting price for the Renault Zoe in Malaysia is RM165k.

The new Renault Zoe E-Tech for 2023 in Malaysia has two variants. The Renault Zoe R110 is priced at RM165,000. The Renault Zoe R135 is priced at RM179,000. You can also choose to subscribe to the Renault Zoe through a platform offered by TC Euro Cars (TCEC). The subscription can be for 1, 2, or 3 years with monthly fees starting from RM2,799. The subscription fee includes insurance, servicing, and a Type 2 AC cable. The Zoe R110 is available in Solid White or Black. The Zoe R135 is available in Black, Purple, Blue, and Red.

The Specification of Renault Zoe

The updated Renault Zoe for 2023 has the same dimensions as before 4,087mm length, 1,562mm height, and 1,945mm width. It has received some cosmetic updates for both the interior and exterior. The car features Renault’s holographic diamond logo, which covers the charging port. It has Pure Vision full-LED headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights (DRL). The Zoe lineup comes with 16″ 195/55 wheels and disc brakes on all four wheels. The new Renault Zoe uses the next-generation Z.E. 50 battery with a higher capacity of 52kWh. This battery provides 20% more range compared to its predecessor.

Both the R110 and R135 variants have the same battery pack. The R110 has a rated WLTP range of 395km, while the R135 has a range of 386km. The model numbers, R110 and R135, indicate the rated PS output for the motor. The R110 variant’s motor produces 80kW (107hp) and 225Nm of torque. The R135 variant’s motor produces 100kW (134hp) and 245Nm of torque. The R110 goes from 0-100km/h in 11.4 seconds with a top speed of 135km/h. The R135 achieves 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds with a top speed of 140km/h.

The interior of the Renault Zoe has been refreshed with a 10″ digital instrument cluster and a 9.3″ touchscreen multimedia display. The multimedia display supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also has Bluetooth, two USB ports, and an aux audio port, along with a 6-speaker setup. Both the R110 and R135 variants have an electronic e-shifter, automatic parking brake, full-LED interior lighting, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, and adjustable mirrors. The R110 seats have recycled fabric upholstery in black, while the R135 has black combination leather-fabric seats. The R135 variant has two additional USB ports in the rear seats, an electrochromic rear-view mirror, a reverse camera, and front parking sensors. The Zoe has a new center console with more storage, two cup holders, and a wireless phone charging tray. The cruise control buttons are now placed behind the steering wheel, which uses recycled PET materials. The boot capacity remains the same at 338 liters.

In terms of safety, the new Renault Zoe has some basic features like four airbags, lane departure warnings, electronic stability control, and more. However, it lacks advanced safety features found in other EVs like autonomous emergency braking (AEB). The Renault Zoe R135 variant has additional features like an adaptive high beam, blind spot warning, and hands-free park assist. The Zoe’s AC charging speed is its standout feature, supporting up to 22kW. This allows the 52kWh battery to charge from 0-100% in just 3 hours. Most EVs on the market support up to 11kW AC charging, while some affordable EVs from China are limited to 7kW. Using a 7kW AC charger, the Zoe takes around 9.5 hours for a full charge. Other EVs in Malaysia that support 22kW AC charging include the Porsche Taycan and Lotus Eletre.

The Renault Zoe can support up to 50kW DC fast charging using a DC CCS2 port. Charging from 0-80% on DC fast charging takes around 70 minutes. When compared to other EVs like the Nissan Leaf, BYD Atto 3, and Ora Good Cat, the choice depends on individual preferences. Consider factors such as pricing, features, safety, charging capabilities, and personal needs before making a decision. Feel free to share your thoughts on the new Zoe or compare it to other EVs in the comments below.

Grab the Deal: iPhone 13 at Up to RM700 Off, Starting from RM2,999

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The iPhone 13 is now available at a discounted price in Malaysia. You can purchase the iPhone 13 128GB for RM2,999, a reduction of RM700 from the original price of RM3,699. The iPhone 13 256GB is priced at RM3,499, down from the retail price of RM4,199. The iPhone 13 512GB is available for RM4,549, discounted from the original price of RM5,199. Note that certain colors like Green and Pink may have slightly different prices. Limited stocks are available, so act fast to grab these deals.

The Switch store offers an additional RM50 off voucher with a minimum purchase of RM3,500. With the voucher, you can get the iPhone 13 512GB for RM4,499, saving RM700. The iPhone 13 has a 6.1″ OLED display with a resolution of 2532×1170 pixels. It runs on the powerful A15 Bionic Chip with a 4-core GPU. The phone features a dual 12MP camera system for main and ultra-wide shots and a 12MP selfie camera. It has IP68-rated dust and water resistance, stereo speakers, 5G support, and WiFi 6.

The newer iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro series are available at Switch with discounts of up to RM650. The discounts are available while stocks last. To purchase, visit Switch’s online store at Shopee Mall.

Canon PowerShot V10: Your Discreet Vlogging Companion at an Unbeatable Price of RM1,999

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Introducing Canon PowerShot V10: A new vlogging-focused camera. A unique design resembling a police bodycam. Compact and vertical shape, measuring 64.4 x 90.0 x 34.3mm. Perfect for on-the-go vlogging, fits easily in your pocket. Targeted towards the younger demographic. Joining the competition with cameras like Sony ZV-1. The affordable price of RM1,999. Capture your vlogs with style and convenience.

The PowerShot V10 comes with a fixed 19mm prime lens and a red record button. It has a 2-inch LCD display that can be flipped to face the front. There are buttons for navigation and playback on the back. It has ports for HDMI Micro, a 3.5mm mic, USB-C, and an external card slot. The camera features a built-in kickstand with adjustable angles. It also has a socket for attaching a tripod if preferred.

The PowerShot V10 has a 19mm prime lens and a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a 20.9MP resolution. It can record videos at 1080p/60FPS or 4K/30FPS. The camera takes photos at 15.2MP resolution in JPEG format, without RAW support. It offers up to 3x digital zoom, 14 Movie Colour filters, face tracking autofocus, and one-shot autofocus. It has digital image stabilization but lacks optical image stabilization.

The camera has a 1,250mAh battery that lasts over two hours of 4K playback or 55 minutes of shooting 4K footage. It charges via the USB-C port and has built-in dual stereo microphones. The PowerShot V10 supports WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless pairing with your smartphone.

The Canon PowerShot V10 is coming to Malaysia next month. The price of the camera will be RM1,999. It will be available in black or silver color options.

Enjoy Disney+ Hotstar on Your Samsung Smart TVs and Smart Monitors

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If you’re a Disney+ Hotstar subscriber and own a Samsung Smart TV or Smart Monitor, you can now stream your video content directly on the big screen. The Disney+ Hotstar app is available on Samsung’s Tizen-powered Smart TV platform. To download the app in Malaysia, go to the Samsung “App Store,” search for “Disney,” and download the 10MB app. To log in, you’ll need to go through an SMS OTP verification and create a user profile if you haven’t already. The user profile allows you to set content preferences and parental controls.

In Malaysia, a Disney+ Hotstar subscription costs RM54.90 for 3 months. With this subscription, you can enjoy unlimited video streaming on your smartphone, tablet, computer, and Smart TV. The native Disney+ Hotstar app is available on Samsung, LG, Android TV, and Apple TV. If you want to watch content in 4K Ultra HD, make sure you have a compatible 4K device and a stable internet connection of at least 25Mbps.

Enhanced Privacy: Introducing WhatsApp Chat Lock for Unparalleled Security

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WhatsApp is adding a new feature called Chat Lock for better privacy. It allows you to hide specific chats behind a locked folder. This extra security layer requires either your device password or biometrics (like fingerprints or face scans) to access the locked chats. When a chat is locked, its notifications are also hidden. You can use Chat Lock for both individual and group chats by tapping on the chat you want to hide and selecting the lock option.

To reveal hidden chats, simply pull them down on your inbox and enter your password or use biometrics. This feature isn’t entirely new, as WhatsApp already has the option to lock the entire app with Face ID or fingerprints. However, Chat Lock gives you more control by allowing you to hide specific chats. It’s useful if you share your phone with someone who wants to use the app. The rollout of Chat Lock has begun, but it may take a few weeks for everyone to receive the update. In the future, WhatsApp plans to add more functions, such as locking chats on companion devices and creating a unique password for hidden chats separate from your phone password.

WhatsApp has started rolling out the Chat Lock feature, but it may take a few weeks for everyone to receive the update. In the future, WhatsApp plans to add more functions, like locking chats on companion devices and creating a separate passwords for hidden chats. If privacy is important to you, there are other measures you can take, such as setting a self-destruct timer for individual chats. Additionally, you can set a global timer to make all your messages disappear after a certain period, ranging from 24 hours to 90 days.

iPhone 15 and 15 Plus Rumored to Include 48MP Camera, But Production Delays Possible

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Rumors about the upcoming iPhones have mainly focused on the iPhone 15 Pro models, particularly regarding the use of a capacitive volume rocker. However, recent reports suggest that the base and Plus models will also feature the 48MP camera found in last year’s Pro models. Analyst Jeff Pu from Haitong International Securities mentioned this in a research note, along with a new three-stacked sensor technology to enhance low-light photography. While the actual impact on image quality is yet to be seen, it is possible that the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will support ProRAW photos similar to the Pro models.

According to analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 15’s stacked sensor for improved photography may be facing yield issues based on recent supply chain checks. This could potentially lead to a slight delay in the production of the devices. Despite the possible delay, Apple is still expected to announce the iPhone 15 in September and make it available within the same month. Jeff Pu has a good track record with accurate predictions, such as the iPhone 15 Pro’s volume rocker change, which was confirmed later by other analysts as well. Other analysts, including Shelly Chou and Ming-Chi Kuo, have also made similar predictions about the iPhone 15’s features.

Black Shark Set to Unveil New Mobile Cooler on May 15, 2023

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When playing high-end mobile games, phones can get uncomfortably hot. External coolers can help cool the back of the phone and improve comfort. Black Shark has announced a new mobile cooler set to release on May 15, 2023. The cooler will feature a custom “ultra high-density cooling chip” to reduce surface temperature. It aims to lower temperatures by up to 35°C and prevent excessive power usage. This cooler is expected to be effective in preventing thermal throttling of the phone’s chipset.

The announcement post doesn’t specify which phone the new cooler is designed for, but it could be for the Black Shark 5 Pro. Phones with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, like the Black Shark 5 Pro, can reach surface temperatures of 41 to 46 degrees Celsius during intense gaming. The new cooler from Black Shark is expected to reduce surface temperatures by around 10°C, making it quite effective. However, whether it’s worth getting the cooler depends on how much you game on your smartphone. Some people may buy it for the cool factor, but its value will vary based on individual gaming habits and preferences.

Government Considering Extending Highway Concession Periods to Prevent Toll Increases, Reports Say

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The government is considering extending the concession periods of highway operators to prevent toll increases. The goal is to maintain current toll rates across Peninsular Malaysia. The proposal is awaiting approval from the Cabinet and may be announced in the second half of this year. If approved, all highway operators could receive extensions of up to 30 years on their concessions. The government is currently reviewing the deal, and some companies have been informed about the potential extension.

According to a third source close to a concessionaire, the government’s interest in extending the concession periods is to prevent toll rate increases. Extending the concessions is also seen as a way to avoid compensating highway operators. The report suggests that in exchange for the extension, highway owners may be required to reduce toll rates. This approach aims to strike a balance between longer concession periods and lower toll rates.

It is not uncommon for highway operators to reduce toll rates after their concessions are extended. A recent example is when PLUS Malaysia extended its concession and reduced toll rates by 18% in February 2020. The government’s extension included a clause that prevented fare increases on all PLUSH highways until 2058. This demonstrates a precedent of toll reduction and stability in rates with extended concessions.

Revolutionizing Google Apps: Discover Four New AI Uses Transforming Gmail and More!

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Google is incorporating AI technology into its apps like Gmail, Search, Photos, Messages, and Google Maps. The AI chatbot called Bard is being introduced globally, with the ability to generate content integrated into different apps. These new features aim to simplify various tasks and improve user experience. Google showcased four ways in which generative AI will be used across its services at the annual I/O summit. The goal is to leverage AI smarts to enhance functionality and provide more intuitive and efficient services to users.

Google’s Photos app will soon have a feature that uses AI to imagine what is outside the borders of a cropped photo. You can remove unwanted objects and people from the photo and add sections to change the composition. For example, you can reposition the subject by adding an extra section to the picture using AI. This feature allows you to adjust and create a more visually appealing image. It demonstrates how AI can enhance and manipulate photos to meet your desired outcome.

Google is introducing a feature called Magic Compose that uses AI to provide alternative ways to phrase text messages. With this feature, AI can suggest more engaging and expressive versions of your messages. For example, it can turn a simple message like “Wanna grab dinner?” into something more exciting or creative. The AI offers options like adding emojis, using different tones (such as chill or Shakespearean), or making the message more lyrical. This feature allows users to enhance their text messages and add a personal touch with AI-powered suggestions.

Google is developing an AI feature called Bard that can draft emails for Gmail users. With just a short input, Google’s AI can formulate an email, like requesting a refund from an airline after flight cancellations. Users will be able to rely on AI to compose emails, reducing the need for writing them entirely. Gmail users can make final edits to the AI-generated drafts by tapping a “draft in Gmail” button. Bard can also assist with creative writing by suggesting plot twists and generating illustration ideas. This AI-powered feature aims to make email composition and creative writing easier and more efficient.

Bard, Google’s AI chatbot, can answer complex questions by formulating complete sentences. In addition to providing internet links and sources, Bard offers practical advice and relevant information. For example, when searching for a bicycle, Bard not only advises on suspension but also displays suitable offers from shops. Bard can handle specific queries like “What’s better for a family with kids under 3 and a dog” in reference to parks. It provides key information, and relevant links, and even asks follow-up questions to assist users further. This showcases Bard’s ability to provide comprehensive and helpful responses to complex search queries.