A camouflaged pre-production version of Proton’s first-ever EV will be part of a 25-car contingent.
The Merdeka celebrations that will be taking place this Saturday will just be that little bit more electrifying this year, as Proton has since announced that its soon-to-launch e.MAS 7 will be making its first public appearance during the parade. The national automotive brand’s first EV model will appear with a special camouflage motif representing the colours of the Jalur Gemilang, as part of a 25-car contingent featuring various models from the marque’s 41-year history.
And aside from its appearance at the upcoming parade, Proton has also been touting that testing and climatisation activities for its e.MAS 7 have since steadily ramped up ahead of its imminent production debut later this year. Camouflaged test cars are currently out and about nationwide as durability, charging, driving and software testing programmes continue running, such that Malaysia’s first national EV could meet the needs and expectations of its future customers.
“While celebrating our past, Proton is also mindful to look ahead into the future of the automotive industry. Hence, we took the decision to include the e.MAS 7 in our parade lineup, though it has not been launched, to allow everyone to get a closer look at the company’s first EV model. As the model is not the final production vehicle, it will be displayed wearing camouflage, but in the National Day spirit, we have chosen colours that represent Malaysia’s flag,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
Now for those who have still yet to hear of the e.MAS 7, this first model from Proton’s new all-electric sub-brand is to be essentially a twin of Geely’s newly-launched Galaxy E5. The Malaysian automaker has nevertheless proudly claimed that instead of the typical rebadging job it has done since the Chinese marque started sending its cars over here, the roaring lion marque actually has had a hand in the development of this e-SUV.
“The e.MAS 7 is not only Proton’s first EV, but it is also the first Proton model developed concurrently with the team at Geely. This allows for much shorter lead times in making RHD versions available and also results in greater efficiencies and sharing of development costs. The ultimate proof of success for this undertaking will be the reception of buyers in Malaysia and our export markets and to ensure a favourable outcome, Proton is leaving no stone unturned in the model’s development, marketing, sales, and after sales efforts,” added Dr Li Chunrong.
No detailed tech specs however have been released just yet for this upcoming Corolla Cross-sized Proton EV, but its Chinese counterpart is currently offered in its home market with a single front motor producing 218 PS and 320 Nm of torque. Powering said motor meanwhile are to be either a 49.52 kWh Aegis LFP battery pack that is good for a CLTC range of 440 km, or a larger 60.22 kWh unit that promises 530 km of driving distance under the same test cycle.
