Malaysia has introduced its first home-grown electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS7, in hopes to strengthen its position in the growing EV market as Chinese electric car manufacturers increasingly target Southeast Asia, due to higher tariffs imposed by the US and EU.

Per VCPost, the US recently applied a 100 percent tariff on Chinese EVs, while the EU has imposed tariffs up to 38 percent on major Chinese brands such as BYD, Geely, and SAIC. 

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Malaysia's First Electric Vehicle Proton e.MAS7

According to SCMP, Proton's new e.MAS7 is part of the Malaysian government's strategy to ensure local companies remain competitive as international carmakers flood the market.

Malaysia's first electric car's launch is expected to boost local manufacturing and meet growing consumer demand for electric vehicles, considering that trade disruption has led Chinese companies to explore alternative markets where they can capitalize on lower tariffs and favorable regulations.

As Chinese EV makers ramp up their presence in the region, they are expected to increase sales in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. 

Analysts predict that this shift could lead to heightened competition in the Southeast Asian market, which is seen as a new frontier for electric vehicles. Proton's e.MAS7 aims to capture a share of this expanding market by offering a locally designed and produced alternative to imported models.

In addition to Proton's efforts, other Malaysian carmakers, such as Perodua, are also working on their electric vehicles. Perodua's upcoming EV is expected to hit the market in 2025 and is priced competitively under 100,000 ringgit ($21,000). 

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