Proton eMas 7 EV – 100,000km local testing before launch, higher wading depth than Geely
Proton is making great efforts to emphasize that its upcoming product eMas 7 (stylized as e.MAS 7) is not just a simple renaming of it Geely Galaxy E5/LESSON 5 twin, highlighting significant local input. The national automaker has detailed a local testing regime for its first EV ahead of its launch later this year.
The company has sent six prototypes of the SUV (presumably you have seen them before) throughout Peninsular Malaysia to ensure the vehicle can withstand local road and climate conditions, as well as ensure the vehicle’s durability and adaptability to suit market preferences.
A total of four road tests have been scheduled, including the Adaptive Durability Test (DAT), Electric Road Test (ERT), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Road Test and Quality Reliability Test (QRT). Proton is also fine-tuning the eMas 7’s infotainment system, integrated navigation and telematics services.
So far, Proton engineers have put the car through DAT – a simulation of Malaysia’s environment and traffic – and updated the navigation system’s maps, optimized radio frequency reception, and tested internet connectivity on rural and mountainous roads and at train stations. The company says it has also tested its ADAS systems in a variety of locations, including shopping mall parking lots, road junctions, and elevated roads.
Meanwhile, a 10,000km road test is being conducted as part of the ERT to ensure that the eMas 7’s electronic functions are seamlessly integrated into the electrical system. Key software components have also been localised, with the team translating the Flyme Auto infotainment’s Chinese language into Malaysian English and tailoring settings to local needs rather than relying on generic translations.
But it’s the durability testing, which includes troubleshooting and system checks, that is most impressive. Proton claims to have requested and implemented 49 additional testing procedures – some of which are unique to Proton – to ensure the eMas 7 meets both local and global standards. These include load performance and vehicle stability control tests.
Notably, the eMas 7 outperforms the Galaxy E5 by offering a maximum wading depth of 400mm to provide additional protection against flooding. The depth test was conducted at Proton’s test site in July, where the company also conducted speed bump testing to simulate real-world Malaysian road conditions. An issue was discovered during the test and has since been fixed.
Last but not least, the 100,000km QRT phase is scheduled to test acceleration, braking performance and fuel consumption, along with software testing. Proton will also submit the eMas 7 for the usual ASEAN NCAP crash and safety test series.
Based on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA), the eMas 7 is set to feature a 12-in-1 motor with a claimed efficiency of 90.04 percent and a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery using Aegis “short blade” battery cells. It will also use the aforementioned Flyme Auto infotainment system powered by a 7nm chip.
No specifications have been released yet, but Galaxy E5 in China It is powered by a single front motor that produces 218 PS (160 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. There are two battery capacities available in China – the 49.52 kWh version has a CLTC range of 440 km, while the 60.22 kWh unit is said to be good for up to 530 km. The eMas 7 is expected to share the same mechanical system.
GALLERY: Proton eMas 7 previewed in Malaysia
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