by Small cars often have cute faces to charm us, but some go even further. This is exactly how the CAM EV Microvan can be described — a tiny electric cargo vehicle designed to navigate narrow city streets with a smile on its grille. In the literal sense.
Origin and Design
Recently unveiled in Malaysia, the CAM EV Microvan is a rebranded version of the Hong Kong-made Nextem Vaquita model. Beyond the new badges, the most noticeable change is the bright decals that turn it into perhaps the world’s happiest delivery van.
The design changes are minimal: a smile on the charging port cover and eyelash-like decals above the headlights. It is not yet clear whether these decals will be offered as a factory option or if owners will have to apply them themselves, but it’s an interesting artistic touch on an utterly utilitarian platform.
If you’re curious about the name, Vaquita refers to a species of marine mammal that is critically endangered. Why a commercial van was named after an animal on the brink of extinction remains a mystery.
Technical Specifications
This light commercial vehicle is positioned as a low-budget, low-maintenance option aimed at small businesses.
Its dimensions are 3,695 mm in length and only 1,220 mm in width. The interior is utilitarian: a central driving position, a single seat, a very simple dashboard, and durable plastics that prioritize practicality over comfort.
The rear of the vehicle is interesting. The Microvan can be configured as a closed-body van, a pickup truck, a garbage truck, a street sweeper, a coffee van, and much more. Depending on the configuration, the cargo compartment volume reaches 2.8 cubic meters, with a maximum payload of 630 kg.
The vehicle is powered by a single electric motor driving the rear wheels. The top speed is limited to 80 km/h, and the 15.97 kWh battery provides an estimated range of about 150 km.
Price and Markets
The launch of the CAM EV Microvan in the Malaysian market is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. The price is expected to start from approximately 65,000 Malaysian ringgit, which is about $15,900 USD at the current exchange rate. This is not a very low price for a vehicle of this size, so the cheerful decals may have to work hard to convince budget-conscious buyers.
Besides Malaysia, the Nextem Vaquita is planned to be introduced in the markets of Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Portugal.
The emergence of such niche electric vehicles highlights the growing diversification of the global electric transport market. They do not aim for high sales volumes but clearly target their narrow audience — urban businesses in need of a maneuverable, economical, and attention-grabbing vehicle. The success of such models often depends not so much on technical specifications, but on the right marketing strategy and understanding of local needs, which is well demonstrated by the customization of the basic Vaquita model for the Malaysian market.
