PRO-NET & AMTEL Join Forces on EV Battery Recycling and Circularity

By Isha Qureshi • Fri Jul 11 2025

Proton New Energy Technology (PRO-NET) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AMTEL Cellular Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of AMTEL Holdings Berhad, to collaborate on the safe transportation, disassembly, and disposal of electric vehicle (EV) batteries in Malaysia.

The partnership aims to extend the lifespan of EV batteries and promote a more circular and sustainable battery lifecycle through reuse, material recovery, and secondary applications such as energy storage systems or new battery production.

A statement by PRO-NET highlights that while Malaysia currently has no official mandate for EV battery disposal, the company is taking proactive steps to ensure the recycling process is “both economically viable and environmentally responsible,” aligning with the Department of Environment’s eSWIS (Electronic Scheduled Waste Information System).

According to projections by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), nearly 870,000 EV batteries will require recycling by 2050, underscoring the urgency for proper systems and regulations to handle end-of-life EV batteries.

Lim Hun Teik, CEO of AMTEL Cellular, shared the company’s vision for the collaboration:“This agreement reflects a shared intent to strengthen the broader EV ecosystem. This includes safe handling of used batteries, proper after-sales support, and a responsible approach to end-of-life battery management.”

AMTEL’s ongoing R&D initiatives also explore second-life applications for battery cells in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), supporting the development of a circular energy ecosystem in Malaysia.

PRO-NET’s first EV model, the Proton e.MAS 7, runs on a short-blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery using cell-to-body (CTB) integration , a structure that enhances safety and structural rigidity. The Aegis battery used in the e.MAS 7 recently passed a 36-tonne tank pressure test without signs of bulging, leakage, or fire. According to PRO-NET, this battery has also cleared rigorous testing for fire, water, impact, and extreme temperatures, achieving certification aligned with China’s latest national safety standards.

PRO-NET also stated that “vehicles equipped with Aegis battery technology have not recorded any spontaneous combustion incidents globally.”

This milestone agreement between PRO-NET and AMTEL reflects a forward-thinking, safety-driven approach to EV sustainability and sets a precedent for responsible battery management in Southeast Asia.