The Proton e.MAS 7 has done what many thought an EV could not do
The Proton e.MAS 7 has successfully completed a remarkable 10,432km journey across nine ASEAN nations as part of the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025. Spearheaded by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), the 22-day expedition was completed without incident, proving the vehicle’s resilience and safety across challenging terrains and climates.
As Malaysia’s top EV model, the Proton e.MAS 7 surpassed its original 9,000km target, traversing Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, East Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Singapore before returning. The journey highlighted the car’s endurance, reliability and advanced engineering, cementing its position as a flagship EV not just for Malaysia and ASEAN.
Moreover, Zhang Qiang, CEO of PRO-NET emphasised, “Covering over 10,000 kilometres across Southeast Asia with zero battery issues is an achievement we’re immensely proud of. This is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the e.MAS 7 project.”
Throughout the journey, the team encountered diverse road and weather conditions typical of Southeast Asia, from intense heat to flood-prone areas. Despite these hurdles, the e.MAS 7’s high-efficiency battery maintained consistent performance. Drivers had to adapt, including using portable AC chargers when charging stations were out of reach and tactically planning overnight stops to recharge for the next leg.
On top of that, driver Mohd Adib bin Mohd Azam, also recounted, “There were moments when our battery range was less than the distance to the next charging point. We had to get creative to make it through.” Another driver, Muhammad Taufiq bin Mohd Zin, shared that the stretch from Laos to Cambodia triggered range anxiety, though the EV’s actual range held up well.
Veteran motoring journalist Yamin Vong praised the e.MAS 7’s performance through rugged sections of the Pan Borneo Highway, including flood-prone and under-construction areas. “It delivered on its promised range and handled adverse conditions impressively.” he said.
Now selected as the official vehicle for the ASEAN Summit 2025, the Proton e.MAS 7 symbolizes Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable mobility and regional connectivity. From Pakse to Putrajaya, the journey demonstrated more than technological strength, it showcased Malaysia’s leadership in shaping the future of electric transportation in ASEAN.
