Proton eMas 5 and eMas 7 EV Motors Now CKD in Malaysia

Proton eMas 5 and eMas 7 EV Motors Now CKD in Malaysia

Proton Holdings Bhd has commenced local assembly (CKD) of the electric drive motors for its eMas 5 and eMas 7 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) at its Tanjung Malim, Perak plant. This move, announced on 31 July 2026, marks the first time Proton has integrated electric motor assembly into its domestic production line, reducing reliance on fully imported powertrain units. The CKD programme covers the permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) used in both models, which are also sold in right-hand-drive markets across Southeast Asia.

The eMas 5 and eMas 7 are Proton’s first dedicated electric vehicles, and the local assembly of their motors is a key step toward achieving the government’s National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020 target of 15% EV penetration by 2030. The motors are produced under licence from a Tier-1 supplier, with Proton responsible for stator winding, rotor assembly, and final quality testing. The company states that CKD assembly will improve supply chain resilience and allow faster response to local demand fluctuations.

Key Facts

What Does CKD Assembly of EV Motors Mean for Malaysian Buyers?

The CKD assembly of eMas 5 and eMas 7 motors means that the electric drive unit is now built locally rather than imported as a complete module. This typically reduces production costs, which can translate to lower retail prices for Malaysian consumers. Proton has not yet announced revised pricing, but industry analysts expect a reduction of 3–5% in the vehicle’s base price once CKD volumes stabilise.

Local motor assembly also shortens the supply chain, making Proton less vulnerable to global semiconductor and component shortages that have affected EV production worldwide. According to a 2025 report by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), CKD programmes can reduce lead times by up to 30% compared to fully imported units. For Malaysian buyers, this means shorter waiting periods and potentially better after-sales support, as spare parts for the motor can be sourced domestically.

How Does the eMas 5 Motor Compare to the eMas 7 Motor?

The eMas 5 uses a 120 kW PMSM, while the eMas 7 uses a 160 kW unit. Both motors share the same stator and rotor architecture but differ in winding configuration and cooling system. The eMas 7’s motor includes an oil-cooled stator for sustained high-speed performance, whereas the eMas 5 uses a simpler water-cooled design suited for urban commuting.

Proton states that the eMas 7 motor delivers 33% more peak power than the eMas 5 motor, enabling a 0–100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds compared to 8.5 seconds for the eMas 5. Both motors are built to the same IP67 ingress protection rating, ensuring resistance to water and dust in Malaysia’s tropical climate. The CKD process includes a 100% end-of-line dynamometer test for each unit.

What Did Proton’s CEO Say About the CKD Programme?

“The local assembly of eMas 5 and eMas 7 electric motors is a significant milestone in Proton’s electrification journey. It demonstrates our commitment to building EVs that are not only competitive in performance but also affordable for Malaysian families. By bringing motor production in-house, we are creating high-skilled jobs and strengthening the national EV ecosystem.”

— Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, Proton Holdings Bhd, in a press statement on 31 July 2026

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The CKD motor programme primarily benefits Malaysian buyers who are considering the eMas 5 or eMas 7 as their first EV. The eMas 5 is aimed at urban dwellers in condominiums and apartments where compact dimensions and a turning radius of 5.2 metres are advantageous. The eMas 7 targets families in landed properties who need a longer range (estimated 400 km WLTP) and higher towing capacity (750 kg braked).

For Malaysian users, the locally assembled motor means that service centres across all 108 Proton outlets nationwide can perform motor-related repairs without waiting for imported parts, reducing downtime. The motors are designed to operate efficiently in ambient temperatures up to 45°C, which is critical for Malaysia’s year-round tropical heat. Proton also confirms that the motors are compatible with the standard 240V AC home charging infrastructure using Type 2 connectors (Mennekes), which is the norm for most condominium car parks in the Klang Valley.

Common Questions

Will the CKD motor reduce the price of the eMas 5 and eMas 7 in Malaysia?

Proton has not announced a price cut, but CKD typically lowers production costs by 10–15% for the motor assembly. Industry observers expect a reduction of RM 3,000 to RM 5,000 in the final retail price once CKD volumes reach 10,000 units per year.

Are the CKD motors covered by the same warranty as imported units?

Yes. Proton offers an 8-year/160,000 km warranty on the motor and battery, identical to the warranty on fully imported units. The warranty is transferable to subsequent owners and is valid at all authorised Proton service centres in Malaysia.

Does the CKD motor affect the eMas 5’s eligibility for the Malaysian EV incentive?

No. The eMas 5 and eMas 7 remain eligible for the full import duty and excise duty exemption under the National Automotive Policy until 31 December 2027, as long as the vehicle is assembled in Malaysia. CKD motor assembly does not change this status.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the official press release published by Proton Holdings Bhd on 31 July 2026, as reported by paultan.org. Additional context on CKD benefits and Malaysian EV incentives was drawn from the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) 2025 annual report and the National Automotive Policy 2020. All currency figures are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). No currency conversion was required as the source material used RM. Power output figures for the eMas 5 and eMas 7 are estimates based on Proton’s pre-launch specifications; exact values may vary. This article was last updated on 31 July 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the official Proton press release and MAA data.