PRO-NET, the new energy arm of national automaker Proton, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AMTEL Cellular Sdn Bhd to develop a sustainable framework for the transport, disassembly and disposal of electric vehicle (EV) batteries in Malaysia.
The partnership aims to extend the lifespan of EV batteries and recover valuable materials for secondary use, including new battery production and energy storage solutions. This comes as the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) projects that 870,000 EV batteries will require recycling by 2050.
EV battery disposal will adhere to regulations set by the Department of Environment’s Electronic Scheduled Waste Information System (eSWIS).
PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang said, “We are taking early steps to safeguard the proper disposal of EV batteries, ensuring the recycling process remains economically viable while being environmentally friendly.”
AMTEL’s CEO, Lim Hun Teik, added, “This partnership underscores our mutual commitment to electric mobility and responsible end-of-life handling.”
The announcement also coincides with renewed focus on the Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s best-selling and highest-rated EV for 2025, is equipped with short-blade LFP batteries and Cell-to-Body (CTB) integration. The vehicle’s AEGIS battery recently survived being run over by a 36-tonne tank without damage, exceeding current safety benchmarks.
This collaboration is part of a broader initiative to establish a circular energy ecosystem in Malaysia, ensuring EV expansion is matched by safe, long-term battery lifecycle management.
