As more Malaysians make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET) is reminding EV owners that being part of the electric revolution is not just about driving an EV — it is also about knowing how to share the road and charging infrastructure responsibly. Through its Proton e.MAS brand, PRO-NET is encouraging EV owners to practise better charging etiquette, particularly when using public charging stations where demand is growing alongside EV adoption.

Proton e.MAS currently holds a 60.9% share of Malaysia’s EV market, making it the country’s leading EV brand. Its line-up also includes segment-leading models such as the Proton e.MAS 5, Malaysia’s No. 1 EV model, the e.MAS 7, the No. 1 C-segment EV SUV, and the e.MAS 7 PHEV, which leads the PHEV segment.

However, PRO-NET believes that market leadership comes with a responsibility that extends beyond selling vehicles. With more e.MAS models joining Malaysia’s roads, the company wants its owners to help establish positive habits that can benefit the wider EV community, regardless of which brand they drive.

Unlike conventional petrol stations, public EV chargers can require considerably more time to replenish a vehicle’s battery. This makes considerate use of charging bays particularly important, especially as more EV owners begin depending on public infrastructure. Malaysia’s charging network is expanding to keep pace with this growth. Through its Integrated Live Charging Map, PRO-NET currently provides EV users with information covering more than 5,100 charging points across 90% of the country.

Its charging ecosystem also includes more than 2,000 charging points located across over 700 high-rise residential developments, allowing EV owners to charge closer to home. In addition, PRO-NET has 103 DC charging points across its dealership network. “With more EVs on the road and more charging points becoming available, charging is increasingly becoming part of everyday life for Malaysian motorists. This makes it important for all of us to develop good habits from the beginning,” said Ahmad Munif Halim, Head of Charging, PRO-NET.

“The EV community in Malaysia is still relatively young, so the habits we form today can shape the charging experience for years to come. We want charging to be a pleasant experience for everyone. Whether you drive a Proton e.MAS or another EV brand, we all share the same charging infrastructure. A little consideration, patience and awareness can go a long way in making public charging better for the entire community.”

To put the message into practice, PRO-NET has introduced a series of charging etiquette reminders at selected JomCharge public charging stations. The messages focus on some of the simplest — but often most important — aspects of using a public charger. EV owners are encouraged to charge only for as long as necessary, move their vehicles once charging is complete, keep charging bays accessible and remain considerate of other drivers who may be waiting.

In other words, once your EV has finished charging, the charging bay should not become an unofficial parking space. PRO-NET will also provide the same charging etiquette tips to new Proton e.MAS owners when they collect their vehicles. This aims to establish responsible charging habits from the very beginning of their EV ownership journey.

According to Puan Salawati Mohd Yusoff, Chief Branding Officer of PRO-NET, the initiative reflects the responsibility that comes with being one of Malaysia’s most visible EV brands. “With the growing number of Proton e.MAS vehicles on Malaysian roads, our owners have an opportunity to set the standard for what good EV ownership looks like. That responsibility extends beyond how we drive. It also includes how we use shared charging infrastructure and how we treat fellow EV owners,” she said.

For PRO-NET, the message is ultimately bigger than the Proton e.MAS brand. As Malaysia’s EV population continues to grow, charging stations will increasingly become shared spaces where drivers from different manufacturers have to coexist. Good charging etiquette, therefore, should not be determined by the badge on the vehicle.

“We want Proton e.MAS owners to lead by example. As a national EV brand with a growing presence across the country, we believe our community can help establish positive habits for everyone to follow. Ultimately, good charging etiquette should not depend on the badge on the bonnet. It should simply be part of being an EV owner,” added Puan Salawati. The initiative forms part of PRO-NET’s wider efforts to support Malaysia’s transition towards electrified mobility. Alongside expanding charging accessibility, the company says responsible use of the growing infrastructure will be equally important as the country’s EV ecosystem matures.