Proton EMAS 7: A Bright Future For Malaysian EV’s
There’s something truly satisfying about Proton’s audacious leap into the electric age with the EMAS 7. The Proton EMAS 7 is the Malaysian carmaker’s attempt to take on the electric vehicle market with a stylish, practical SUV that promises a lot. And in many ways, it delivers. But, like any car that makes a splash, there are a few things that need a little more polish before it’s perfect.
Let’s start with the performance—because, as we all know, the powertrain is where the magic happens. The Proton EMAS 7 comes with a 218-horsepower electric motor, which means it’s not going to embarrass you on the road. 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds is more than adequate for an electric SUV, and there’s no shortage of smooth, punchy acceleration when you need it.
It’s not a sports car, of course, but that’s not the point. The EMAS 7 is designed for daily driving, for getting the kids to school, running errands, and navigating through the hustle and bustle of urban life. And in that, it excels. It’s a relaxed, comfortable drive with enough power to give you a smile on your face every time you put your foot down.
But let’s not kid ourselves—if you’re after the kind of thrills you’d get from a Tesla Model Y or a Porsche Taycan, the EMAS 7 won’t leave you grinning like a Cheshire cat. It’s a practical performer, not an adrenaline junkie. But that’s exactly what the majority of people need. It’s a car that does its job quietly and efficiently, without being a show-off. And that’s not a bad thing at all.
Now, let’s talk about range. The Proton EMAS 7 promises a decent 345 km range on a full charge, which is perfectly adequate for most of us who use our cars for daily commuting or the occasional road trip. But, if you’re planning something a bit more ambitious, like a journey from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, you might find yourself needing to charge up just before you hit the island.
That extra little bit of range would’ve been the cherry on top, but alas, the EMAS 7 still can’t quite make the cut for a long-distance, hassle-free road trip. If you’re like me, always looking for an excuse to hit the open road, this might be a slight disappointment.
However, for the majority of us who won’t be going on cross-country adventures every weekend, the range is more than enough. In fact, if you’re just driving around the city or taking the occasional weekend trip, the EMAS 7’s range will serve you very well.
The time it takes to charge your electric vehicle has always been a bit of a sore point. Proton’s EMAS 7 doesn’t quite charge in the blink of an eye—it takes about 4.1 hours to charge from 0 to 80% on a DC fast charger. So, while it’s better than an overnight charge, you’ll need to plan accordingly if you’re in a rush.
Now, the Premium version does offer slightly better charging capabilities, but we’re still looking at a scenario where you’d rather not be waiting around for too long. The truth is, while charging times have improved in recent years, we’re still nowhere near the convenience of filling up at a petrol station.
However, let’s not beat the car up too much. If you’re charging overnight at home or while you’re out running errands, the EMAS 7’s charging time isn’t a dealbreaker. It’s just one of those things that reminds us we’re still in the early days of the EV revolution.
Step inside the Proton EMAS 7, and you’ll find a spacious, practical interior. There’s plenty of legroom for all five passengers, and the seats are comfortable enough for long trips. The design is clean and modern, with a large touchscreen dominating the dashboard—simple, intuitive, and very much in line with what you’d expect from an EV.
Now, the Premium version of the EMAS 7 adds a little more sparkle to the mix with leather upholstery, upgraded materials, and a slightly fancier infotainment system. It’s nice, it’s comfortable, but let’s be clear: this is not a luxury SUV. The interior is practical and well-designed, but don’t expect to feel like you’re sitting in a Bentley.
But that’s okay! This is a Proton, after all, not a brand known for high-end opulence. The fact is, Proton has done a great job making sure the cabin is spacious, comfortable, and high-tech, without stepping too far into the realm of luxury. You won’t be mistaking it for something that costs twice the price, but you’ll be perfectly happy inside.
One of the best things about the Proton EMAS 7 is the price. Starting at just RM106,000, this is one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market. In fact, it’s quite a bargain, especially considering that electric vehicles are still relatively new to the market, and prices are often inflated by their fancy technology and high-end features.
And if you’re willing to spend a little more, the Premium version will set you back RM118,000. It’s a modest increase, but you get those extra features—things like leather seats, a larger battery, and a more polished overall finish. For an EV that offers good range, decent power, and practicality, it’s a price that’s hard to beat.
While Proton’s EMAS 7 is a solid contender in the EV market, the charging infrastructure in Malaysia still has a long way to go. Yes, there are charging stations in major cities like Kuala Lumpur, but for those longer trips, you’ll need to plan ahead. Charging stations are still sparse in rural areas, and you’ll likely find yourself having to stop more often than you would with a petrol-powered car.
But here’s the thing—Proton’s commitment to the electric future is a sign that things are changing. The EV infrastructure will improve, and with Proton leading the charge, there’s hope that we’ll see more and more chargers popping up across the country. It’s just a matter of waiting for the rest of the world to catch up with Proton’s forward-thinking vision.
So, is the Proton EMAS 7 the perfect electric vehicle? Not yet. There are a few areas where it still needs to improve, like charging speed, range, and a bit more interior luxury. But when you look at the bigger picture, Proton has done something truly impressive here.
The EMAS 7 is a practical, affordable, and comfortable electric vehicle that can serve the everyday needs of the average Malaysian driver. And if you want a bit more luxury and range, the Premium version is a solid choice. It’s not going to win any drag races, but it will get you where you need to go without breaking the bank. It’s a bright future for Proton, and while the EMAS 7 isn’t perfect yet, it’s a very good start indeed.
