Is Malaysia Ready for the EV wave?

According to market statistics provided by Statista and Road Transport Department data, electric vehicle adoption in Malaysia is rising significantly as the government implements tax incentives for electric vehicles to encourage sustainable transportation. The electric vehicle (EV) market surged 79% year-on-year (YoY) to 28,048 units in 2024, with China’s BYD, Tesla and BMW emerging as the top 3 brands, where all are imported EV. 

Therefore, the launch of Proton EV indeed is a big step for Malaysia toward the EV era. With the affordable price targeting the general public, Proton e.MAS 5 could push the market higher and further encourage the use of EV vehicles for daily transportation. Let’s go through the features of eMAS 5 if you are looking for a chance to join the EV trend for energy saving.

Proton eMAS 5 Price in Malaysia: Is It Affordable Enough?

How much will Proton eMAS 5 be given that it’s produced locally in Malaysia? It’s hinted that eMas 5 will be cheaper than the Proton eMas 7, at a price range between RM80,000 to RM100,000, although the exact figure isn’t available yet. That places the Proton eMAS 5 squarely in competition with the likes of the BYD Dolphin, Neta V, and Perodua’s upcoming EV.

For context, here’s a quick table comparison:

If the Proton delivers solid tech and good range within that price bracket, it could very well become Malaysia’s best-selling electric car in its class.

Key Features of the Proton eMAS 5

The Proton e.MAS 5 isn’t just about slapping a battery into an existing car body. Proton has introduced an entirely new platform focused on EV design. Here’s what we know so far:

• Battery: CATL-sourced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries with 2 variants: 30.12 kWh for a range up to 310 km, 40.16 kWh for a range up to 410km 

Note: CATL stands for Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited, a Chinese battery manufacturer and technology company founded in 2011 that specializes in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries for EV and energy storage systems.

• Charging Time: DC 30% to 80% fast charging in 21 minutes
  

• Interior: Minimalist but functional, with a 10.1-inch or 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen (size like your laptop or tablet) and 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless charger and 256 colours ambient lighting are also included. As in, you can adjust the lighting of the interior by picking a colour tone from 256 colors to fit into your mood. That’s the vibe.
  

• Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS): Level 2 autonomous driving features— traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, automatic high beam, front vehicle departure alert and auto emergency braking.
• Infotainment: Proton’s Atlas OS with enhanced voice control and over the air updates, where users can schedule software updates via smartphone app for latest features. Just a side topic, Atlas OS is featuring an upgraded built-in navigation system with improved route calculation accuracy and map report feature that allows users to report traffic conditions, just like Waze.
• Power: 114hp
• Seating capacity: 5 seats

Pros and Cons of the Proton eMAS 5

Like any vehicle, the Proton e.MAS 5 has its strengths and areas that might need improvement.

Pros:

• Affordable price compared to other EVs in the market
• Generous range for city and suburban use
• Smart safety and intuitive built-in features in ADAS
• Local servicing and support from Proton centers

Cons:

• Yet to know for software reliability
• Limited DC charging network across Malaysia
• Conservative design compared to well known EV brand (if you were hoping for something edgy)

However, for the average Malaysian who is looking for our first Proton EV car, it still seems to be a great deal. And check out the Perodua EV car in Malaysia.

Verdict: Is the Proton eMAS 5 Worth Waiting For?

Yes—especially if you’re trying to dip your toes into the world of EVs without jumping into luxury prices. The Proton EV might not be revolutionary in every aspect, but it does enough to earn a spot in the conversation.

The brand-new Proton eMAS 5 promises reliability, local service support, and the peace of mind that it was built with Malaysian conditions in mind (yes, including the potholes and floods).

Whether you’re commuting daily or looking for a second family car, the Proton eMAS 5 checks a lot of boxes.

FAQ

Q: What is the estimated price of emas 5 in Malaysia?
A: While the final figure hasn’t been announced, emas 5 is expected to be cheaper than emas 7 and the price should range from RM80,000 to RM100,000.

Q: How far can the Proton e.MAS 5 go on a full charge?
A: It’s estimated to cover around 410km on a single charge.

Q: Is the Proton EV car suitable for long-distance travel?
A: Yes, it works the same for all EV. Plan your charging stops, then the range and comfort should be actually decent for highway trips.

Q: Does the Proton electric car come with fast charging?
A: Yes, it supports DC fast charging—0 to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Q: Will Proton EV service be available across Malaysia?
A: Proton has confirmed that existing centers will be upgraded to handle EV servicing.

Thoughts

It’s early days, but Proton’s EV journey has taken a bold step forward with the e.MAS 5. If the final version lives up to expectations, we might be looking at the first mass-market electric car in Malaysia that truly feels built for us—our roads, our weather, our budgets. For your knowledge, e.MAS 5 is expected to be locally assembled at Proton’s Tanjung Malim EV hub, with deliveries expected in the last quarter of the year. In short? I’m keeping a close eye on this one. And maybe a booking slot, too.