Proton confirms second EV in the works after e.MAS 7 launch success

KUALA LUMPUR:  Proton Holdings Bhd is looking into the development of a second electric vehicle (EV) model following the encouraging market response to the recently launched Proton e.MAS 7.

According to a report by Berita Harian, Proton’s Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah said the company is currently assessing several factors including pricing, practicality, and range to ensure the next EV meets the needs of Malaysian consumers.

“We're studying which model would be most suitable. Right now, we can't make any announcements because we're still in the research phase,” he was quoted as saying.

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Roslan added that this upcoming EV will likely cater to young families and be positioned at a more affordable price point to appeal to a wider group of potential EV buyers.

“More details about the second EV will be shared soon,” he said.

The Berita Harian report also highlighted Proton’s long-term EV strategy, which includes the development and assembly of future models at its new dedicated EV manufacturing facility in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

The plant, located within the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV), began construction in February this year with an initial investment of RM82 million. It is slated for completion by year-end and will have a starting production capacity of 20,000 units annually.

“We definitely want to ensure the investment pays off and fully utilise the plant’s capacity,” Roslan told Berita Harian.

The plant will produce a range of EVs built on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, starting with the Proton e.MAS 7 as the company’s first EV.

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Roslan also revealed that a second phase of the plant’s development is already being planned, which would increase output to 45,000 units per year, depending on market demand both locally and abroad.

“This factory won’t just be making the e.MAS 7. We’ll also be producing other new energy vehicle (NEV) models in the future,” he said.

A third phase is also being considered, although any decisions will take into account the rapid pace of EV technology development, according to the report.

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