KUALA LUMPUR: For many owners of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the prospect of switching to electric vehicles (EVs) is accompanied by various concerns.
Questions about battery capability, charging infrastructure and long-term ownership costs are among the key considerations before deciding to upgrade their vehicles.
For consumers who remain hesitant about making the full switch to EVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology is seen as a practical solution as it combines silent electric driving with the flexibility of a fuel-powered engine.
According to Proton Holdings Bhd, the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV model is specifically designed to help consumers transition towards EV driving without requiring them to make drastic changes to their daily routines.
“One of the main concerns among EV buyers is ‘range anxiety’. With PHEV technology, consumers do not have to worry as the petrol engine is also there to serve as a backup for longer journeys.
“Priced from RM105,800 after a special RM4,000 launch rebate, the model gives consumers the opportunity to experience this new technology at an affordable price point,” the national carmaker said.
As a C-segment SUV, the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV offers a spacious and comfortable cabin for the family, while delivering fuel efficiency of around 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres (km), comparable to an A-segment vehicle.
For daily urban driving, users can rely entirely on electric mode, which offers a range of up to 105 km for the Prime and Premium variants, while the Premium Plus variant can travel up to 170 km.
“When combined with the petrol engine, which provides a driving range of more than 800 km, the model’s total driving range can exceed 1,000 km, while real-world driving tests have demonstrated a range of up to 1,100 km.
“Apart from that, a full tank of fuel for the model is estimated to cost less than RM100 under the BUDI95 subsidy,” Proton said.
In terms of long-term ownership costs, the use of PHEV technology also helps reduce the maintenance burden compared with conventional ICE vehicles.
With service intervals of between 15,000 and 20,000 km or once a year, Proton estimates that maintenance costs for the e.MAS 7 PHEV over a 10-year period will amount to around RM29,200, compared with approximately RM49,800 for an equivalent ICE SUV.
For enhanced driving comfort, the model is also equipped with a multi-link rear suspension system for more organised driving, as well as a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function that allows the vehicle’s battery to supply electricity to external devices during outdoor activities.
The transition for consumers is further supported by PRO-NET’s after-sales network, comprising 58 dealerships, 45 service centres and 10 body and paint centres nationwide.
“The model comes with a six-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty, while the battery and electric drive system are covered by an eight-year or 160,000 km warranty,” it said, adding that bookings for the vehicle have now surpassed 11,000 units since orders opened earlier this year.
On its pricing structure, Proton said the on-the-road prices excluding insurance in Peninsular Malaysia start at RM109,800 for the Prime variant, RM123,800 for Premium and RM129,800 for Premium Plus.
In Sabah and Sarawak, the Prime variant is priced at RM112,800, Premium at RM126,800 and Premium Plus at RM132,800.
With the special RM4,000 launch rebate available for a limited period, prices in Peninsular Malaysia start at RM105,800 for Prime, RM119,800 for Premium and RM125,800 for Premium Plus, while in Sabah and Sarawak, the respective prices are RM108,800, RM122,800 and RM128,800. – BERNAMA
