Proton EV Plant Nears Completion, Operation Starts in September 2025

Proton’s new EV production plant achieves 90.4% completion and is set to commence operation later in September.

National automaker Proton is gearing closer to locally assembling (CKD) its own EV models, as its new EV production plant in Tanjung Malim nears completion. With 90.4% completion achieved just six months after its groundbreaking, this new EV plant is set to commence operation as early as September this year.

Featuring a modular and scalable design that allows for flexible adaptation to future models and production volumes, this new EV plant will have an initial production capacity of 20,000 units annually. Once upgraded, the facility will be able to support up to 45,000 units per year, with the expansion being implemented based on sales demand for Proton EVs in Malaysia and overseas markets.

For key areas, several stations could be added to each production line in this facility, with their tester lines being modular and capable of accommodating platform variations or multi-model production. Infrastructure such as utility systems, material handling paths, and digital traceability tools like manufacturing execution systems (MES) and warehouse management systems (WMS) are already in place to support future scale-up without significant redesign.

To support the ramp-up before launch, Proton has added 30 non-executives with Malaysian Skills Certificates (SKM) and diploma backgrounds, with its immediate goal to fully train these key personnel before the full-scale production begins.

More importantly, this new plant will lead to the creation of over 200 new jobs, specialising in EV industrialisation and technical services for the local community. In line with this, Proton has also partnered with local institutions like Sultan Azlan Shah Polytechnic (PSAS) to provide technical syllabus input and support hands-on training initiatives, aligning academic learning with industry needs and supporting long-term workforce development.

As part of Proton’s partnership with Geely, the Chinese automaker has provided technical guidance on production systems, helped with equipment selection, and deployed experts to assist with installation and trial runs for this new EV plant. On top of that, Geely has also facilitated overseas training for Proton staff and ensured the plant aligns with global EV manufacturing standards.

Proton e.MAS 7 (left) & Proton e.MAS 5 (right)

Once operational, this new EV plant will produce multiple models from the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform, with the first one being the Proton e.MAS 7, followed by the upcoming Proton e.MAS 5. That said, could the new plant be operational in time with the launch of the e.MAS 5?