It’s no secret that Proton will be introducing a new eMAS electric vehicle (EV) this year. We’ve all guessed that it will be called the eMAS 5, to be based on the Geely Xingyuan EV, but we now finally have confirmation that it’ll indeed be a cheaper model, suitable for younger families.
As reported by Berita Harian, Proton Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah said that the national carmaker is currently evaluating the pricing and specifications for its upcoming EV model, particularly in the aspects of practicality and range, in order to better align with its customers’ needs.
“Proton is currently evaluating a suitable model [for the brand’s next EV]. At this time, we are not able to announce it yet as it is still in the research stage. However, the second EV is expected to be more suitable for young families, and will be offered at a more affordable price point to attract more users to move to EV,” Roslan said, adding that the announcement for the second Proton eMAS model will be made in the near future.
The new model is expected to also be locally assembled here in Malaysia at some point, after the completion of Proton’s RM82 million EV factory in Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV), Tanjung Malim. It will play a major role for Proton in fully utilising the plant’s production capacity, rated at 20,000 units a year, before expanding to 45,000 units in “phase two” – the latter depending on domestic and export demand.
READ MORE: Proton breaks ground on RM82m EV factory – eMAS 7 production to begin end-2025
“The factory will not only assemble the Proton eMAS 7, but also other new energy vehicles (NEV) that will be introduced in the future,” Roslan explained. “Of course, we would want to ensure the best returns in our investment, at the same time fully utilising the plant’s capacity.”
At the groundbreaking ceremony for the EV plant earlier this year, it was revealed that two other models have also been planned for production at the plant, both based on the marque’s Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform.
The second Proton eMAS model was teased earlier this year by Proton CEO Li Chunrong, who said that “at least one new model” from its GMA range will be launched in the country this year, specifically mentioning the eMAS 5 and eMAS 3.
It’s widely speculated that the model will be based on the Geely Xingyuan, which was also recently previewed for the region at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show. In China, the BYD Dolphin rival is offered in two powertrain configurations, with driving range ranging between 310 km to 410 km – although they’re based on the optimistic CLTC test cycle.
According to Chinese media reports, Geely Holding Group President and Geely Auto Chairman, An Conghui also revealed earlier this year that the Geely Xingyuan will be launched in Malaysia in 2025, with the hopes of building on the eMAS 7’s success.
READ MORE: The Proton eMAS 5 is coming in 2025 – Geely Xingyuan-based hatchback to challenge the BYD Dolphin
