Earlier this morning, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad got up close and personal with the Polestar 2, with DRB-Hicom bringing a white unit with the registration plate ‘WHX 2020’ to the former prime minister and founder of Proton.
The Polestar 2 is the second model from the standalone electric offshoot jointly owned by Volvo and its Chinese parent, Geely Holding, which also owns a 49.9% stake in Proton. Currently, the liftback model is available in three variants, with battery capacities of between 69 and 78 kWh and power outputs of between 408 PS (402 hp or 300 kW)/660 Nm and 231 PS (228 hp or 170 kW)/330 Nm depending on whether it is front- or all-wheel drive.
“I understand that with a single charge it can travel for up to 400 km. One full charge is enough to use this car as usual. As for charging, it only requires less than two hours to get to 100%. If charging using electricity at home, it takes about seven hours. However, it is not difficult these days because there are more than 1,000 charging stations all over the country, so there is no problem to charge the vehicle anywhere,” Mahathir wrote in a post on his official Facebook page.
He was also a big fan of the Polestar 2’s design, pointing out the EV’s front trunk (frunk) as well as the minimalistic and futuristic cabin that integrates many vehicle functions into a tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system.
Mahathir also said that EVs are the way forward to reduce pollution and that in most countries, the local government incentivises the purchase of such zero-emissions vehicles. However, he noted that while using an EV doesn’t pollute the air as it emits no exhaust gases, the electricity supply used to charge them comes from power stations that do pollute.
As such, he said EVs have yet to reach the stage where they are truly pollution-free, adding that hydrogen fuel cell cars may be a better alternative, although those come with their own problems that need to be analysed and resolved. For now, he said EVs are the option for cleaner air in cities. Mahathir ended his post by saying that he hoped Proton would be able to advance the development of its EV project so that one day, it would be able to introduce its own EV to the market.
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Where is the flying cars, Tun?
Hamzah working on it with unta rider
Eh, wasn’t it this “hilang deposit” loser who lamented the “death of his child” when Geely bought the stake in Proton?
Proton started ud8ng tax payers money. Its onky dr m’s child if he had used or raised his own money.
PROTON is a masterpiece on ‘how to fail’
nak produce basikal 3 roda pun belum tentu berjaya
Tun abviously forgot that Power Stations are AWAY from Residential and Places with high HUMAN densities. PLUS there are SOLAR, WIND , Hydro ,etc which generate Electricity WITHOUT Burn Fuel ( Pollution) . BUT ICE vehicles are POLLUTING the ENTIRE HUMAN RACE. In housing Estates, Schools, Hospitals, ETC … Any where there are HUMANS. So … He Really needs to Rethink if ICE are good for HUMANS or EV is a MUCH BETTER alternative.
In our country, solar power generates only half the power than in sustralia or. Zlufornua where tge sun shines brightly most of the year. Our only advantage in renewable is hydropower, which environmentalist now considers this as damaging to environment.
Proton? You mean Tong San Geely?
May Tun DM be healthy for years to come, your advice and experience is still required.
That is one nice polestar. Better to give it to me. At least I can put it to better use.
Well from here we know who are the biggest cronies he has created just like the rice case :) – hopefully you may see the Lotus Electre yet a car that you would never dream off under your belt due to so much malpractices.
Or maybe just let us know for your 3rd car project which other cronies you did want to feed?
Why does his opinion matter? It’s cause of him the Malaysian car industry / market is punished with the proton tax. A company that lost to hyundai despite being around earlier. You either die a hero or live long enough to become a villain….
Polestar making this car has nothing to do with Geely let alone Proton. Volvo’s acquisition had specific stipulations of parent company not meddling with engineering and design. Their previous owner Ford also never meddled. This is just an attempt from Tun to again get political brownie points and to bring Proton back into relevance. Wake up Malaysians!
This old horse still cannot let go his baby, DRB-Hicom! He has given all the protection, impose redtape to push away others car marker! Millions of Job has push away to Thailand! Thai people should give Tun M the title of “The Father of Thailand Automotive Industry”
Wow DRB still jilat this guys shoes?
Memang krony besar nih
Wow DRB still jilat this guys shoes?
Memang krony besar nih…
A great leader he is. Take care Tun.
Go bodek someone that can’t even keep his deposit for what?
No Tun maybe no proton, only perosatu.
Under Mahathir’s leadership, Proton was a complete flop and because of Proton and Mahathir protectionism policy Japanese automotive companies were forced to leave Malaysia for Thailand, turning Thailand into an automotive production hub of ASEAN and a vibrant city for Japanese companies.
When Najib government accepted Geely as Proton’s partner to stop it from losing money, this old man was protesting against selling his national car to China.
Fast forward, Proton has finally become profitable, producing respectable cars with new technology, and now Mahathir is trying to claim credit for his child that is now fathered by the Chinese.
What is most astonishing is that Mahathir, as PM for PH government, insisted on having a new national car project and going around shamelessly like a fool to sell Asean countries the idea that this will be car for ASEAN.