Subang Jaya, 9 July 2025 – Proton New Energy Technology (“PRO-NET’), the new energy subsidiary of national automaker PROTON, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AMTEL Cellular Sdn Bhd (“AMTEL”) a subsidiary of AMTEL Holdings Berhad, for the proper transportation, disassembly and disposal of electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

This collaboration will see PRO-NET tap on AMTEL’s expertise in maximising the lifespan of EV batteries for a more sustainable, circular economy. This will ensure that the battery’s valuable materials can be recovered and repurposed for secondary applications such as to manufacture new batteries or as energy storage solutions, thus minimising waste.

Based on projections by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), it is estimated that by 2050, 870,000 EV batteries will require recycling in Malaysia which calls for the necessary frameworks to guide the proper collection, processing and disposal of EV battery waste. This is critical for the long-term sustainability of EVs amidst its rapid adoption.

Mr. Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET said, “PRO-NET is fully committed to sustainability and as we help the nation transition to green mobility, we want to also ensure that in doing so, the process remains green as well. While there isn’t an official government mandate yet, we are taking early steps to safeguard the proper disposal of EV batteries, ensuring that the recycling process remains economically viable while being environmentally friendly.”

The EV battery disposal will be conducted in accordance with government-mandated regulations under the Department of Environment’s (DOE) Electronic Scheduled Waste Information System (eSWIS). AMTEL invests heavily in R&D including exploring new uses for EV battery cells. A key focus is repurposing these cells into secondary applications such as energy storage solutions, supporting a sustainable and circular energy ecosystem.

Mr. Lim Hun Teik, Chief Executive Officer of AMTEL Cellular Sdn Bhd said, “This partnership underscores our mutual commitment to not only advancing electric mobility, but also building the essential ecosystem around it, including high-quality after-sales support, safe battery management, and responsible end-of-life handling. We are fully aligned with PRO-NET’s mission to deliver innovation on wheels, and we are excited to play a vital part in ensuring peace of mind for EV owners throughout their vehicle lifecycle”.

The Proton e.MAS 7 utilises a high-tech short-blade LFP battery that is designed to help prevent battery-related issues and ensure the safety of the vehicle and its occupants. It is one of the biggest selling points that has made the Proton e.MAS 7 the best-selling EV in Malaysia for 2025 to date, aside from it also being the safest EV in Malaysia, having secured the highest ASEAN NCAP score.

Battery Indestructible Against a 36-tonne Tank

The e.MAS 7 features Cell-to-Body (CTB) integration with Aegis Short Blade Battery, meaning the battery pack is incorporated into the underlying architecture of the vehicle. More specifically, each blade battery is sealed and becomes part of the body structure, improving the rigidity and strength of the car. Most recently, the AEGIS battery pack used in the Proton e.MAS 7 was put to the ultimate pressure test: getting run over by a 36-tonne tank. In a dramatic demonstration, the battery survived being crushed by a tank—at 1.8 times the maximum pressure required by current safety standards—without any fire, explosion or thermal runaway incident.

Despite the intense pressure, the battery remained structurally intact, showing no signs of bulging, leakage, or damage. This in addition to the prior “6 Devil” test that the battery has already undergone, to ensure its durability and reliability in various conditions. The series of rigorous tests simulate extreme scenarios like fire, flood, freeze, crush, scrape, and crash. With close to a million vehicles sold globally and zero cases of spontaneous combustion, the AEGIS battery safety technology demonstrates real-world reliability.

Enjoy an Extra RM5,000 When You Trade in Your Car for a New e.MAS 7

To help more Malaysians take their first step into electric driving, we are introducing a special trade-in offer. When you trade in your existing car – regardless of brand or age – you will receive an additional RM5,000 towards your new Proton e.MAS 7. This is our way of making the transition to a smarter, safer, and more efficient vehicle easier and more rewarding. All trade-in vehicles will be subject to a standard inspection process for approval.

If you are not a Proton e.MAS owner yet, then what are you waiting for? There are ready-stock available for both the e.MAS 7 Prime and Premium variants, so you won’t need to worry about waiting long for your new sustainable ride. Prices start from just RM105,800 (Prime) and RM119,800 (Premium).

For more information, visit Proton e.MAS’s website and official social media channels: Facebook (Proton e.MAS Cars), Xiaohongshu (Proton e.MAS Cars), TikTok (@protonemasofficial), and Instagram (@protonemasofficial).

Sources: PRO-NET