Next Proton eMas EV model to be more affordable, suitable for young families – announcement soon

Proton is studying its next EV model following positive response for the eMas 7, which was launched in December 2024. Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah said that Proton is evaluating the next eMas product in the aspects of price, practicality and range to ensure that it fulfils customer needs.

“Proton is currently studying the suitable model. For now, we can’t announce it yet as it is still in the research stage. However, this second EV is expected to be more suitable for young families and will be offered at a more affordable price to attract more motorists to switch to EVs,” Roslan told BH.

Updates on Proton’s second EV will be shared in the near future, he said, adding that the company wants to ensure the best returns for its investment in a new EV plant in Tanjong Malim, fully utilising its capacity. In February, Proton held a ground breaking ceremony for its RM82 million EV plant, which will roll out the CKD locally assembled eMas 7 by end-2025. The plant has a capacity of 20,000 units per annum.

“Phase two will increase the production capacity to 45,000 units a year, depending on local and export demand. This factory won’t be just producing the eMas 7, but other new energy vehicles in the future,” he said.

In January, Proton CEO Li Chunrong announced “at least one new model” from the Geely Global Modular Architecture (GMA) range for this year, specifically mentioning either the eMas 5 or eMas 3.

We recently detailed the candidate for Proton’s second EV – the Geely Star Wish a.k.a. Xingyuan – that was on display at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). A rival of the BYD Dolphin, the Star Wish is more organic in shape than BYD’s five-door hatch, with smooth lines, gentle curves and design that’s a bit smart-like. At 4,135 mm long and 1,805 mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, the Star Wish is slightly smaller too.

In China, two powertrains are offered, both with a CATL-sourced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that takes 21 minutes to get from a 30-80% state of charge, along with a rear electric motor (there’s a deep frunk). The smaller one is a 30.12 kWh unit good for 310 km range in China’s generous CLTC standard, paired to a 79 PS (58 kW) and 130 Nm motor. The top variant gets a 40.16 kWh battery, 410 km range and 116 PS (85 kW) 150 Nm motor.

There are five variants in China, and available equipment include 16-inch wheels, LED lights at both ends, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen (or a smaller 10.1-inch unit), 256-colour ambient lighting, six speakers (or four), an external power supply capable of 3.3 kW, manual or powered front seats, 8.8-inch digital meter panel, 50W air-cooled wireless charger and automatic air-con with rear vents. Full ADAS too, of course.

The BIMS showcar was a left-hand-drive unit with Chinese ‘Geome’ badges. The ‘Star Wish’ name announced in Thailand is also a direct translation of Xingyuan, and there’s no right-hand-drive version yet. What do you think of this EV – looks and package wise – as Proton’s next EV?

GALLERY: Geely Star Wish at BIMS 2025

GALLERY: Geely Geome Xingyuan

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