Proton’s first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) plant in Tanjung Malim is almost ready and is expected to begin operations in September 2025.
What happened
For your information, the facility, developed under the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) initiative, represents a major step in Malaysia’s shift toward local EV manufacturing.
The initial phase of the plant involves an investment of RM82 million, with a targeted production capacity of 20,000 units per year.
Additionally, Proton has confirmed that the first model to roll out from this plant will be the Proton e.MAS 7, a fully electric SUV based on Geely’s Galaxy E5 platform.
Proton’s EV strategy
As of mid-August 2025, construction progress on the facility has reached over 90 percent. Once completed, the plant will focus on assembling EVs for both the Malaysian market and selected export destinations, including Singapore, Nepal, Mauritius, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The e.MAS 7 will initially be introduced as a fully imported model before transitioning to local assembly by the end of 2025. Proton has also indicated that Phase 2 of the project could increase the plant’s annual production capacity to 45,000 units, depending on market demand.
Proton e.MAS 7 key features
Variants:
- Prime: Equipped with a 49.52 kWh Standard Range battery
- Premium: Equipped with a 60.22 kWh Long Range battery
- Platform: Built on Geely’s Global Modular Architecture (GMA)
- Production: Initially launched as a fully imported (CBU) model, with local assembly (CKD) to follow
- Export Markets: Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, with Brunei also under consideration
Our thoughts
This development highlights Proton’s commitment to sustainable automotive technology and signals Malaysia’s growing role in the EV industry.
Hence, by establishing a dedicated EV facility, Proton is positioning itself to meet both domestic needs and regional demand.
For Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem, the Tanjung Malim plant could become a key hub supporting the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint while boosting local supplier networks.
As Proton integrates Industry 4.0 technologies into the AHTV facility, the move reflects how local carmakers are adapting to global EV trends.
Proton’s upcoming EV production marks a significant milestone for Malaysia’s automotive industry, with the e.MAS 7 is set to debut soon. Will this accelerate EV adoption in Malaysia and the wider region?
Stay tuned to TechNave.com for more updates.
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