In the roadmaps of the automotive industry, the electric vehicle (EV) is regarded as a crucial technology for the future of automotive power systems. The EV has become a top priority of major global car manufacturers and is expected to disrupt the road transportation sector. In Malaysia and Indonesia, EVs just started as an important force. However, in Malaysia, the lack of EV infrastructure, along with its strong dependency on fossil fuels, poses an enormous challenge. The situation is very similar in Indonesia. Indonesia has huge potential as Southeast Asia’s largest vehicle market and a major nickel producer, an important EV battery ingredient. Therefore, this article addresses several critical issues in implementing EVs in Malaysia and Indonesia. In preparing this review, we have thoroughly selected very important EV keywords that are frequently asked. We have also interviewed some prominent figures in the field of EV to address the most critical aspects worth including in the paper. In doing so, we plan to provide content that will be beneficial not only to the academic world but also to the automotive industry in general. Firstly, a summary of the EV adoption scenario in each country was presented. Afterwards, the types of EVs and battery capacities available in both countries were explained. The next section focused on the adoption rate of EVs, followed by the discussion of EVs charging infrastructure. In addition to that, issues pertaining to vehicle tax credit were also addressed. The opportunities and challenges of EV were then addressed in depth before concluding remarks were given.

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate the effect of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles on extreme pressure (EP) properties when used as an additive in lubricating oil. Design/methodology/approach: The nano-oil was prepared by dispersing an optimal composition of 0.5 vol. per cent of 70 nm hBN in SAE 15W-40 diesel engine oil using a sonication technique. The tribological testing was performed using a four-ball tribometer according to the ASTM standard. Findings: It was found that the nano-oil has a potential to decelerate the seizure point on the contact surfaces, where higher EP can be obtained. More adhesive wear was observed on the worn surfaces of ball bearing lubricated with SAE 15W-40 diesel engine oil as compared with the nano-oil lubrication. Originality/value: The results of the experimental studies demonstrated the potential of hBN as an additive for improving the load-carrying ability of lubricating oil.

Biodiesel produced from any fat or oil blended with diesel in different percentage has emerged as an alternative diesel and renewable energy. In Malaysia, crude palm oil (CPO) is the most preferable feedstock to be converted into biodiesel via transesterification process. This study aimed to investigate the effects of storage duration of variant blending biodiesel ratio under different storage temperature on fuel properties and exhaust emissions. The biodiesel samples were stored in clinical compartment, at different temperatures and were monitored at regular interval over a period of 60 days. Blending of biodiesel are varied from 5vol%(B5)∼ 45vol%(B45) and storage temperature from 5°C∼30°C. The tests subject presented in this research is performed according to ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standard. The effects of storage conditions on properties of biodiesel such as density, kinematics viscosity, acid value, water content and flash point of biodiesel were discussed in detail. Furthermore, the experimental with burner system was carried out to observe the influences of storage method on emission aspects. Analysis of the measurement performed shows that the biodiesel density, viscosity and carbon monoxide are affected by storage duration and storage temperature. High blending ratio exhibits relative variant in emissions production due to the higher oxygenated fuel

The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal design parameters and to indicate which of the design parameters that are statistically significant for obtaining a low coefficient of friction (COF) with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles, dispersed in conventional diesel engine oil (SAE 15W40). Design of experiment (DOE) was constructed using the Taguchi method, which consists of L9 orthogonal arrays. Tribological testing was conducted using a four-ball tester according to ASTM standard D4172 procedures. According to the analysis of signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA), COF and wear scar diameter were reduced significantly by dispersing several concentrations of hBN nanoparticles in conventional diesel engine oil, compared to without nanoparticles and with Al2O3 nanoparticle additive. Contribution of 0.5 vol.% of hBN and 0.3 vol.% of oleic acid, as a surfactant, can be an optimal composition additive in conventional diesel engine oil, to obtain a lower COF. In addition, the predicted value of COF by utilizing the levels of the optimal design parameters (0.5 vol.%hBN, 0.3 vol.% surfactant),as made by the Taguchi optimization method, was consistent with the confirmation test (average value of COF = 0.07215), which fell within a 95% confidence interval (CI)

An experimental investigation was conducted to investigate the potential of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles as friction modifier and antiwear additive in engine oil. In this study, an optimal composition (0.5 vol.%) of 70 nm hBN nanoparticles was dispersed in SAE 15W-40 diesel engine oil by sonication technique. Sample was stabilized using 0.3 vol.% oleic acid as a surfactant. The tribological test was performed using a four-ball tribometer. Surface morphology and its chemical composition were carried out using a profilometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). It was found that the optimized nano-oil could reduce the coefficient of friction and increase wear resistance, as compared with conventional diesel engine oil. Some adhesive and abrasive wear types were identified as predominant wear mechanisms.