Proton has showcased the locally assembled (CKD) version of the eMas 5 at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show 2026 (KLIMS 2026), while also launching a new range-topping eMas 7 Premium Plus variant in Malaysia.

The eMas 5 CKD is set to replace the fully imported (CBU) units soon, following the start of production at Proton’s dedicated EV plant in Tanjong Malim. Unlike the eMas 7, which received a price reduction with local assembly, prices for the eMas 5 remain unchanged.

The Proton eMas 5 continues to be priced at RM 56,800 for the Prime and RM 69,800 for the Premium, both on-the-road without insurance and inclusive of a RM 3,000 launch rebate.

There are no exterior or interior changes for the CKD eMas 5. The compact EV retains its dual-cowl dashboard design, 8.8-inch instrument display and 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The only update is a standard hard tonneau cover for the 375-litre boot, which is now included for all eMas 5 customers from 1 June onwards, including CBU units.

Mechanically, the eMas 5 also remains unchanged. The Prime variant uses a single front motor producing 79 PS and 130 Nm, paired with a 30.12 kWh CATL LFP battery that delivers up to 225 km of range on the WLTP cycle.

The Premium variant gets a higher-output front motor producing 116 PS and 150 Nm, paired with a larger 40.16 kWh battery. Range for the eMas 5 Premium is rated at 325 km on the WLTP cycle.

Charging support is also unchanged. The Prime supports up to 53 kW DC charging, while the Premium supports up to 71 kW DC charging. Both variants can charge from 30 to 80% in 21 minutes. AC charging is rated at up to 6.6 kW, with a 10 to 100% charge taking 4.3 hours for the Prime and 5.9 hours for the Premium.

Moving to the eMas 7 Premium Plus, which now sits at the top of the eMas 7 EV line-up. The eMas 7 range now consists of three locally assembled variants, all produced at Proton’s EV plant in Tanjong Malim. The Proton eMas 7 Prime is priced at RM 96,800, the Premium at RM 112,800 and the new Premium Plus at RM 118,800.

The main difference for the eMas 7 Premium Plus is a larger 68.39 kWh battery, which increases range to 450 km on the WLTP cycle. This is 40 km more than the Premium variant, which uses a 60.22 kWh battery and offers 410 km of WLTP range. The base Prime variant continues with a 49.52 kWh battery and 345 km of WLTP range.

The eMas 7 Premium Plus retains the same front-mounted motor producing 218 PS and 320 Nm. Due to the larger battery, the Premium Plus has a 0-100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds, slightly slower than the Premium at 7.1 seconds and the Prime at 6.9 seconds. Proton says the Premium Plus weighs 1,815 kg, which is 50 kg more than the Premium.

DC fast charging for the Premium Plus is rated at up to 115 kW, with a 30 to 80% charge taking 20 minutes. AC charging remains at 11 kW, with a 10 to 100% charge taking 6.7 hours.

New equipment on the Premium Plus includes a front passenger leg rest and massage function for the ventilated driver and front passenger seats. It also retains equipment from the Premium, including front passenger seat memory, a self-dimming rear-view mirror, a 16-speaker Flyme audio system with headrest speakers and a windshield-projected head-up display. The Premium Plus also gets the same higher-level ADAS features as the Premium.

Six exterior colours are offered for the 2026 Proton eMas 7, namely Lithium White, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Platinum Silver, Quartz Rose and Obsidian Black. Two interior colours are available, Indigo Blue and Alabaster White, with the latter exclusive to Turquoise Green and Quartz Rose on the Premium and Premium Plus variants.

Launch pricing for the eMas 7 Premium Plus includes a RM 5,000 trade-in rebate, complimentary 7 kW home charger worth RM 1,500, V2L adapter worth RM 500, a five-year unlimited data plan worth RM 1,800 and a complimentary tonneau cover.

The 2026 Proton eMas 7 comes with a six-year, unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty, along with an eight-year, 160,000 km warranty for the high-voltage battery and related components.

Proton sedang mengembangkan kapasiti operasi kilang pemasangan (CKD) kenderaan elektrik (EV) di Tanjung Malim, susulan permintaan kukuh terhadap model eMas. Pengembangan ini melibatkan pelaburan tambahan sebanyak RM37 juta, hanya sembilan bulan selepas fasiliti EV tersebut mula beroperasi.

Terletak dalam kompleks Proton di Tanjung Malim, kilang EV ini dibina di atas tapak seluas 5.57 ekar dengan pelaburan asal berjumlah RM82 juta. Dalam fasa pertama, fasiliti tersebut mempunyai kapasiti pengeluaran tahunan sebanyak 20,000 unit. Dengan pengembangan yang dirancang, Proton menyatakan kapasiti pengeluaran tahunan akan meningkat lebih dua kali ganda kepada 42,000 unit.

Kilang ini kini mempunyai 391 pekerja, dan pengembangan tersebut dijangka membuka lebih banyak peluang pekerjaan apabila Proton meningkatkan aktiviti pemasangan EV tempatan.

Salah satu sebab utama pengembangan ini adalah permintaan terhadap Proton eMas 5. Menurut Proton, eMas 5 telah mencatat 8,472 penghantaran dalam tempoh empat bulan pertama 2026, menjadikannya EV paling laris di Malaysia dengan jurang yang ketara. Bagi menyokong permintaan dan memendekkan tempoh menunggu pelanggan, Proton menyatakan eMas 5 akan menyertai eMas 7 di barisan pemasangan tempatan tidak lama lagi.

Digabungkan bersama eMas 7 dan eMas 7 PHEV, jualan model elektrifikasi Proton mencecah 11,617 unit dari Januari hingga April 2026. Ini mewakili peningkatan 329% berbanding tempoh sama tahun lalu.

Proton masih belum mengumumkan bila tepatnya pengeluaran CKD eMas 5 akan bermula, tetapi model tersebut dijangka memasuki pemasangan tempatan tidak lama lagi sebagai sebahagian daripada operasi kilang yang diperluaskan.

Proton is expanding the operational capacity of its EV CKD plant in Tanjung Malim, following strong demand for its eMas models. The expansion involves an additional RM 37 million investment and comes just nine months after the EV facility began operations.

Located within Proton’s Tanjung Malim complex, the EV plant sits on a 5.57-acre site and was originally built with an investment of RM 82 million. In its first phase, the facility has an annual production capacity of 20,000 units. With the planned expansion, Proton says annual production capacity will more than double to 42,000 units.

The plant currently has 391 employees, and the expansion is expected to create further job opportunities as Proton increases local EV assembly activities.

One of the key reasons for the expansion is demand for the Proton eMas 5. According to Proton, the eMas 5 recorded 8,472 deliveries in the first four months of 2026, making it the best-selling EV in Malaysia by a significant margin. To support demand and reduce delivery times, Proton says the eMas 5 will soon join the eMas 7 on the local assembly line.

Combined with the eMas 7 and eMas 7 PHEV, Proton’s electrified model sales reached 11,617 units from January to April 2026. This represents a 329% increase compared to the same period last year.

“Customer demand has exceeded our initial projections, and this has accelerated our plans to localise production capacity. Beyond increasing production volume, this investment also reflects Proton’s commitment to helping develop Malaysia’s EV ecosystem,” said Proton deputy CEO Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa.

“By expanding local assembly activities, we are also creating opportunities for talent development, job creation, and the strengthening of the local automotive supply chain as Malaysia moves towards a more electrified future,” he added.

Proton has not announced when exactly CKD production of the eMas 5 will begin, but the model is expected to enter local assembly soon as part of the plant’s expanded operations.

This is a great time to be a car buyer. Never mind the price of fuel, but the sheer options available in the market is something car buyers have never seen before.

To say that car buyers are now spoilt for choice would be an understatement.

Yet among them all, the Proton e.MAS has emerged as the one brand to stand tall.

It may not have had the head start in the world of electrification that some of the other brands have had, but now one in two electric cars sold this year is a Proton e.MAS.

In fact, the brand has made quite a name for itself in this regard. In 2025, the Proton e.MAS 7 was the best-selling EV of the year, and this year, the Proton e.MAS 5 is comfortably in the lead.

The Proton e.MAS 5 did not only emerge in the scene, it redefined it. The e.MAS 5 brought about versatility, spaciousness unlike any other, and a price tag that shocked the country when it was announced.

The fact that the e.MAS 5 went on to win the “Best Entry Level EV” of the year at the Malaysia Car of The Year 2025 awards should come as no surprise.

You might be interested in this: Proton e.MAS 5 surpasses 5,000 deliveries, e.MAS 7 PHEV hits over 3,500 bookings. 

Proton e.MAS is not only playing its part in redefining the EV landscape in Malaysia, it is broadening its appeal.

With the launch of the new e.MAS 7 PHEV, Proton e.MAS is finding a place in the hearts of a new segment.

Still on the bridge? There might be just another solution for you – PHEV.

The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV has emerged as the practical choice for those who live unconventional lives without a fixed routine. Who spend a lot of time on the road with little to no access to chargers.

The e.MAS 7 PHEV offers a 1.5-litre engine that is mated to an electric motor which in turn is powered by the biggest battery among PHEV’s in the country.

At 29.8kWh, the Premium Plus variant runs on a Geely Aegis LFP battery, one of, if not the most durable battery in the industry.

With its size, the Premium Plus variant offers an all-electric range up to 170km. This extends to well over 1,000km when combined with the petrol-powered engine.

Charging it is a breeze as well. It needs just 16 minutes to recharge from 30 to 80% using a 60kW DC charger. It can also accept 6.6kW of AC charging, which makes it convenient to charge at home.

You might be interested in this: Read our review of the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV after driving it to Langkawi and back.

The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV broadened the appeal of Proton e.MAS cars. It is almost as if the company always has an ear to the ground.

When the public asked for Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Proton e.MAS delivered. When the public asked for a tonneau cover and new exterior colours, the brand responded as well, offering Emerald Green as new colour options.

When there were grumbles about aftersales, Proton e.MAS hunkered down and invested in a central parts warehouse spanning over 8,100 sq ft.

On average, Proton e.MAS delivers 1,000 parts to dealers per day now.

But it is not just about spare parts, Proton e.MAS Service centres nationwide are backed by over 300 trained Proton e.MAS aftersales personnel.

So, the Proton e.MAS we know today is not just about building great award-winning cars, it is set to retain its throne as the number one EV brand in the country.

And with the advent of the e.MAS 7 PHEV and its EM-i Advanced Hybrid Technology (rates as the most efficient engine its class and powered over 600,000 cars globally), Proton has now won larger fanbase.

Should Proton e.MAS win another award this year? It is not about if, it is about how many will it win. In fact, the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV has already won the 2026 Vehicle of The Year award at the DSF.my – Allianz Vehicle of The Year Awards 2026.

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Because at the rate that Proton e.MAS is going, it will capture more awards before the rest can even catch a breath.

Fuel prices are raging. There is no other way to say it. While the government is putting in considerable effort to maintain the price of Ron95 at RM1.99, I will not be surprised if it becomes unfeasible if the war in Iran does not end soon.

And to announce a hike in the price of Ron95 during the Raya season will be the political equivalent of performing hara-kiri. So, the government must continue with the subsidies for the considerably future.

The price of Ron97 and diesel has already skyrocketed, but that is a story for another day.

Anyway, so how does one manage during these difficult times?

I am no finance expert, but the easiest way would be to tighten one’s belt. Spend less on the unnecessary stuff, use public transport where possible and just try to live modestly.

But if you are in the market for a new car and have been caught off by the war in Iran, perhaps now might be a good time to consider something more frugal rather than what the heart desires.

An electric car makes the most sense right now. At just under RM60,000, I would recommend the Proton e.MAS 5 for anyone who is considering adopting the EV lifestyle.

But if you don’t have a home charger and your routine is unpredictable, perhaps an EV may not be for you.

Enter the plug-in hybrid (PHEV), a powertrain that is now being touted by some manufacturers as a more practical solution than pure EV’s.

Proton for one says a PHEV is ideal for those who are curious about EV’s but are not yet ready to take the leap into full electric powertrains.

That could be true. But I also think a PHEV is ideal for those of us whose routines are irregular and involve travelling interstate more often than occasionally.

So, to plug the gap for those who want something more frugal than an internal combustion engine yet don’t want an EV, Proton introduced the e.MAS 7 PHEV.

If you have always been tempted by the good looks and spacious interior of the all-electric e.MAS 7, you should read on.

What is the e.MAS 7 PHEV?

The simplest way to make it easy for none car people to understand, this is an electric car with a petrol-powered engine. Absolute blasphemy of a description for car guys, I know, but stay with me.

A regular hybrid system has two different power sources; the first is an electric motor with a battery to power it and the second is a petrol-powered engine (or diesel in some cases). The system switches automatically between the two depending on engine load and driving demands.

You might also like: Proton records 13,566 deliveries

A normal hybrid system such as the one found in a Honda CRV e:HEV (hybrid) has a small battery with limited electric range. But this is usually more efficient than your regular non-hybrid cars.

But a PHEV takes it a step further.

A car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain typically has a more powerful electric motor that gets its juice from a large capacity battery. Then there is an internal combustion engine that acts as a generator to charge the battery while also powering the car at higher speeds where a petrol engine is more efficient than an electric motor, such as at highway speeds.

The PHEV powertrain can also self-charge, relying on the engine to recharge as well as the regenerative brakes.

But this usually only takes it up to 80% or so. Some car makers like Proton recommend recharging the car by plugging it into a charger at least once a week rather than relying on self-charging all the time.

It also has a better all-electric range that usually varies from 80km to 140km depending on the size of the battery.

So, the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV is everything described above, and more.

Diving deeper into the e.MAS 7 PHEV.

Available in three variants, each is distinguished by its interior specifications as well as the size of the battery powering it.

But powering all three of them is a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder engine that shares the same family lineage as the engine powering the new Proton Saga.

The difference here is that the engine in the e.MAS 7 PHEV runs on an Atkinson Cycle with single Variable Valve Timing. That’s not all, more intricate differences include the removal of an auxiliary belt, replacement of the timing belt with a timing chain and others that all aid in improving thermal efficiency.

You might also like: Proton Records 13,566 deliveries

Just in case you are wondering, thermal efficiency is important because it shows how efficiently an engine can convert the energy from fuel combustion into actually moving the car. The better the thermal efficiency, the more efficient the car because there is less wastage through heat.

The e.MAS 7 PHEV has a thermal efficiency rating of 46.5%, which is considered to be one of the best in the segment. Regular thermal efficiency ratings vary from 42% to 45%.

By itself, the engine produces 99PS and 125Nm of torque. There is no gearbox here, power is sent directly to the wheels through the electric motor.

The motor, placed at the front axle, produces 218PS and 262Nm of torque by itself. Combined, the entire powertrain (referred to in the industry as total system output) produces 262PS and 262Nm of torque.

As for the battery, the entry level and mid-spec models, known as Prime and Premium, run on an 18.4kWh LFP battery sourced from CATL.

This gives the car an all-electric range of 83km and a combined range of 943km.

As for charging, you can recharge the battery using a 30kW DC charger which will take you 20 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%, or a 6.6kW AC charger.

You might also like: Proton e.MAS 5 records over 3,000 deliveries. 

The flagship Premium Plus on the other hand uses a bigger, 29.8kWh Geely Aegies short blade battery. At 146km, the Premium Plus boasts nearly twice the range of its siblings, and it accepts 60kW of DC charging.

But, because of the bigger capacity of the battery, charging time stands at 16 minutes to get from 30% to 80%.

Combined range for the Premium Plus variant stands at 996km.

What about the interior of the car?

Those who own the fully-electric e.MAS 7 will find the interior of the PHEV to be a familiar place. Both models share a similar cabin and that is a good thing because it feels spacious, well put together and more importantly, very comfortable.

There is no leather trimming here, instead you get leatherette but that is fine as the seats feel well cushioned with ample thigh support. The latter is something that even the popular X70 misses out on.

From the driver’s seat, the oblong shaped steering wheel is retained and once you get used to it, feels natural in your hands.

You might also like: Proton to launch the Saga cross?

Right behind the wheel lays a 10.2-inch LCD instrument cluster and to the left of that is a 15.4-inch infotainment system with 2.5k resolution.

You get wireless Carplay and Android Auto from the get-go now, so there’s no waiting for annoying over the air updates.

Audiophiles will appreciate the 16-speaker Flyme sound system that includes speakers embedded into the headrests so that you can answer calls more clearly.

One of the key differences here is the under-seat storage that was available in the electric powered e.MAS 7. This is no longer there because the space has been taken up by the 51-litre fuel tank.

But besides that, the interior is a fantastic place to be in either as a driver or a passenger. Long or short distance journeys are never a problem, this is a car designed for all lifestyles, which takes us to:

How does it drive?

To showcase its abilities, Pro-Net, the company in charge of electric and hybrid Protons, organised a drive to Langkawi.

Driving that far was ideal to show off every aspect of the e.MAS 7 PHEV.

On the highway, the car could easily reach its top speed of 170km/h. The system simply will not let it pass that as much as we tried.

What’s most important here though is that the interior refinement was impressive at all speeds. This is possibly down to a combination of Goodyear tyres as well as good sound insulation.

Tyres make a big difference here because the e.MAS 7 PHEV is heavier than the electric variant. A heavier car needs more robust tyres and that usually means more noise since tyre compound needs to be harder too. So, what the e.MAS 7 PHEV has achieved here in terms of refinement levels is nothing short of exemplary.

Power delivery is great too. You don’t get explosive acceleration as what you would experience with an EV, but with an eight second zero to 100km/h time, it is not exactly a slouch either.

But what was impressive though was the fuel efficiency figures. Keep in mind that we were not exactly light footed, we had a ferry to catch to Langkawi at 3pm from Kuala Kedah and left the Proton Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam at about 9am. So, you can imagine what ensued.

Despite travelling at speeds that cannot be mentioned here, we saw a fuel consumption figure of 7.1-litres/100km. That is not far off the official figures of 4.3-litres/100km which Proton claims. Our kind of driving still gives the e.MAS 7 PHEV a theoretical range of 718km on a full tank, that by itself is worthy of praise and we can be sure that no one is going to be cruising all day at speeds that could get your license confiscated.

And interestingly, the Proton X70 that served as the last car of the convoy, had to refuel once on the way to get to the ferry terminal. We only refuelled once during the entire trip.

As for battery charge, we tried to force charge the car as we drove and got it up to about 45%. You should know that the harder you drive, the quicker the battery dissipates.

There is an option to force charge the battery but that means the engine will drive the wheels and charge the battery at the same time, which means that it will probably consumer more fuel.

The good thing here is that you don’t need to do that, you can simply plug it into a charger at your earliest convenience.

Suspension feel on the other hand can be a little soft. It is great at lower speed where it absorbs everything and keeps the occupants clueless about the state of the road underneath the car.

But at higher speed, something a little firmer would have been nice as body roll becomes increasingly noticeable.

So, should you buy one?

On a personal level, I feel the e.MAS 7 PHEV has it all – good looks, a great interior and more importantly, incredible efficiency.

If there is a concern about reliability, it is worth keeping in mind that the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV exists in many other markets as the Geely Galaxy Starship. This means that there is plenty of learnings that has trickled down and helped improve the product.

The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV is still relatively new in the local market, so there is not enough data to tell us how it is going to be like in the long term. But it already exists in other markets and there has been no major incidents, and that should give you peace of mind already.

So, if efficiency is something you want then the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV should be up there in your list. And with prices ranging from RM109,800 to RM129,800, it is among the most affordable plug-in hybrids in the market.

Specifications:
Engine: 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated, Atkinson Cycle with single VVT
Transmission: 11-in-1, dedicated hybrid transmission
Power: 262PS
Torque: 262Nm
Price (as tested): RM123,800

We like: Good looks, spacious interior, efficiency
We don’t like: Suspension feel at high speed

Proton has recorded its strongest first-quarter sales performance in over two decades, with total deliveries reaching 49,140 units for Q1 2026, a 40.1% year-to-date increase. This comes despite an estimated 4.9% contraction in Malaysia’s total industry volume (TIV) over the same period.

March alone contributed 15,706 units, up 15.4% month-on-month and 12.8% higher year-on-year. Proton’s market share is estimated at 25.1% for the month, with a year-to-date share of 27.4%, marking its highest level since 2017.

As for electrified models under the Proton eMas brand, a total of 3,023 units were sold in March, led by the eMas 5 with 2,071 units. Year-to-date, eMas sales stand at 6,701 units, making it the best-selling EV model line in Malaysia. The Proton eMas 7 PHEV recorded 646 units in its first full month of sales, while the eMas 7 EV saw volumes increase to 306 units for a second consecutive month.

Proton says the strong uptake reflects growing acceptance of electrified vehicles, supported by continued investments in dealer networks, charging infrastructure and customer outreach programmes aimed at improving familiarity with EV ownership.

As for Proton’s internal combustion engine (ICE) range, the Proton S70 recorded 2,254 units in March, its highest monthly total since February 2024, maintaining its position as the best-selling C-segment sedan. Notably, its sales volume exceeded several B-segment rivals during the month. The Proton X90 also posted its strongest performance in over a year, with 323 units delivered in March.

Meanwhile, the Proton Saga remains the brand’s volume backbone, with 5,438 units sold in March and a Q1 total of 21,770 units, up 38% year-on-year. The Proton X50 continues to lead the B-segment SUV category, with 3,265 units sold in March and 7,571 units year-to-date, a 48% increase over 2025.

According to Proton, the results are driven by continued investments in product development, localisation, and aftersales support, alongside a broader strategy to offer both improved ICE efficiency and accessible pathways to EV and PHEV adoption.

You may also be interested in: Proton Offers RM 120 Servicing – Here’s Who Qualifies

Proton eMas mencatatkan jualan sebanyak 1,928 unit pada Februari 2026, menjadikan jumlah keseluruhan tahun-ke-tarikh sebanyak 5,219 unit termasuk eksport.

Daripada jumlah Februari tersebut, 1,562 unit disumbangkan oleh eMas 5, yang terus menjadi penyumbang utama kepada prestasi jualan keseluruhan jenama itu.

Penghantaran eMas 5 kini telah melepasi 5,000 unit dalam tempoh dua bulan sejak diperkenalkan. Model ini turut menduduki tempat kelima keseluruhan dalam kalangan semua model kenderaan bagi Februari, bersaing bersama model enjin pembakaran dalaman yang telah lama bertapak.

Mengulas mengenai pencapaian tersebut, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Pro-Net, Zhang Qiang berkata, “Melepasi 5,000 penghantaran dalam tempoh dua bulan dan mencapai lebih 3,500 tempahan untuk eMas 7 PHEV dalam satu setengah bulan jelas menunjukkan bahawa rakyat Malaysia semakin menerima mobiliti elektrifikasi pada kadar yang semakin pantas.”

Beliau menambah bahawa keputusan tersebut mengesahkan strategi syarikat dalam menawarkan “penyelesaian elektrifikasi yang praktikal dan berorientasikan nilai yang disesuaikan untuk pasaran tempatan.”

Zhang turut menekankan kepentingan infrastruktur sokongan pemilikan, dengan menyatakan bahawa fokus syarikat adalah membina “ekosistem EV yang lengkap, daripada inovasi produk hingga sokongan pemilikan,” dengan matlamat menjadikan mobiliti elektrifikasi “mudah diakses, meyakinkan dan relevan untuk keluarga Malaysia.”

Seiring dengan pencapaian EV tersebut, Proton eMas 7 PHEV yang baru diperkenalkan telah menerima lebih 3,500 tempahan dalam tempoh satu setengah bulan.

Proton eMas 7 PHEV kini ditawarkan pada harga bermula RM105,800 untuk varian Prime, RM119,800 untuk Premium dan RM125,800 untuk Premium Plus, termasuk rebat pelancaran RM4,000 bagi 5,000 pelanggan pertama.

Everything you need to know about the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from Proton is here, save for the price of course. The 2026 Proton eMas 7 PHEV not only supports plug-in hybrid capabilities but is also capable of extended electric-only driving range.

It will plonk itself next to its fully electrified eMas 7 sibling. Both sit on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA), ideated from scratch with electrification in the mix.

At the time of launch this coming Tuesday, there will be three variants available:

• Prime
• Premium
• Premium Plus

Just like its brother from the same mothership, the Geely Starship 7, the eMAS 7 PHEV has the identical BHE15PFI 1.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four. Yes, it is similar to the mill in the new Proton Saga but for hybrid purposes, it runs on an Atkinson cycle and is detuned to 99 PS and 125 Nm of torque. In this state, Proton claims a thermal efficiency of up to 46.5%.

A traction electric motor is integrated into the dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). The motor produces 218 PS and 262 Nm of torque. That DHT is something special as well, being an11-in-1 integrated unit that allows for series-parallel hybrid operation. Total output for the system is 262 PS.

Not all three get the same battery capacity. The entry-level Prime and mid Premium get a CATL-sourced 18.4 kWh LFP battery. Official claims are a WLTP EV range of 83 km, with total range up to 943 km while returning fuel consumption figures of 4.3L/100 km.

As the flagship of the range, the Premium Plus rolls up with a larger 29.8 kWh Aegis Short Blade LFP battery, good for an electric range of 146 km that also increases the overall range to 996 km. The heftier battery increases fuel consumption negligibly to 4.4L/100 km.

From a performance perspective, the Prime and Premium will dispatch the century sprint in 8.0 seconds flat but the heavier Premium Plus takes 8.2 seconds. All variants will top out at 170 kph.

AC charging for all variants is 6.6 kW. If you require faster charging, the Prime and Premium are once again differentiated with support for 30 kW DC fast charging. That gets the battery from 30-80% in under 20 minutes.

The flagship Premium Plus supports DC fast charging at 60 kW, juicing up its batteries in the same rate but in less than 16 minutes.

All variants are equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) capabilities for owners to power external electrical devices or even charge another EV with a flat battery.

While it would be assumed that the eMas 7 PHEV would measure in the same as its EV sibling, the numbers tell a slightly different story.

The PHEV is 4,740 mm (+ 125 mm) in length, 1,940 mm (+ 39 mm) in width and 1,685 mm (+ 15 mm) in height with a 2,755 mm (+ 5 mm) wheelbase. For comparison, the eMas 7 EV is 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width and 1,670 mm tall with a 2,750 mm wheelbase.

Cargo space in the rear is 528 litres but drop the rear seats and it expands to 2,065 litres.

Only visuals of the car wrapped in camouflage are allowed for now but it is  not difficult to see that the eMas 7 PHEV does not stray far from the clean and flowing lines of the eMas family.

Telling the PHEV and EV apart is made simple with the former’s front façade comprising a unique split headlight and redesigned taillight illumination signature. Other minor cosmetic changes include different bumpers and the number plate now raised to be mounted in a recess on the rear hatch. The eMas7 EV has its plate pinned to the rear bumper.

Of course, the equipment list matches the variant. As such, the Prime comes with the following:

• LED headlights
• LED DRLs
• LED indicators
• LED 3D full-width taillights
• automatic headlights + follow-me-home function
• 18-inch wheels
• rain-sensing wipers
• power-adjustable and heated side-view mirrors
• roof rails

Drop a bit more coin on the Premium and you’ll get these extras:

• LED full-width front light bar
• powered rear hatch
• auto-folding side-view mirrors
• 19-inch wheels

Splurge on the flagship Premium Plus and you will boss around with an additional panoramic sunroof with an integrated sunshade and the larger battery of course.

Proton are keeping mum on the interior design for now but some of the features have already been revealed. This includes the same 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and larger 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display that is found in the eMas 7 EV. The system operates on Flyme Auto OS that also supports Malay and over-the-air updates. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is present and accounted for.

All variants get a six-speaker system, steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment, leatherette upholstery and a combination of USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports.

However, the Premium and Premium Plus get some additional goodies as follows:

• 13.8-inch head-up display
• 360-degree surround view camera
• 16-speaker Flyme sound system
• auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• power-adjustable front seats with memory + ventilation
• rear centre armrest with cupholders
• retractable tonneau cover
• 256-colour ambient lighting system

Safety tech is extremely commendable as well, with the Prime receiving the following:

• seven airbags
• Level 2 ADAS (Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert

Stepping up to the Premium and Premium Plus will see these features added into the mix:

• Lane Change Warning
• Emergency Lane Keep Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking
• Blind Spot Detection
• Rear Collision Warning
• Door Open Warning

With most of the key details already revealed, the only missing piece of information is the pricing, warranty and interior design. Stay tuned on Tuesday night for those missing bits.

SUV segmen-C ini hadir dengan platform Global Modular Architecture (GMA), sistem pendorong elektrik pintar 12-dalam-1 terkini, seni bina bateri Cell-To-Body, serta Sistem Penghubung Flyme Auto yang inovatif. Hasil ujian awal menunjukkan prestasi yang memberangsangkan untuk fasa percubaan tempatan.

Ujian Tempatan untuk EV Nasional Malaysia
PRO-NET kini menjalankan ujian intensif menggunakan enam unit Proton e.MAS 7, dikendalikan oleh jurutera pakar merentasi pelbagai kawasan di Semenanjung Malaysia. Ujian ini penting untuk memastikan kenderaan tersebut sesuai dengan persekitaran tempatan, memenuhi tuntutan pasaran Malaysia, dan mengesahkan ketahanan serta kebolehsuaian teknologinya.

Antara ujian yang dilakukan termasuklah Ujian Ketahanan Adaptif (DAT), Ujian Jalanan Elektrikal (ERT), Ujian Sistem Bantuan Pemandu (ADAS), dan Ujian Kebolehpercayaan Kualiti (QRT). Di samping itu, sistem navigasi, Digital Head Unit (DHU), dan Penyedia Sistem Telematik (TSP) turut diuji dan ditambah baik secara berterusan.

Setakat ini, ujian simulasi DAT dijalankan untuk menilai corak lalu lintas dan faktor persekitaran tempatan. Sistem navigasi kereta juga dikalibrasi bagi mencerminkan peta jalan Malaysia dengan lebih tepat serta mengoptimumkan tangkapan frekuensi radio tempatan, terutama di kawasan luar bandar, pergunungan, dan laluan stesen kereta api. Ujian Elektrikal (ERT) melibatkan pemanduan sejauh 10,000 km bagi mengesahkan keserasian fungsi elektronik, sementara sistem ADAS diuji dalam pelbagai situasi seperti kawasan letak kereta, simpang jalan, dan jalan bertingkat.

Peningkatan Pengalaman Pengguna Tempatan
Jurutera Proton turut memberi tumpuan pada penyesuaian komponen perisian untuk DHU, memastikan terjemahan bahasa daripada China ke Bahasa Inggeris Malaysia lebih tepat dan bersesuaian dengan konteks tempatan. Usaha kerjasama antara PROTON dan Geely ini menjadikan Proton e.MAS 7 sebagai kenderaan yang bukan sekadar membawa jenama Malaysia, tetapi benar-benar menghayati jiwa tempatan.

Dalam ujian ketahanan, jurutera melaksanakan 49 penambahbaikan yang diambil daripada teknologi Geely untuk memastikan Proton e.MAS 7 memenuhi piawaian tempatan dan global. Ini termasuk prestasi beban, kawalan kestabilan elektronik, serta kemampuan meredah air sehingga kedalaman 400mm untuk menghadapi situasi banjir, di mana Proton e.MAS 7 mengatasi Geely Galaxy E5 dalam ujian ini. Ujian banjir dijalankan pada bulan Julai, dengan laluan berbonggol untuk mencerminkan keadaan jalan raya sebenar di Malaysia.

Keselamatan dan Ketahanan Maksimum
Proton e.MAS 7 juga akan menjalani akreditasi ASEAN NCAP, yang bertujuan menguji ketahanan kenderaan pada tahap maksimum untuk memastikan keselamatan penumpang. Ujian QRT pula akan melibatkan pemanduan sejauh 100,000 km untuk menilai prestasi brek, penggunaan kuasa, dan pecutan. Selain itu, ujian perisian turut menjadi fokus utama, menggambarkan komitmen Proton dalam menghasilkan kenderaan yang memenuhi jangkaan pengguna Malaysia.

Proton e.MAS 7 di Jalan Raya Malaysia
Sebagai sebahagian daripada fasa ujian, orang ramai mungkin berpeluang melihat Proton e.MAS 7 di jalan raya Malaysia tidak lama lagi. Perhatikan di sekitar anda ketika kenderaan elektrik ini mula menjelajah jalan-jalan tempatan sebagai sebahagian daripada usaha membawa mobiliti lestari ke Malaysia.

Zhang Qiang, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif PRO-NET, berkata, “Saya amat teruja melihat Proton e.MAS 7 memasuki fasa ujian tempatan yang penting ini. Ia merupakan langkah besar ke arah menghasilkan kenderaan yang bukan sahaja melambangkan kemajuan teknologi, tetapi juga memenuhi keperluan pasaran tempatan. Pasukan kami komited untuk memastikan Proton e.MAS 7 mencapai piawaian kualiti dan kebolehpercayaan tertinggi sebelum pelancarannya.”

Following the historic debut of Malaysia’s first national electric vehicle during the 67th National Day celebrations in Putrajaya, PRO-NET has expressed confidence in the ongoing local testing of the Proton e.MAS 7.

The C-segment SUV, built on the advanced Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, features the world’s leading 12-in-1 intelligent electric propulsion system, Cell-To-Body battery technology, and the innovative Flyme Auto Connectivity System, all of which have performed impressively in its local testing phase.

Comprehensive Local Testing Across Peninsular Malaysia

PRO-NET has initiated a rigorous testing phase with six Proton e.MAS 7 units, guided by expert engineers across various terrains in Peninsular Malaysia. The purpose of this extensive testing is to ensure the vehicle’s durability, adaptability, and suitability for Malaysia’s unique driving conditions. Testing includes Durability Adaptive Testing (DAT), Electrical Road Testing (ERT), Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) evaluations, and Quality Reliability Tests (QRT). In addition, continuous improvements are being made to the vehicle’s navigation systems, Digital Head Unit (DHU), and Telematic Service Provider (TSP) services.

Ensuring the Proton e.MAS 7 Meets Malaysian Market Standards

So far, engineers have conducted simulations to replicate Malaysia’s environmental conditions and traffic patterns, adjusting the in-car navigation system to better reflect local road maps. Enhancements have also been made to the vehicle’s radio frequency capture, especially in rural and mountainous regions, to test internet connectivity. The electrical systems are undergoing a 10,000 km road test to ensure all electronic functions operate flawlessly. Meanwhile, the ADAS system is being tested in complex scenarios such as parking lots, road forks, and elevated roads to ensure optimal safety.

In collaboration with Geely, PRO-NET has also localized critical software components to ensure that the DHU system translates accurately into Malaysian English and adapts to local settings. This goes beyond a mere translation of the original Chinese market software, highlighting the Proton e.MAS 7’s distinct Malaysian character.

Enhanced Durability and Safety Features

Durability tests, which include troubleshooting and system checks, have been implemented to ensure the vehicle can withstand local conditions. PRO-NET has worked closely with Geely to add 49 additional processes and features, guaranteeing the Proton e.MAS 7 meets both local and global standards. These tests cover a wide range of performance metrics, from vehicle load capacity to electronic stability control and enhanced water-wading capabilities. Impressively, the Proton e.MAS 7 can wade through water depths of up to 400mm, making it well-suited for Malaysia’s frequent flooding scenarios. A key test was conducted in July, simulating real-world conditions to identify and rectify any issues.

Looking ahead, the Proton e.MAS 7 will undergo ASEAN NCAP accreditation to ensure it provides the highest safety standards. Additionally, the vehicle will be tested over 100,000 km, focusing on acceleration, braking, and power consumption. Local engineers from PROTON and PRO-NET are also prioritizing software testing, further reinforcing the vehicle’s readiness for the Malaysian market.

The Future of Malaysian Mobility

As testing continues, you may spot the Proton e.MAS 7 on roads across Malaysia. These vehicles represent the future of mobility, and they are being designed and tested to exceed the expectations of Malaysian drivers.

Zhang Qiang, CEO of PRO-NET, expressed his excitement, saying, “The Proton e.MAS 7 marks a major milestone in delivering a vehicle that not only represents a technological breakthrough but also meets the specific needs of the Malaysian market. Our team is committed to ensuring the Proton e.MAS 7 meets the highest standards of quality and reliability, setting the stage for its upcoming launch.”

This global push is closely linked to Proton’s development of the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility under construction. The AHTV represents a substantial investment from Geely and Malaysian industrial conglomerate DRB-HICOM Berhad, aimed at bolstering Proton’s production capacity and global sales potential.

Strategic Investments and New Facilities

The AHTV, with a reported investment of up to £7.9 billion, will significantly enhance Proton’s manufacturing capabilities. This facility is expected to play a crucial role in Proton’s strategy to re-enter previously exited markets and explore new ones. The investment is part of a broader effort to revitalise Proton’s global footprint, which had previously seen the brand selling models in the UK from 1989 until 2014.

“We are poised to leverage our increased production capacity to reestablish a presence in markets we previously left and to enter new regions,” a source close to Proton’s management said. Although an official timeline for reentry into the UK market has not been disclosed, major export expansions are anticipated later in this decade.

Expanding Model Line-Up and New Developments

Proton’s current portfolio includes four models based on Geely’s Binyue, Boyue, Haoyue, and Ermgrand, rebranded as the X50, X70, X90, and S70 respectively. Additionally, Proton continues to offer traditional models derived from its former Mitsubishi collaboration, including the Saga, Persona, and Iriz.

In a bid to modernise and diversify its lineup, Proton has launched the e:MAS brand, marking its foray into electric vehicles with the e:MAS7. This model is based on the Geely Galaxy E5 SUV and represents Proton’s commitment to developing a Malaysian electric vehicle offering.

The company has also established a new R&D centre within Geely’s Research Institute in Hangzhou, China, complementing its existing R&D facility in Malaysia. This dual-center approach is designed to support the development of future models, including successors to the Saga, Persona, and Iriz, as well as market-specific tuning for export models.

Strategic Advantages and Trade Relations

Geely’s investment in Proton is also strategically advantageous due to Malaysia’s favourable trade relations with key markets such as the US and the European Union. This positioning is expected to enhance Proton’s export potential and competitive edge.

“Geely’s investment in Proton reflects the strategic benefits of Malaysia’s trade relationships, which are crucial for expanding into international markets,” said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

With these developments, Proton aims to solidify its global presence and capitalise on new opportunities, driving forward its vision of becoming a prominent player in the international automotive market.

Ia adalah mainan kata yang menarik dengan sedikit nostalgia mengingatkan bahawa Proton Emas adalah sebuah kereta konsep yang diperkenalkan kepada dunia pada tahun 2010. Pada masa itu, Emas merujuk kepada Eco Mobility Advance Solution dan kereta konsep tersebut telah dibangunkan bersama oleh Lotus dan firma reka bentuk Italdesign Giugiaro dari Itali.

Maju 14 tahun, dan hari ini eMAS merujuk kepada Elektrik Malaysia dan syarikat Proton sangat berbeza daripada apa yang ada pada masa itu.

Walaupun hanya nama yang diperkenalkan, Proton tidak terlalu jauh daripada memperkenalkan kenderaan elektrik pertamanya. Semasa upacara persembahan nama, Proton juga memperkenalkan 17 pembekal EV pertamanya serta reka bentuk baru untuk bilik pameran Proton EV.

Proton mengumumkan bahawa mereka merancang untuk mempunyai 30 kedai EV menjelang tahun 2025 dengan rancangan untuk membesarkan rangkaian mengikut keperluan.

Proton lebih daripada bersedia untuk langkahnya ke dalam dunia elektrifikasi, sebenarnya perjalanan itu bermula pada Disember 2022 apabila Proton menghantar 16 jurutera mereka ke China untuk Latihan di Tempat Kerja (OJT) dalam bidang EV dan kawasan berkaitan seperti pengecasan dan penyelenggaraan.

Jadi, bila kereta sebenarnya akan diperkenalkan? Terdapat kata-kata bahawa Proton akan memperkenalkan EV-nya pada Disember tahun ini dan tuntutan itu ada sedikit kebenaran kerana Proton memang cenderung untuk melancarkan kereta menjelang penghujung tahun. Seperti yang kita lihat pada November 2023 apabila syarikat itu memperkenalkan S70 dan smart #1 hanya seminggu selepas satu sama lain (walaupun smart dilancarkan oleh Pro-Net dan bukan oleh Proton sendiri, walaupun pasukan yang sama terlibat).

Berkenaan dengan kereta itu sendiri, desas-desus dari saudara wartawan menunjukkan bahawa EV Proton yang akan datang akan berdasarkan Geely Galaxy E5.

Tidak banyak yang diketahui tentang E5 sejauh ini selain daripada ia akan menawarkan pemandu elektrik pintar 11-in-1 Geely. Berkenaan dengan bateri, ia akan dilengkapi dengan sistem keselamatan bateri Shendun.

Geely mengatakan pemandu elektrik pintar 11-in-1 adalah pemandu elektrik pintar yang “terringan, terkecil, dan paling cekap dalam industri”.

Menguruskan tugas menyimpan cas adalah bateri Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) tetapi berkenaan dengan sistem keselamatan bateri itu sendiri, satu siaran akhbar yang dikeluarkan oleh Geely mengatakan sistem bateri Shendun memberi tumpuan kepada empat kawasan utama – keselamatan asas, keselamatan kenderaan, keselamatan pintar, dan keselamatan yang sihat.

Galaxy E5 akan dikuasakan oleh satu motor yang dinilai pada 218PS dengan kelajuan maksimum 175km/j dan SUV sederhana ini kira-kira saiz Honda CR-V.

Tidak banyak yang diketahui tentang E5, tetapi dari gambar-gambar kita boleh dengan jelas melihat bahawa ruang dalaman akan mengikuti konsep minimalis yang lazim dalam kenderaan EV.

Ruangan dalaman menampilkan stereng double flat-bottom yang hampir heksagonal dalam bentuknya, panel LCD penuh, dan skrin kawalan pusat yang besar. Berkenaan dengan hiburan, laporan yang datang dari China menunjukkan sistem audio 16 pembesar bersama dengan Apple CarPlay dan Android Auto. Tetapi sama ada ini akan tersebar ke Proton eMAS atau tidak adalah tidak diketahui.

Mengambil kira bahawa Galaxy E5 dikatakan dibangunkan terutamanya untuk pasaran pandu kanan, tidak terlalu jauh untuk mengandaikan bahawa Proton eMAS yang akan datang akan berdasarkan pada E5.

Berkenaan dengan harga, ianya adalah tebakan sesiapa pada masa ini tetapi beberapa media mengatakan julat harga antara RM99k hingga RM150k.