The Proton e.MAS 5 is set to launch in Malaysia by the end of this year with an expected price tag of less than RM100,000. If you’re looking for something more compact and more affordable, it appears that a third Proton e.MAS EV model is currently in the works.
We’ve received photos showing a new test EV in Malaysia. Parked between the Proton e.MAS 7 and the Proton e.MAS 5, the new camouflaged EV is significantly smaller and this could potentially be the e.MAS 3.
As shown here, the new EV model is shorter and narrower than the upcoming Proton e.MAS 5 and it looks tiny next to the popular Proton e.MAS 7. Judging from the wiper configuration, we can tell that this is a Left-Hand-Drive (LHD) unit from China.
Based on the design cues including the DRL LED and taillight design, this mysterious model is the Geometry E Firefly or Geometry E, which are currently sold in mainland China and Myanmar. Although this is a budget EV, it does carry some design cues from the new Tesla Model Y especially with its full width light bar on the hood.
This is a compact cross-over 5-seater electric SUV that measures 4006mm long, 1765mm wide and 1550mm tall, with a wheelbase of just 2485mm. That’s slightly wider and longer than the Perodua Myvi, but it is smaller than the Geometry Xingyuan-based Proton e.MAS 5 which measures 4135mm long, 1805mm wide and 1570mm tall, along with a longer wheelbase of 2650mm.
In terms of performance and equipment, it is quite basic. The Geometry E gets a single front motor that pushes 60kW (80hp) and 130Nm of torque. According to the Myanmar product page, it has a 0-50km/h acceleration time of 5 seconds and 0-100km/h takes 15 seconds.
The compact crossover EV rides on 205/60 R16 wheels with disc brakes for all four wheels. It features front MacPherson suspension and a rear torsion beam setup.
Depending on the specs, the Geometry E gets a 9.8″ instrument cluster and a 10.25″ central infotainment screen that’s paired to a basic 4-speaker setup. In the safety and driver assist department, it is quite basic with just dual airbags but it does come with ABS and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Descent Control, Traction Control System and Cruise Control.
More advance safety systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Intelligent High beam Control (IHBC) are offered under an optional package.
In China, the Geometry E comes in two LFP battery options – 29.67kWh with 301km of NEDC-rated range and 39.3kWh with 401km of NEDC-rated range. Charging-wise, it supports single-phase 6.6kW AC charging which takes up to 6 hours to charge to full. There’s no mention of DC charging rate but 30-80% charge takes approximately 30 minutes.
The Geometry E is offered in a total of 5 variants in Mainland China and the base model is currently going for CNY59,800 (about RM35,400), while the top-spec variant with the larger battery is going for CNY81,800 (about RM48,427).
At the moment, it isn’t clear if Proton has decided on the Geometry E as the base for its third EV model but the presence of a new test car indicates that they are eager to expand its EV lineup as quickly as possible.
Towards the end of this year, Malaysians can expect to see more sub-RM100,000 EV options made possible with local assembly. This includes the Perodua EV and the Wuling Bingo.
