Proton is shaking things up in the EV world, and the hype is real. The national automaker is set to roll out a brand-new e.MAS model by the end of the year, adding another chapter to its electric journey.
The confirmation came straight from Proton’s Deputy CEO, Roslan Abdullah, during an Iftar session with the media last week. But in true dramatic fashion, he didn’t spill the beans on the exact launch date, leaving everyone guessing and the rumour mill spinning.
Roslan, however, did take the opportunity to sneak in a cheeky jab at Perodua’s upcoming EV—which is expected to feature a battery leasing programme. With a smirk, he assured that Proton’s new e.MAS will come with the battery included, making it clear that Proton isn’t hopping on the leasing trend. While he didn’t drop any more details, his comment was enough to add some spice to Malaysia’s growing EV rivalry.
Speculation about a second e.MAS has been swirling for a while now, and Proton’s top bosses have been dropping hints at every turn. The latest talk suggests two possibilities: either a compact e.MAS 5 hatchback or a PHEV version of the e.MAS 7. But all roads seem to lead to one name—Geely Xingyuan. This theory gained traction when Proton reportedly flew a select group of e.MAS dealers to Geely’s HQ in Zhejiang, China, where they got a sneak peek at the Xingyuan EV.
Adding more fuel to the fire is an old Proton e.MAS teaser video that showcased the silhouette of a small EV hatch. And guess what? It looks eerily similar to the Geely Xingyuan. If Proton’s new EV is indeed based on this model, we could be looking at a rear-wheel-drive setup with 114 HP (85 kW) and a top speed of 135 KM/H. It might also pack a 30.12-kWh CATL LFP battery offering up to 310 KM of range, while the higher-end variant could boast a 40.16-kWh pack, stretching that range to 410 KM.
The timing of Proton’s move is pretty interesting, especially with Perodua gearing up to launch its own EV hatchback—likely based on the eMO-II concept. This could mean the upcoming e.MAS is positioned as a direct competitor, setting the stage for a proper Malaysian EV showdown. Roslan’s playful dig at battery leasing could be a hint that Proton is ready to go head-to-head with Perodua in the same segment.
So, what’s next? Will the new Proton e.MAS live up to the hype and give Perodua a run for its money? We’ll have to wait for the official reveal, but one thing’s for sure—Malaysia’s EV race is about to get a whole lot more exciting. Buckle up!
(Source: Soya Cincau/Caricarz)
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