Is Proton e.MAS 7 the eco-friendly drive Malaysians have been waiting for?

The Malaysian EV market is dominated by non-national brands, with BYD and Tesla leading the charge. Despite their popularity and consumers’ growing interest, EVs still make up less than 2 percent of new car sales. One of the reasons for this slow adoption could be the absence of electric cars by homegrown brands—Proton and Perodua. 

Proton and Perodua account for about two-thirds of the Malaysian car market. While these national brands have yet to establish a strong foothold in the local EV space, their entry could be a game-changer, offering electric cars tailored to regional preferences, competitive pricing, and better support networks. 

While Perodua EV plans are still in the pipeline, Proton is gearing up to launch its first EV, the e.MAS 7, very soon. The upcoming Proton EV represents a significant leap in Malaysia's automotive landscape and highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. It also meets the government’s Electric Vehicle Agenda calling for national carmakers to roll out EVs by 2025.

Also read: PRO-NET unveils specifications for Proton e.MAS 7 - Prime vs Premium breakdown

Proton's upcoming e.MAS 7 EV might just be the answer to Malaysians’ search for an eco-friendly, practical, and affordable electric car. But does it truly live up to the expectations? Let’s take a closer look.

Affordable pricing with exclusive perks

The Proton e.MAS 7 is competitively priced at around RM 120,000, making it an affordable electric car. It undercuts competitors like the BYD Atto 3, Leapmotor C10, and Chery Omoda E5, which carry higher price tags.

Also read: Top rivals of the upcoming Proton e.MAS 7 EV

Further sweetening the deal is a special “Pioneer Privilege Deal” early-bird promo. This exclusive offer includes an RM 500 rebate and a gift pack worth RM 1,000 for those who pre-book the EV before its official launch.

Such incentives are drawing significant attention from potential budget-conscious EV buyers looking for a homegrown EV option.

Designed and tested for Malaysian roads

While the Proton e.MAS 7 shares underpinnings with the Geely Galaxy E5, Proton claims that it is not a simple rebadged model, rather it has been co-developed between both car companies. 

Unlike the imported EVs, the Proton electric car is purpose-built for Malaysians by Malaysians as a team of 230 Proton engineers and designers worked on the e.MAS 7 from the start and dedicated 700,000 man-hours to its development.

To make it fine-tuned for the local roads, the vehicle has undergone extensive testing, including 10 million kilometres of driving, 30,000 kilometres for durability, and 100,000 kilometres for reliability. 

Thus, Proton ensures that the e.MAS 7 is ready to handle the country’s unique traffic patterns, tropical climate, and road conditions. This makes it a strong contender for those Malaysians seeking a sustainable, reliable EV built with their needs in mind.

Performance that redefines eco-friendly driving

The first Malaysian-brand EV, the Proton e.MAS 7, promises to offer impressive performance to Malaysian consumers. It is powered by a front-mounted electric motor that generates a maximum power of 218 PS and a peak torque of 320 Nm. The power is enough to propel the EV from zero to 100 kmph in  6.9 seconds, making it the Proton’s fastest-accelerating car. With these strong numbers, the Proton EV outperforms rivals like the Neta X and GAC Aion Y Plus. 

The EV comes packed with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack using Geely's Aegis "short blade" cells, offering a lifespan of up to one million kilometres with minimal impact on its range. Even after 921 full charge cycles, equivalent to 400,000 km, the battery retains 90.5% of its original capacity. This means Malaysians need to worry about battery wear and replacement.

Speaking of the range, the Proton e.MAS 7 comes equipped with either a 49.52-kWh or a 60.22-kWh battery pack, offering a range of up to 410 km.

Tech-driven comfort and control for Malaysian drivers

The Proton e.MAS 7 incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance the driving experience, starting with its massive 15.4-inch 2.5K central touchscreen display. It is powered by Flyme OS, a system developed by Meizu and integrated with a 7nm automotive-grade SoC processor. This advanced system offers smooth and seamless operation and gives drivers control over key functions like ADAS settings, drive modes, and climate control.

Further elevating the ownership experience is the e.MAS App integration, which allows owners to monitor battery levels, find EV charging stations, and manage vehicle services all from their smartphones.

A homegrown effort supporting Malaysians

The e.MAS 7 is not just any EV; it is a testament to local skill and innovation. Buyers who value supporting national industries can see the upcoming Proton EV as a meaningful opportunity to contribute directly to the growth and development of Malaysia’s automotive sector. 

Summing up 

The Proton e.MAS 7 is set to redefine the EV landscape in Malaysia. With its promising features, competitive positioning, and Proton’s legacy of catering to local needs, it appears to be the eco-friendly drive Malaysians have been waiting for.

Also read: PROTON wins big at M100 Awards, emerging as top graduate employer in automotive sector