The Malaysian Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (Marii) will complete a feasibility study this year on whether Malaysia can product lithium-ion cells, which play a key role in powering electric and hybrid vehicles.

If successful, Malaysia could become the first lithium-ion cell manufacturer in the Asean region. The cells would be of the 18650-type – the same type of lithium-ion cells used in devices ranging from high-end flashlights to Tesla’s premium electric cars...