KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 — Despite Malaysia being a traditionally petrol-vehicles dominated car market, consumers are gradually warming up to electric vehicles (EVs) for their daily drive.

Range anxiety is easing, thanks to the increasing number of charging stations, and rising fuel cost is also driving the shift. 

One problem, however, still persists. While over 70 EV models are currently sold in Malaysia, almost all of them are a luxury beyond reach for middle-income segments.

National carmaker Proton’s subsidiary, Pro-Net, is positioning its latest offering — the Proton e.MAS 5 — as the answer for cost-conscious customers. 

The Proton e.MAS 5, touted to be Malaysia’s first affordable EV, is essentially the first EV to be priced below RM100,000 in the country.

It comes in two variants: the Proton e.MAS 5 Prime (starting from RM59,800) and the Proton e.MAS 5 Premium (starting from RM72,800). 

Pro-Net chief executive officer Zhang Qiang said the electric hatchback clocked 5,000 bookings in just three weeks before its official launch on October 30. 

“Until now, many Malaysians viewed EVs as a premium choice, something only the rich can afford. The Proton e.MAS 5 exists to change that perception.

“By focusing on value, we’re opening the door for the middle class, young families, and professionals to join the EV movement confidently,” he told Malay Mail.

Building on e.MAS 7’s success

The e.MAS 5 is only the second fully-electric offering from Pro-Net after the Proton e.MAS 7, which was launched last year.

As of September 30, Pro-Net has sold 6,655 units of e.MAS 7 — with 6,212 sold locally and 443 exported. The vehicle is exported to Nepal, Trinidad and Tobago, Singapore, and Mauritius.

The e.MAS 7 also comes in two variants: the e.MAS 7 Prime (starting from RM105,800) and the e.MAS 7 Premium (starting from RM119,800). 

It is still the best-selling EV in Malaysia for nine consecutive months, controlling 24 per cent of the EV market share. 

Despite e.MAS 7’s strong performance, Zhang said Pro-Net realised that price barriers still hinder middle-income Malaysians from making the switch to EVs. 

“Many consumers loved the e.MAS 7, but wished for a smaller, more affordable option. The e.MAS 5 answers that call directly.

“You could say the e.MAS 7 opened the door and the e.MAS 5 is now inviting everyone in,” he explained. 

Going beyond ‘on-the-road’ price

In order to make it a truly affordable offering, Pro-Net has designed the e.MAS 5 to ensure consumers can scale back on the running expenses — all while enjoying the high-value innovations that are usually restricted to higher-segment cars. 

“It is not about offering the lowest prices; it is about offering the best value for the money. 

“We are offering multiple features that previously only existed in cars above RM100,000 price range,” Zhang said.

These features include:

• rear-wheel drive and rear multi-link suspension for a more balanced driving experience and a small turning radius of 4.95m.
• the EV battery by CATL with a 3+2 layered protection system for thermal safety and long-term reliability. 
• enhanced safety with 12 ADAS functions, G-TCS anti-skid anti-slip and six airbags.
• a 14.6” FHD Display Head Unit paired with an automotive-grade processor chip for seamless performance, complemented by an 8.8” full-colour digital instrument monitor. 
• 32 storage compartments including a large 70L trunk.

With the right setup, Zhang said charging the e.MAS 5 at home during off-peak hours can cost up to 207 per cent less than refuelling with Budi95 petrol.

Pro-Net has also reduced the number of service intervals for e.MAS 5 to just once a year, or every 20,000km since the car has fewer wear and tear parts. 

To illustrate, Zhang breaks down how the e.MAS 5 compares with a similar petrol-engine hatchback over a period of 10 years;

Fuel/charging costs (for 2,000km monthly)

• Charging e.MAS 5 at off-peak tariff (RM0.4183/kWh): RM12,448.80
• Refuelling a comparable hatchback with Budi95 (RM1.99/litre): RM38,208.00

Servicing cost

• e.MAS 5: RM2,700 
• Comparable hatchback: RM6737.40

Overall estimates expenditure

• e.MAS 5: RM15,148.80 
• Comparable hatchback: RM44,945.40 

“This equates to a total saving of RM29,796.60 — the price of a compact car.

“For a medium-income household, the savings can go to buying one to two tins of baby milk formula, or two to three packs of mid-range brand disposable diapers — and not to mention having extra money for weekly groceries,” Zhang explained. 

The e.MAS 5 is also offered with a launch package worth up to RM8,000, which includes:

• Power Xchange — Deregistration of non-roadworthy vehicle worth RM2,000
• Power Online — 5-year unlimited Internet data worth RM1,800
• Power Financing — 5-year loan at 1.98 per cent interest from Proton Commerce worth RM1,700
• Power Home — 7kW home charger worth RM1,500
• Power Trade-in — Exclusive trade-in rebate via Carsome worth RM1,000