Affordable, Sustainable, Attainable — e,MAS 5 Is A Turning Point For Malaysian EVs

For years, Malaysians have had the perception that electric vehicles (EVs) are futuristic new tech that is just out of reach. They are seen as a shiny symbol of progress reserved for the wealthy or tech-savvy few. Well that perception might soon change with the launch of the Proton e.MAS 5 which hit Malaysian roads on 30 October 2025.

A Malaysian Breakthrough In Affordability

Priced between RM56,800 and RM69,800, the e.MAS 5 lands squarely within the realistic purchasing range for most Malaysians — the RM40,000 to RM100,000 bracket identified by local academic research. That’s a breakthrough few thought possible for a fully electric car.

This is Proton returning to its roots: building cars for the people, but now with a sustainable twist. It’s a national brand once again pushing boundaries — this time, to make green mobility mainstream.

Practical Power For The Everyday Driver

The e.MAS 5 isn’t just affordable; it’s practical. The Prime variant delivers a 225 km range, while the Premium version stretches it to 325 km, powered by efficient LFP batteries. That’s more than enough for daily commutes, family errands, and weekend road trips.

And because EVs require less maintenance and no petrol, ownership costs drop dramatically. Imagine skipping those oil changes, petrol stops, and engine tune-ups — while still enjoying a smooth, relatively quiet drive.

Proton also offers fast-charging capability, allowing the e.MAS 5 to go from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes — perfect for Malaysians constantly on the go.

Driving Malaysia’s EV Revolution

The launch of the e.MAS 5 couldn’t have come at a better time. EV registrations in Malaysia more than doubled in February 2025, up by around 110% year-on-year. The momentum is real, and the e.MAS 5 arrives just as the market is heating up.

Government incentives further power this shift. Fully-imported EVs enjoy tax exemptions until 2025, while locally assembled models (like the e.MAS 5) benefit until 2027. This supportive ecosystem is part of Malaysia’s drive to make 15% of all new vehicle sales be EVs by 2030 — and Proton’s latest launch could be the catalyst that makes that target achievable.

A New Chapter For Malaysian Innovation

The e.MAS 5 isn’t just another model; it’s a symbol of how far Malaysian engineering has come. Built on the strength of Proton’s decades of automotive experience — and backed by growing EV know-how — it shows that homegrown innovation can stand toe-to-toe with global brands.

For Malaysians, the e.MAS 5 hits that perfect balance:

• Affordable enough for middle-income buyers.
• Sustainable enough for a greener future.
• Attainable enough to make the switch feel natural.

Here is a quick price comparison of the e.MAS 5 against a few other EVs available in the Malaysian market:

Electric Vehicle/Brand	Lowest Price
Proton e.MAS 5	RM56,800
BYD Dolphin	RM100,530
Chery Omoda 5	RM108,818
Kona Electric (Hyundai)	RM156,538
Nissan Leaf	RM168,888
Tesla Model Y	RM195,450

Not All Sunshine And Rainbows

Of course, no vehicle is without trade-offs. While the e.MAS 5 raises the bar for affordability and accessibility, EV ownership in Malaysia still faces challenges— especially around charging convenience, service infrastructure and residual value.

Limited Charging Infrastructure And Range Anxiety

Despite rapid EV growth, Malaysia’s public charging network is still behind what many drivers expect. For example, one study found only about 1,500 charging stations by end 2023, and many concentrated in urban zones like Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Johor, leaving other areas underserved.

More recently, the number of charging stations is closer to 4,100 in 2025. However, this is still a far cry from the 10,000 charging station target of the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint. So, especially for those who drive longer distances, live in high-rise apartments, or travel to rural areas, the worry of “what if I run out of battery and there’s no charger” remains very real.

Service, Maintenance, And Secondary Market Risks

Skilled technicians and diagnostic equipment for EVs are still limited in Malaysia, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. As such, maintaining and repairing EVs can get very inconvenient and potentially expensive. 

The resale value and battery health are also an uncertainty for EVs in Malaysia’s market. Battery replacement or degradation can result in incredibly hefty bills — while those seeking to sell their EVs may end up with a massive loss. According to one memorandum, battery repairs in Malaysia can cost tens of thousands of ringgit.

Grid Readiness And Uneven Development

Revolutionary new EVs are great. However, they mean nothing if our electrical grid is not able to support them. Some reports point out that Malaysia’s electricity grid and capacity may face strain if large numbers of EVs charge simultaneously, especially as fast-charging becomes more common.

Charging infrastructure is uneven: rural and remote areas have far fewer chargers compared to the urban cities. According to some research journals, the Eastern portions of West Malaysia — as well as a good chunk of East Malaysia — are woefully lacking in sufficient charging stations.

A Road Paved With Gold

Yes, there are still hurdles to overcome — charging convenience, service readiness, and the pace of EV infrastructure rollout among them. But with the e.MAS 5, Proton has shown that Malaysia isn’t waiting for the world to lead the way. We’re building our own path toward cleaner, smarter mobility. The road ahead might have bumps, but it’s one we can proudly call our own.