Proton eMAS 5 Cost of Ownership: Full Analysis at the Rumoured RM80k Price

Electric vehicle ownership is more affordable than ever, especially with Proton’s soon-to-launch eMAS 5. In this guide, we’ll break down the 5-year cost of ownership for a Malaysian buyer, with realistic estimates across purchase, insurance, maintenance, road tax, energy, and depreciation.

The Proton eMAS 5 is a compact, rear-wheel-drive hatchback electric vehicle slated for launch in late 2025. It is the smaller sibling to Proton’s very first EV, the Proton eMAS 7. Local previews highlight its 250–325 km WLTP range, ADAS features, six airbags, and a 360-degree camera all packed into an affordable EV price tier. Proton positions it as a city-centric runabout that could bring EV ownership under RM 100,000.

Estimated Price Range

We expect the eMAS 5 to retail at RM 80,000 to RM 100,000 OTR. Proton’s marketing often mentions a sub-RM 100k price point to emphasize affordability. This could potentially be driven even lower since Proton is investing in a CKD factory in Tanjung Malim to product the eMAS 5.

Sample Financing Case (RM 90,000 Mid-Point)

• Price: RM 90,000 OTR
• Down Payment: 10% → RM 9,000
• Loan Amount: RM 81,000
• Loan Term: 9 years at ~3.5% p.a. (illustrative rate)
• Estimated Monthly Payment: ~RM 905

Use this calculator to plug in your rate, term, and down payment to calculate what fits your budget.

3. Insurance Costs (Annually)

EV insurance tends to cost more due to higher retail prices and unique parts like battery packs. Still, the lower RM 80–100k band helps rein in premiums.

Estimated Annual Premiums (Comprehensive + Add-ons):

• Lower bound: RM 1,600/year
• Mid-range: RM 2,200–3,200/year
• Upper bound: RM 4,000+ (zero-dep, low NCD, battery cover, or risk factors)

These estimates come from Malaysian insurer trends showing EV premiums climbing in recent years.

4. Maintenance and Servicing Costs (Annually)

EVs typically cost less to maintain—no engine oil, fewer moving parts—but tyres and wear items still exist.

Estimated Running Costs:

• Routine servicing (filters, checks): RM 200–600/year
• Tyres and wear items (every few years): RM 300–1,200 in replacement year

Five-Year Example:

• Average servicing: RM 400/year → RM 2,000
• One tyre replacement in year 4: RM 1,200
• Total Maintenance: RM 3,200 over 5 years

Local pricing trends from Proton’s eMAS 7 suggest conservative maintenance costs for a similar electric model.

5. Road Tax

Malaysia offered EV road tax exemption until end-2025. From 2026 on, road tax uses motor power (kW) bands.

Estimated Annual Road Tax:

• Low-power variants: RM 70–200/year
• Higher output trims (near 120 kW): RM 200–400/year

Plan accordingly.

6. Charging Energy Costs (Home + Public)

Use this formula: Annual km × EV consumption × electricity rate.

Assumptions:

• Driving: 12,000 km/year
• Efficiency: 15 kWh/100 km → 1,800 kWh/year

Home Charging: RM 0.60/kWh → RM 1,080/year
Public Charging: RM 1.00–1.60/kWh → up to RM 2,500/year if used heavily

Most owners will be closer to the home charging figure, especially with reliable access to a home wall box. Learn more about EV charging in Malaysia here.

7. Depreciation & Resale Value

Early EVs saw sharp depreciation, but Proton’s track record and battery warranty help. For RM 80–100k EVs, a RM 30,000 depreciation over 5 years seems reasonable, though this depends on uptake of small EVs in the used market and battery health.

8. Five-Year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Example

Here’s a composite example using mid-range estimates (RM 90,000 purchase price):

Cost Component	Cost (5 Years)
Purchase (OTR)	RM 90,000
Insurance (RM 2,500/y)	RM 12,500
Maintenance & Servicing	RM 3,200
Road Tax (RM 150/y)	RM 750
Energy (RM 1,080/y)	RM 5,400
Total 5-Year Cost	RM 111,850

9. Risks & Variables Buyers Should Watch

1. Final OTR Price & Trim Mix: Proton may offer base and premium variants, affecting costs.
2. Battery Warranty Coverage: Watch for terms on capacity loss, pro-rata pricing, and replacements.
3. Policy Changes: EV incentives, road-tax tiers, and electricity tariff shifts can tip running costs.
4. Insurance Trends: EV premiums continue to evolve; comparing yearly helps save money.
5. Charging Behaviour: Your balance of home vs public charging affects energy spend.

10. Buyer Checklist for Cost-Conscious Planning

• Use the loan calculator to understand monthly payments.
• Insurance: Compare quotes, look for battery-specific coverage, and use an affiliate comparison link.
• Charging Setup: Consider installing a home charger—our recommendation is Feyree
• Tyres & Wear Items: Budget replacements around year 4.
• Resale Strategy: Look for Proton’s buy-back or trade-in programs; check local EV interest.

Conclusion: Is the eMAS 5 Worth It?

The Proton eMAS 5 could try to deliver EV mobility at a more accessible RM 80–100k price point. Over five years, you may spend around RM 110k total cost of ownership, with most costs driven by insurance and electricity. With careful planning, selecting the right financing, insurance, and charging setup, you can align this EV with your budget goals while enjoying lower running costs than a conventional petrol car.

Want to learn more about how to charge an EV in Malaysia? Check out our in-depth guide on EV charging in Malaysia.