KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 7 -- Proton has begun construction of its first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) production plant which is said to be the first such facility in Malaysia. Involving an investment of RM82 million and covering both domestic as well as export markets, the first phase of the new plant is set to be operational by the end of 2025.

Once operational, the first phase of the plant will be able to produce up to 20,000 units per year. Proton has also confirmed that the first model to be produced by this plant will be the Proton e.MAS 7 electric SUV.

Aside from e.MAS 7, the plant will also produce other New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) that are based on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA). Proton estimates that the new plant will lead ...