New Proton EV plant nears construction; e.MAS 7 to lead production

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton started building its dedicated state-of-the-art EV plant in Tanjung Malim back in February. And now, after 6 months, the facility is nearing completion with the full-scale production process slated to begin in September. 

In a recent press release, the automaker announced that the building is now 90.4% complete and equipment installation is at 83.5%, with overall progress at 86.9%.

Once completed, this world-class facility will focus on manufacturing several electric vehicles based on the Global Modular Architecture platform. The first Proton EV to be rolled off the production line will be the e.MAS 7; the brand’s first-ever EV that has been winning the hearts of Malaysians since its launch in late December. It will be followed by the Proton e.MAS 5, slated to hit the roads in the fourth quarter of the year. 

Also read: Proton e.MAS 5 revealed – Rear-Wheel Drive EV with 325km range, ADAS, 14.6-inch screen; launch in October

EV-specific production setup

Unlike regular ICE plants, the NEV (New Energy Vehicle) facility has a specific setup with special areas for battery assembly, high-voltage safety, and electrical testing. It can accommodate flat EV underbodies and electric drive units, featuring dedicated zones, enhanced safety, and flexible line configurations. 

Geely has provided technical guidance on production systems and equipment selection and is assisting with installation and trial runs.

Proton’s dedicated EV plant supports Malaysia’s EV industrialisation plan and aligns with key government policies. It aligns with global EV manufacturing standards, ensuring it can meet both current needs and future growth.

Designed with scalability in mind

Built with an investment cost of RM 82 million, the plant will have an annual capacity of producing 20,000 EVs initially. 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.

For key areas, each line at the NEV facility could add several stations, with their tester lines being modular and capable of accommodating platform variations or multi-model production. 

Designed with efficient storage and transport systems, the plant’s logistics area is capable of future expansion. It already has the necessary infrastructure, like utilities, material handling routes, and digital tools (MES and WMS) to scale up without major redesign.

Building talent for EV production

The automaker has an immediate focus on hiring critical operational and technical personnel to support ramp-up before launch.

So far, it has hired 30 non-executive staff with Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) and a diploma background. These key personnel will be fully trained before full-scale production begins in mid-September.

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. 

Proton has also joined hands with Polytechnic Sultan Azlan Shah (PSAS) to contribute to the technical syllabus and support hands-on training. This move aligns academic learning with industry needs and strengthens the local talent pipeline for the future. 

“This plant symbolizes PROTON’s transformation and our unwavering commitment to a sustainable, high-tech future. We are also laying the foundation for Malaysia’s leadership in the regional EV landscape by strategically expanding our EV offerings into new overseas markets. This is a monumental step for the company and for the nation, and we are excited to see our first Malaysian-made EVs to roll off the line and onto our roads,” said Wan Yousry bin Mohamed, Head of Manufacturing Engineering in PROTON.

Also read: Proton X50 now comes with factory-fitted Touch ‘n Go RFID tag