Proton today confirmed that its first electric car is an SUV named e.MAS 7.
It previewed the electric vehicle (EV) to the media at its headquarters in Subang Jaya, Selangor.
The EV was covered in camouflage on the exterior and the interior was off-limits until launch in December.
While the media has been calling the e.MAS 7 a rebadge of the Geely Galaxy E5, Proton said it wasn’t.
The Galaxy E5 is also a brand new model for Geely that has just opened for pre-bookings in China ahead of its August launch.
According to Proton, it had worked with Geely to fine-tune the e.MAS 7’s chassis to ensure “exceptional driving dynamics suited to Malaysian roads.”
“The e.MAS 7 has undergone rigorous testing, with 700,000 manhours and 10 million kilometres of testing performed to verify its durability and reliability. This comprehensive testing ensures that the vehicle is road-ready and safe,” it said.
The Proton statement did not link the Galaxy E5 to e.MAS 7 but in many respects both cars share a lot in common in terms of battery technology, shape and size.
Proton has been following the same formula with its X series SUVs that are all based on Geely models. There are cosmetic and tuning changes to localise them for Malaysian taste and road conditions.
The e.MAS 7 is a C-segment SUV and is the first model to feature the advanced Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, aimed at superior performance, handling, and comfort.
Alluding to its Galaxy E5 origin, the e.MAS 7 measures 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, 1,670 mm in height, and with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. This is the same dimension as the Geely donor car.
Proton said it collaborated with Geely in areas such as product strategy, engineering, design, production quality control, and local ecosystem development on the e.MAS 7.
Over 100 Proton engineers contributed to the project, ensuring it caters to Malaysian needs as well as those of other markets, it said.
The e.MAS 7 features a 12-in-1 intelligent electric propulsion system that integrates multiple functions into a single unit. Its shares the Galaxy E5’s Cell-To-Body battery architecture, which enhances structural strength, increases interior space, and improves stability in high-speed cornering and overall handling.
The e.MAS 7 includes the Flyme Auto Connectivity System, which integrates with the local IHU system.
Pro-Net has also developed local telematics services to support vehicle control, navigation, integrated charging, and the Proton e.MAS app, touting a seamless and tailored experience.
“Our goal with the Proton e.MAS 7 is to fulfil our promise of delivering Malaysia’s first national all-electric vehicle,” said Proton chief executive officer Dr Li Chunrong, adding that more details about the e.MAS 7 would be revealed in the coming months.
Today’s announcement also included news of dealership expansion.
Since the e.MAS brand name and the opening of 18 Proton e.MAS outlets was revealed in June, Proton subsidiary Pro-Net has expanded its dealership network to 29 outlets.
Pro-Net aims to have 25 Proton e.MAS showrooms operational before the e.MAS 7 goes on sale. The company also handles the smart car brand and is the sole distributor for Malaysia and Thailand.
