During the unveiling of its new EV brand name, “e.MAS” Proton previewed its Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform which will underpin its future HEV, PHEV, and BEV models of various body types. In Dr Li Chunrong’s speech at the ceremony, he even mentioned that the 1st model based on the GMA will debut by the end of 2024.
In a slide shared by Proton, 6 GMA platforms can be seen, namely “GMA 01” up to “GMA 06”. And while Proton has unveiled its new EV brand name, the company appears to apply a similar “multi-pathway” approach as Toyota with its new platform being flexible for most powertrains. Currently under development, this new platform is designed to be manufactured in Malaysia to cater for both local and export markets.
Proton has even shared the direction of this new platform for the Proton e.MAS series. The company says that market acceptance towards BEV based on internal combustion engine (ICE) platform remains significant in ASEAN, but the technology trend recommends an EV-dedicated platform to optimize investments and expand the technology lifespan.
Proton has not shared whether each of the GMA platforms (01 to 06) will be developed for specific powertrains. However, Proton has shared some details on its EV-dedicated platform. It is developed with the following criteria:
- Optimized technical EV specifications
- Occupant space optimized
- Better performance
- Better safety
- Long EV range
- Extended EV lifespan
Proton acknowledges that its EV-dedicated platform for the Proton e.MAS models will require higher investment and longer development periods. There are even more interesting details of Proton’s EV-dedicated platform such as:
- Cell-to-body technology
- Blade battery
- 11-in-1 electric drive
- GEEA 3.0 Architecture
That last point is rather intriguing as the Geely Galaxy E5 is also built on the same architecture. We could just be getting a Malaysian version of it for the first Proton e.MAS EV.
Besides sharing information on its vehicle platform, Proton was also generous enough to share information on its comprehensive EV ecosystem. It includes things like network expansion, after-sales, charging infrastructure, community, and digitalization. If anything, Proton e.MAS looks very well ready to take on an electric future.
