New Proton EV plant construction begins; set to produce 20k EVs annually

KUALA LUMPUR: While Chinese EVs currently dominate the Malaysian EV space, things are set to take an exciting turn with national automakers stepping up with big initiatives. After introducing the first-ever EV late last year, Proton has now started building its dedicated EV plant in Tanjung Malim.

Proton’s first dedicated EV plant: Key highlights

• The world-class facility will produce a wide range of EVs based on the Global Modular Architecture platform (including the e.MAS 7) for domestic as well as export markets. 

Also read: Proton e.MAS 7 en route to Nepal; launch slated for next month

• The first phase of the production facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with an investment cost of RM 82 million. 
• The plant will have an annual capacity of producing 20,000 EVs.
• Proton’s dedicated EV plant supports Malaysia’s EV industrialisation plan and aligns with key government policies, including the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP), National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020), Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB), and New Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

• Proton will use smart manufacturing technologies at its NEV facility, with a production line featuring a high degree of automation by leveraging robotics, cloud-based plant management, industrial internet-of-things (IOT), and technologies synonymous with IR 4.0.
• The manufacturing operations are fully consolidated in Tanjung Malim, signifying a significant accomplishment of the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV).

• With the opening of the new facility, Proton will create over 200 new jobs, specialising in EV industrialisation and technical services, for the local community. 
• In the second phase, the company aims to increase production capacity to 45,000 EVs annually, depending on the demand in Malaysia and global markets.

The commencement event was attended by the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad along with members of the state government and executive council. Proton was represented by its board members, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton, and Roslan Abdullah, the Deputy CEO of Proton. Representatives from government ministries, federal agencies, and local state authorities also graced the occasion. 

During the ceremony, Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON stated, “PROTON began making its transition to become an OEM offering ICE and NEV models when we established PRO-NET to sell electric vehicles from smart in 2023, before launching the Proton e.MAS 7 last year in 2024. Over this period, we have accumulated a lot of experience in all areas regarding these vehicles and the needs of their customers, so today we take another step to realising our dream of manufacturing and developing EV models in Malaysia. The vehicles produced here at this new plant will serve our domestic customers and export market while becoming a catalyst to driving the growth of the EV market.”

“Once completed, this new factory will focus on producing the Proton e.MAS 7 as well as future NEV offerings as PROTON expands its model range. Ultimately, we hope our success will establish a modern and capable automotive ecosystem to encourage more OEMs to consider Malaysia and AHTV as a regional base for EVs,” he added.

Also read: First Impressions: Proton eMAS 7 Prime – Real world test drive to Melaka