Pro-NET, the wholly owned electric-vehicle arm of Proton, is taking centre stage at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 in MAEPS Serdang with a camouflaged prototype of its upcoming e.MAS 5.
Unveiled by CEO Zhang Qiang, the compact model is slated for launch in the fourth quarter of 2025 and targets younger motorists and first-time EV buyers. Its arrival would coincide with the scheduled launch of Perodua’s first electric car in the same period.
The e.MAS 5, which follows the larger e.MAS 7 C-segment SUV, promises to combine affordability, modern styling and ease of use in support of Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap goal of 80 per cent xEV sales by 2050.
The first batch of e.MAS 5 is expected to be imported from China before local assembly starts in 2026, and would be priced higher than Perodua’s upcoming electric model.
As usual, the e.MAS 5 would be based on a Geely model, a practice Proton has followed since the introduction of the X70 in 2018. In this case, it’s based on a model from a Geely sub-brand called Geome, previously known as Geometry. The e.MAS 5 is derived from the Geome Xingyuan, that was launched in China only in 2024. Photos of the Xingyuan are shown below plus its specifications. While Malaysian specifications of the e.MAS 5 will differ somewhat, the bulk of the car’s configuration should copy those of the Xingyuan.
In tandem with the prototype reveal, Pro-NET has rolled out its “Electrify Your Life” campaign and contest, running from May 8 to July 31.
Malaysians may submit original slogans via the official microsite and earn up to 36 entries by checking in or test-driving at Proton e.MAS showrooms and five national roadshow stops: TRX Mall (Kuala Lumpur), Gurney Paragon (Penang), AEON Mall (Melaka), Paradigm Mall (Johor Baru) and Central i-City (Shah Alam). Monthly winners will receive prizes, with a brand-new e.MAS 5 awarded at the final August event.
The autoshow also hosted the closing ceremony of the Asean Unity Drive, a nine-capital, cross-border EV convoy sponsored by Pro-NET and organised by MARii under MITI.
Departing Jakarta on April 22, the tour featured the e.MAS 7 alongside Proton X50 and X70 models, and concluded in Kuala Lumpur after stops in Hanoi, Vientiane, Manila, Phnom Penh, Bandar Seri Begawan, Bangkok and Singapore.
Pro-NET’s first EV, the e.MAS 7, has solidified its market lead, posting 863 combined domestic and export sales in April and 2,716 units year-to-date. That performance makes it Malaysia’s best-selling electric model and brings EVs to 6 per cent of Proton’s overall sales.
On the charging front, Pro-NET’s new energy subsidiary O-NET has partnered with Charge+, ChargeSini, RExharge and Charge N Go to install and operate 320 additional charging points at residential condominiums nationwide.
Coupled with its December 2024 tie-up with EV Connection, Pro-NET now offers 1,053 chargers in high-rise buildings, contributing to Malaysia’s 90 per cent public-charging coverage alongside 2,500 existing public stations.
From June 1 to Dec 31, Proton e.MAS and Hello smart app users will enjoy promotional rates starting at 75 sen per kWh, with potential monthly savings of RM150–200.
Geome Xingyuan
