First details of Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV

Quick look

• Third Proton e.MAS model – the e.MAS7 PHEV – will have a plug-in hybrid powertrain which gives EV running with the reassurance of a petrol engine as a back-up.

• Recharging time with maximum DC power can be as quick as 16 minutes from 30% to 80%.

By now, you will know that Proton e.MAS is preparing to launch another variant of the e.MAS 7. While it was earlier assumed that the Proton e.MAS brand would be for fully electric vehicles, PRO-NET (which manages the Proton e.MAS brand and also smart) was established to handle PROTON’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) business.

This term originated in China over 10 years ago when the country was moving towards electrified mobility and it has since become commonly used in the industry to refer to not just fully electric vehicles but also hybrid electric vehicles (and vehicles with powertrains using other forms of energy or fuel).

Dual-powered EV
With two EVs now launched, Proton e.MAS has started to diversify its range and offer a hybrid electric powertrain for those who may not be ready to go fully electric yet. This will be in the forthcoming e.MAS 7 PHEV, which will have a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain or ‘dual-powered EV’, as PRO-NET is promoting it.

This type of powertrain, which also has an internal combustion engine working with an electric motor, is a more advanced and more capable hybrid powertrain (we’ll get into that later).

Typical of PRO-NET, prior to the launch of a new model, there is a lengthy ‘preview’ with phased release of information and images. We were shown the e.MAS 7 PHEV earlier this week and told all about it. But today, we can only show you the exterior with camouflage, and also the complete spec sheet.

Different body from EV
At a glance, the PHEV version may seem like the e.MAS 7 EV, but when you look longer, you will start to see differences. This is because, unlike the e.MAS 7, it is not adapted from the Geely Galaxy EX5. It is adapted from a model called the Galaxy Starship 7 (and Starray in some markets outside China).

While the e.MAS 7 was said to be a co-developed model with Geely, PRO-NET does not mention any collaboration for this model which was launched in China at the end of 2024. Its platform is designed for NEV powertrains so it’s not just an e.MAS 7 platform modified with a PHEV powertrain.

EM-i Super Hybrid drive
The powertrain is known as the EM-i Super Hybrid drive. Like other Proton e.MAS models, there are a few variants and this one has three – Prime, Premium and a Premium Plus. All have the same 1.5-litre petrol engine but there are two lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery sizes – 18.4 kWh or 29.8 kWh, the larger one only for the Premium Plus.

The total system output of 193 kW/262 Nm goes through an 11-in-1 DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) which is said to have class-leading efficiency, transmitting up to 92.5% of the output to the front wheels.

For those who wonder why some cars have a hybrid electric system (HEV) and some have a PHEV system, the difference is that a PHEV system can be recharged to extend its range and also allow running with just electric power for longer distances. A HEV, which usually has a lower cost, is self-charging but has a small battery pack and can only travel a short distance on electric power alone.

Over 1,000 kms range
Both electrified drivetrains enable a longer range on a full tank of fuel because the electric motor does some of the work, reducing fuel consumption significantly. Intelligent programming can maximise use of the motor and the vehicle can operate for long periods like an EV in certain conditions.

Like many new PHEVs, the e.MAS 7 also has a very long range claimed to be 1,000+ kms, and with the full tank having a capacity of 61 litres, the estimated fuel consumption can be up to 23.2 kms/litre. Pure EV driving range can be 105 to 170 kms and like with a petrol engine, it depends on how you drive. Hard driving will use up more battery energy, so the distance will be less.

One of the advantages of the PHEV is that therefore extra long range, and ‘range anxiety’ is not a major issue because you can always refuel at a petrol station and keep going. The PRO-NET people said that unless there is some serious technical problem, the system will not allow the battery to be totally empty.

For one thing, there is regenerative braking while driving which recovers small amounts of energy during braking and sends that to the battery. But should the level become very low, the driver would be alerted to recharge. Nevertheless, it will still be possible to keep going with the engine power alone. It won’t be as nice since a combustion engine generates noise and vibrations.

Quick recharging
Where recharging the battery is concerned, it’s a similar exercise as with an EV and both AC (6.6 kW) and DC (30 kW or 60 kW) power supply can be used.  The battery is smaller than in EVs so recharging can be quicker. With maximum DC power, 30% to 80% can be done within 16 minutes (20 minutes with 30 kW supply).

When you look at the short recharging times and the long range, a PHEV makes a lot of sense as you can enjoy the benefits of an EV without the worries of not being able to find a recharging station. We’re also told that service intervals are just once a year or maximum of 20,000 kms, which saves time and reduces cost.

Click here for the detailed spec sheet of the e.MAS 7 PHEV

More on Tuesday
We’re not allowed to show you the interior yet, but you can get an idea of what to expect from the spec sheet. On Tuesday (January 13), we will be able to show you the uncamouflaged SUV and the inside.

As already publicised on social media, bookings will be accepted from January 13 (Tuesday), which will be announced during a special event online. While the price might not be revealed yet, it is likely that there will be some sort of ‘early bird’ package offered.

PRO-NET will also be demonstrating the extra-long range of the e.MAS 7 PHEV with a drive from Penang to Johor Bahru to Shah Alam in Selangor with one full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery – without refuelling or recharging along the way. And while many such runs are done and then reported, PRO-NET will let the public follow the drive online. Catch the livestream of the drive on Proton e.MAS Official Facebook & TikTok pages this January 12/13 January.

Locate a Proton e.MAS dealer in Malaysia