Proton e.MAS 7 EV undergoing extensive real-world tests

For an automaker, it would be ideal if the car they have designed and engineered can be sent all over the world in identical form. Unfortunately, the reality is that changes have to be made to suit different markets which may also have specific regulations. While the design and engineering of a car can generally be applicable for anywhere in the world, the varied conditions in the climate, roads and other aspects require specific attention in some areas to ensure the best performance and reliability.

This is why the final stages of a new model development program involve extensive testing in real-world conditions, often in different countries. It is not practical to go to every single market to test prototypes so the engineers will pick certain regions which have representative conditions like very low temperatures, extremely dusty conditions or very high temperatures to test the vehicles. This is a crucial phase as they need to find what fails or breaks and get it fixed before the new model starts production and goes to customers.

Familiar activity for Proton
Even Proton used to carry out such testing when it exported vehicles to Europe (and also does it in Malaysia for every new model). A team of engineers would bring prototypes to the Arctic region to test them in very cold conditions which could not be found in Malaysia. This was important to ensure that the cars sold to European markets would not have problems during winter time.

Computer simulations are not enough
Proton’s first fully electric model – the e.MAS 7 – is now also undergoing similar testing around Malaysia. While Proton’s engineers do also conduct simulations that replicate Malaysia’s unique environmental factors and traffic patterns, real-world testing with actual prototypes is also important. For example, a speed bump test which reflected actual Malaysian road conditions revealed an issue and this was fed back to the engineers for correction.

No need to hide the car
As the e.MAS 7 has already been shown to the public – albeit with camouflage over the body – it is easier for the R&D teams to drive them around. In the past, prototypes would be driven late at night to avoid being seen and the engineers would dread being spotted and then a picture of the future model would appear on Paul Tan’s website. Now at least they don’t have to stay up late at night!

The EV is being driven in all the different conditions that Malaysians will know – flooded roads in heavy rain; high speeds on the expressways; roads with potholes and speedbumps; rough roads in the countryside; and also the infuriating jams that office workers have to go through daily.

Adapting to Malaysian conditions
These tests will ensure the e.MAS 7 is fully adapted to Malaysian conditions and ensure durability and reliability. The R&D teams are carrying out Durability Adaptive Testing, Electrical Road Testing, Quality Reliability Test, and also validating the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that help a driver avoid accidents.

Other areas which will undergo testing are the navigation system and Telematic Service Provider services so that they are compatible with local services. The specialists have fine-tuned the in-car navigation system to accurately reflect Malaysian road maps and optimized radio frequency capture for local stations, focusing on rural and mountainous routes and train stations to test internet connectivity.

Key software components have been localized with original Chinese market language intelligently translated into Malaysian English and not just relying on generic translations (which sometimes give strange results).

The electrical system is targeted to complete a 10,000-km road test, ensuring flawless integration of all electronic functions. Meanwhile, The ADAS has been rigorously tested in various scenarios, including shopping mall parking lots, road forks, and elevated roads.

49 changes made
Preliminary findings from the testing have shown that the e.MAS 7 has performed well in local conditions. However, Proton has requested and implemented 49 additional processes from Geely to guarantee that its EV meets the highest standards both locally and globally. Some are unique from the Galaxy E5 which Geely has started selling in China, so the e.MAS 7 will be differentiated and not be merely a ‘clone’ or the same model with a different badge.

One example of the change in specification is the water depth that the e.MAS 7 can cross without problems. Proton requested that its EV have a higher level of 400 mm compared to the Geely model. The vehicle load performance and electronic stability control characteristics are also customised for the e.MAS 7 taking into consideration Malaysian use and driving behaviour.

ASEAN NCAP test
Once the e.MAS 7 is confirmed for production, the vehicle will be tested by ASEAN NCAP to have independent validation of its safety standards, both passive as well as active. The model had already been tested by China’s NCAP organisation as the Galaxy E5 but ASEAN NCAP has its own test criteria which are more reflective of local and regional conditions. While ASEAN NCAP ratings are not required by law (the JPJ has its own standards that must be met), the star ratings and other assessments provide the public with a better understanding of the level of protection they can get.

“The Proton e.MAS 7 is far from just another global model. It is meticulously crafted to meet and exceed the expectations of Malaysian drivers. I am thrilled to see the Proton e.MAS 7 embark on this crucial phase of local testing. This marks a significant step toward delivering a vehicle that not only represents a technological breakthrough but also embodies our commitment to meeting the specific needs of the Malaysian market. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that the Proton e.MAS 7 stands up to the highest standards of quality and reliability, paving the way for its grand launch,’’ said Zhang Qiang, CEO of PRO-NET, Proton’s subsidiary which is focussed on the development and marketing of New Energy Vehicles.

Click here for announcements on where PRO-NET’s dealers are so you can register your interest in the e.MAS 7.

PRO-NET looking for more dealers for e.MAS EV brand