Proton has officially launched its new electric vehicle (EV) plant that is located within its manufacturing complex in Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV) at Tanjung Malim, Perak. It only took the company around 7 months to construct the new plant, which involved an investment of RM82 million.
Built to cater to both Malaysia and international markets, the new EV plant is designed to deliver 20,000 units per year at first and can be scaled up to 45,000 units if needed. Scheduled to be operational this month, the first model that will be produced at the plant is the Proton e.MAS 7, which will then be followed by the new Proton e.MAS 5.
The automaker pointed out that EV production lines are different from ICE vehicles as they require specialised areas for battery assembly and electrical testing with high-voltage safety in mind. Hence, the new plant has also been designed to address flat EV underbodies and electric drive units.
Proton said there will be over 200 new jobs, specialising in EV industrialisation and technical services, created through the establishment of the new EV plant. Over 30 non-executive key personnel with Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) and diploma backgrounds are currently going through training to get them ready for the full-scale production this September.
Naturally, Proton has also leveraged the vast knowledge that its co-principal, Geely, has when it comes to building an EV production plant. The national automaker said that Geely has provided technical guidance on the production systems and equipment selections.
Additionally, Geely has sent on-site experts to assist with installations and trial runs. Furthermore, the Chinese automaker Proton staff have also been provided training overseas to help ensure that the new Tanjung Malim EV plant meets global EV manufacturing standards.
Ultimately, this plant will allow Proton to bring EVs into the market for under RM100,000. The Proton e.MAS 5 is likely to be the automaker’s first sub-RM100k EV, as the company has already dubbed the electric hatchback as Malaysia’s first affordable EV.
