The CAM EV Microvan is a compact, all-electric commercial vehicle designed specifically for navigating crowded urban environments where space is limited and maneuverability is essential. Recently presented to the public at an automotive exhibition in Malaysia, this pint-sized delivery vehicle is essentially a rebadged version of the Nextem Vaquita, which originally comes from Hong Kong. While the underlying vehicle remains largely unchanged, CAM has given the Microvan a more playful personality. The most eye-catching update is not mechanical but visual: a set of cheerful decals that give the van a friendly, almost cartoon-like expression. With its smiling charging port and expressive headlights, the Microvan arguably stands out as one of the most lighthearted delivery vehicles currently on display.
The name “Vaquita” itself carries an interesting backstory. It refers to a small species of porpoise that is critically endangered, with fewer than ten believed to remain in the wild, according to publicly available sources. While the connection between the animal and the vehicle is largely symbolic, the name adds a layer of character and identity to an otherwise strictly functional machine.
From a size perspective, the CAM EV Microvan is extremely compact. It measures just 3,695 mm in length and a mere 1,220 mm in width, making it exceptionally narrow compared to conventional vans. These proportions allow it to slip through tight city streets, alleyways, and congested delivery zones with relative ease. Visually, the changes compared to the original Nextem Vaquita are minimal. Aside from the CAM badging, the most notable additions are the smiling mouth graphic integrated into the charging flap and the cartoon-style eyelashes positioned above the headlights. It remains unclear whether these decorative elements will be officially offered from the factory or if they are simply show-specific embellishments that owners can replicate themselves using vinyl wraps. Either way, they add a sense of charm and personality to an otherwise no-nonsense commercial vehicle.
Step inside the Microvan, and the tone shifts back to pure practicality. The cabin layout is extremely simple, featuring a centrally positioned driver’s seat, a sparse dashboard, and extensive use of hard plastics throughout. Comfort and luxury are clearly not priorities here; instead, durability, ease of cleaning, and cost control take center stage. The single-seat configuration also emphasizes that this vehicle is built for work rather than passengers.
The true versatility of the CAM EV Microvan becomes apparent at the rear. Depending on the intended use, it can be configured in numerous ways, including as a box van, pickup-style hauler, garbage collection unit, street sweeper, or even a mobile coffee truck. In its most spacious configuration, cargo capacity reaches up to 2.8 cubic meters, while the maximum payload is rated at 630 kilograms, which is impressive given the vehicle’s tiny footprint.
Power is supplied by a single electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Performance is modest but adequate for urban use, with a top speed limited to 80 km/h. Energy comes from a 15.97 kWh battery pack, which provides an estimated driving range of around 150 kilometers on a single charge—sufficient for most city-based delivery routes.
According to reports from Paultan, the CAM EV Microvan is expected to officially enter the Malaysian market in the second quarter of 2026. Pricing is anticipated to start at approximately 65,000 Malaysian Ringgit, or about $15,900 based on current exchange rates. While this places it outside true bargain territory for such a small vehicle, its unique design, flexible configurations, and electric efficiency may help justify the cost. Beyond Malaysia, the vehicle—under its Nextem Vaquita identity—is also planned for markets including Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Portugal, signaling broader international ambitions.