Can the e.MAS 5 Crack Malaysia's EV Code? - CleanTechnica

Proton’s new electric vehicle, the e.MAS 5, represents a strategic effort to challenge Malaysia’s entrenched combustion engine market by bringing EV technology directly to consumers through an extensive “MISI 5” roadshow across all 13 states from August to October 2025. This grassroots approach serves as a large-scale focus group to gauge real-world reactions before full production, reflecting Proton’s blend of confidence and urgency. Built on Geely’s Xingyuan platform, the e.MAS 5 embodies significant localization efforts, with 752,000 man-hours invested to adapt Chinese engineering to Malaysian conditions. Technically, the e.MAS 5 features a 40.16 kWh CATL lithium-iron-phosphate battery offering a WLTP-rated range of 325 km and a rear-wheel-drive layout powered by a 116 hp motor—an uncommon choice in this segment that prioritizes driving dynamics over cost savings. The vehicle emphasizes urban performance with a 0–50 km/h acceleration