PRO-NET, Amtel team up to tackle EV battery waste as Proton e.MAS 7 sales climb

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton New Energy Technology (PRO-NET), the electric vehicle arm of Proton, has signed an MoU with Amtel Cellular Sdn Bhd to handle the disassembly and disposal of used EV batteries—well before any official government mandate on the issue.

The move signals a proactive effort to address the growing challenge of end-of-life battery management in Malaysia’s nascent but rapidly growing EV sector.

Also Read: Proton e.MAS 7 gets updates, new colours, and better ownership perks

Amtel, a subsidiary of Amtel Holdings Berhad, brings expertise in prolonging the lifespan of EV batteries and exploring second-life applications like energy storage.

The collaboration focuses on ensuring that valuable battery materials are recovered and reused, instead of ending up as hazardous waste.

According to projections by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), nearly 870,000 EV batteries will require recycling by 2050 in Malaysia alone. Without the right processes in place, this could turn into a major environmental burden.

“PRO-NET is fully committed to sustainability, and as we help the nation transition to green mobility, we want to also ensure that in doing so, the process remains green as well,” said PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang. “While there isn’t an official government mandate yet, we are taking early steps to safeguard the proper disposal of EV batteries.”

Battery disposal under this programme will be carried out in compliance with the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Electronic Scheduled Waste Information System (eSWIS), which governs the handling of electronic waste in Malaysia.

Amtel CEO Lim Hun Teik added, “This partnership underscores our mutual commitment to not only advancing electric mobility, but also building the essential ecosystem around it, including high-quality after-sales support, safe battery management, and responsible end-of-life handling.”

The announcement comes as the Proton e.MAS 7 continues its strong run in the local EV market, claiming the title of Malaysia’s best-selling EV in 2025 so far.

A key selling point is its LFP-based Aegis Short Blade Battery with Cell-to-Body (CTB) integration, which enhances structural rigidity and improves crash safety.

In fact, Proton recently demonstrated the strength of the e.MAS 7’s battery by driving a 36-tonne tank over it. Despite the immense pressure—nearly double current safety thresholds—the battery survived with no bulging, leakage, or fire.

It also previously underwent the so-called “6 Devil” test, which puts it through extreme fire, flood, freeze, crush, scrape, and crash conditions.

The Aegis battery is reportedly in use in close to one million vehicles worldwide, with no known cases of spontaneous combustion—a statistic Proton is keen to highlight in a market still cautious about EV fire risks.

To sweeten the deal for potential buyers, PRO-NET is offering a RM5,000 rebate for any trade-in vehicle, regardless of brand or condition, towards the purchase of a new e.MAS 7.

Both the Prime and Premium variants are available from stock, with pricing starting at RM105,800 for the Prime and RM119,800 for the Premium.

With infrastructure and ownership incentives slowly falling into place, Proton appears to be doing what it can to build trust not just in the car, but in the long-term ecosystem surrounding it—including what happens to the battery once it's no longer usable.

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