Proton Electric Car

  • Proton EV leaked? Geely Galaxy E5 is a new global electric SUV with 218 PS, developed for RHD markets

    In Cars, Electric Cars in Malaysia, Geely, International News, Proton / By / / 15 comments

    Proton EV leaked? Geely Galaxy E5 is a new global electric SUV with 218 PS, developed for RHD markets

    Geely’s burgeoning Galaxy lineup of new energy vehicles (NEV) is gaining a new member in the shape of the Galaxy E5, an electric SUV that will complement the E8 sedan. The crossover was declared on China’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) website, hinting at an impending launch.

    As expected, the E5 bears all the Galaxy lineup’s design cues, including the slim headlights, grille-less front end, L-shaped bumper corners, flush pop-out door handles, scalloped sides and full-width taillights. You also get the Galaxy-specific six-segment rectangular front badge, which is different from Geely’s more shield-shaped insignia.

    It’s been reported by Autohome that the E5 will be powered by a single 218 PS (160 kW) motor. This is slightly lower than what the rear-wheel-drive E8 makes – 272 PS (200 kW) and 343 Nm of torque, figures that are identical to the smart #1 Pro and Premium.

    Proton EV leaked? Geely Galaxy E5 is a new global electric SUV with 218 PS, developed for RHD markets

    While battery details have yet to be revealed, it’s likely the E5 will utilise the base E8’s 62 kWh battery, which in the four-door provides a range of 550 km on China’s lenient CLTC cycle. It’s also unclear if the E5 will adopt the E8’s 800-volt electrical architecture, which enables between 150 and 360 kW of DC fast charging power.

    Interestingly, the E5 will reportedly be the first global Galaxy model and has allegedly been developed for right-hand-drive markets from the get-go. Obviously, this raises the possibility of it coming to Malaysia as a Proton, especially given that the only Geely models that have been converted to RHD have been sold as Protons (X70, X50, X90 and S70).

    The suggestion that the RHD model is being been created concurrently with the LHD version certainly tracks with Proton CEO Roslan Abdullah’s claim that the national carmaker’s first EV will be co-developed with Geely – and not simply a rebadge of an existing model. The E5’s impending Chinese launch also fits the 2025 timeline that Proton has confirmed for its new electric car.

    Click to enlarge

    However, if the E5 does end up being Proton’s first EV, it’s unlikely it will be priced under the RM100,000 threshold promised by the government. That’s because it’s quite a bit bigger than even the not-exactly-small X70 – the same Autohome report notes that the E5 measures 4,615 mm long, 1,901 mm wide and 1,670 mm tall, with a 2,750 mm wheelbase.

    Against the X70, this new model is 96 mm longer and 70 mm wider, and has an 80 mm longer wheelbase, putting it closer to the ballpark of the latest sixth-generation Honda CR-V. Additionally, the E5 will almost certainly offer greater sophistication and a higher level of technology and standard equipment, especially if the Boyue L-based Galaxy L7 plug-in hybrid – the closest parallel to the E5 – is anything to go by (triple screens, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, dual Qi wireless chargers, etc).

    However, there is still hope – Autohome said that the E5 is expected to be priced between 150,000 (RM99,300) and 200,000 yuan (RM132,500). With the government’s ongoing tax exemption, it is possible that the base model might be able to sneak under the magic RM100,000 mark.

     
     

  • Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    In Cars, Local News, Proton / By / / 40 comments

    Proton Iriz EV 2

    Proton has announced it will offer its own-brand, homegrown electric vehicle (EV) for Malaysia, although no definitive timeline has been laid out for now.

    This was revealed during today’s exchange of memorandum of understanding (MOU) documents between the carmaker’s NEV subsidiary, Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net) and Gentari at the ongoing 2022 International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM).

    If you’re unfamiliar with the term ‘NEV’, it stands for new energy vehicle and is popularly used in China for electrified vehicles, which includes those with either a mild hybrid, hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric powertrain – the last of which is also commonly referred to as an EV (electric vehicle) or BEV (battery electric vehicle).

    Details are scarce, but Proton says its Pro-Net subsidiary will work closely with smart to ensure the forthcoming EV products match the usage profile of Malaysian EV buyers. Additionally, the company will also invest to grow its knowledge base in the field of NEVs by sending engineers to be trained in all aspects of the field.

    “Today’s exchange of documents with Gentari addresses one piece of Proton move into the NEV market and opens opportunities to collaborate with the clean energy subsidiary of Petronas to contribute to the buildup of Malaysia’s charging infrastructure. However, Proton must pay equal attention to other areas of the business if we want to have a comprehensive business solution,” said Roslan Abdullah, deputy CEO of Proton.

    “For instance, as a national automotive brand, Proton should spearhead the development of Malaysia’s EV ecosystem by investing in knowledge and expertise to address potential blind spots in areas where we have little experience. So, we are sending 16 engineers to China for six months to be trained in R&D, vehicle performance, homologation, and testing with the aim of eventually developing and selling a homegrown NEV.”

    “This is an important step in supporting the government’s efforts to move Malaysia towards a knowledge-based economy and to be a regional epicentre for NEVs,” he added.

    Proton has dabbled in the realm of NEVs in the past, as during the 2015 IGEM, the carmaker presented the Iriz EV. That car had a 39.6-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that powered a front electric motor rated at 158 PS (155 hp or 116 kW) and 360 Nm of torque.

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    The setup enables a 0-100 km/h time of less than nine seconds and top speed of 150 km/h, with a fully charged battery capable of delivering up to 300 km following the NEDC cycle. The EV supports AC charging up to 6.6 kW and fast charging up to 50 kW, with a 40-100% state of charge reached in just 15 minutes with the latter.

    There was also the Saga EV Green Propulsion Concept, the Exora REEV, the Preve REEV and Persona Elegance REEV.

    Meanwhile, in November last year, the carmaker previewed a 1.5 litre TGDi mild hybrid engine at its Centre of Excellence (COE). At the time, the company did not mention if it will offer any of its own-brand electrified cars, but today’s announcement is a clear indication that one or more will be coming our way. Just when this will happen, we’ll have to wait to find out.

    GALLERY: Proton Iriz EV prototype

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    GALLERY: Proton Preve REEV

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    GALLERY: Proton Saga EV Green Propulsion Concept

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    GALLERY: Proton previews 1.5L TGDi with BSG mild hybrid technology

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training
    Proton to develop its own homegrown EV for Malaysia – 16 engineers to be sent to China for R&D training

     
     

  • Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM

    In Cars, Local News, Proton / By / / 156 comments

    Proton Iriz EV 2

    Following a glimpse of the Proton Iriz EV prototype in South Korea last October, we now have the first pictures and initial specs of the local carmaker’s very own electric vehicle. The Proton Iriz EV is currently on display at the 2015 International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM).

    While the exterior looks familiar, the Iriz EV is a totally different car underneath. Powering the car is a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor that puts out the equivalent of 116 kW (155 hp) and 360 Nm of torque – the motor is juiced up by an LG-developed 39.6 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. This allows for a 0-100 km/h time of less than nine seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h.

    Other details in which the spec sheet lists is a 50 kW fast charging and a 6.6 kW normal charging system. A 7.23 ratio for the single-speed transmission is also noted. According to Proton, the battery can be charged from 40% to full in just 15 minutes with a fast charger, four hours with a public charger and seven hours with a standard three-pin plug.

    While it was previously claimed that the Iriz EV had a better range than the Nissan Leaf (240 km versus 200 km touted by the latter), Proton now says that it can cover more ground than that – a NEDC cycle-based operational range of around 300 km is mentioned. An impressive figure considering that the car weighs in at 1,380 kg – 195 kg heavier than the standard Iriz 1.6 Premium CVT (1,185 kg).

    Elsewhere, the underfloor-mounted battery means that interior space has not been compromised – the car even retains its spare tyre under the boot floor. The gearknob is now a small, stumpy item that appears to have been nicked off a third-gen Toyota Prius, and there’s now a digital instrument display showing the speed, charge status, power used/regenerative braking applied and even the battery temperature.

    Back in October 2014, it was revealed by Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) CEO, Madani Sahari, that one of the two proposed Malaysian-developed electric vehicles could be sold for under RM100k when it hits the market.

    If all goes according to plan, the Iriz EV could be officially launched by end 2016/early 2017.

    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM

    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM

    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM

    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM

    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM
    Proton Iriz EV – 300 km electric car on display at IGEM

     
     

  • Proton Iriz EV prototype in Korea, developed with LG!

    In Cars, International News, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton / By / / 98 comments

    proton-iriz-ev-lg-korea-8

    Seems LG Electronics’ involvement in the future of the Proton Iriz isn’t just limited to the ADAS stereo camera and the NEXLIDE lights – MITI minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed has posted pictures of a Proton Iriz electric vehicle (EV) prototype on his Facebook page.

    Not completely far-fetched, this, since we know the Iriz’s all-new platform can has been designed to support hybrid and electric powertrains. Pictured here at LG’s R&D facility in Incheon, Seoul, the Proton Iriz EV prototype is claimed to have an all-electric range of 240 km – if that is so, it’s pretty impressive. The Nissan Leaf sold here only travels less than 200 km on a single charge.

    Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) CEO Madani Sahari revealed recently that a prototype of a locally-assembled electric vehicle will be completed by September 2015, and that it would be the result of a joint-venture between a local company and a foreign one. Was this what he meant?

    Late last year, we reported that Proton was targeting to bring its first EV to market by end-2015. Before that, Parliament was told that Proton would begin selling electric vehicles by 2014. At that stage, the national car company was collaborating with UK-based Frazer-Nash Research to develop its own EV. It has also worked previously with Detroit Electric.

    Now that we know an electric version is alive, when can we expect an Iriz hybrid?

    Proton Iriz EV prototype in Korea, developed with LG!
    Proton Iriz EV prototype in Korea, developed with LG!
    Proton Iriz EV prototype in Korea, developed with LG!
    Proton Iriz EV prototype in Korea, developed with LG!
    Proton Iriz EV prototype in Korea, developed with LG!

    Proton Iriz EV prototype in Korea, developed with LG!
    Proton Iriz EV prototype in Korea, developed with LG!
    Proton Iriz EV prototype in Korea, developed with LG!
    Proton Iriz EV prototype in Korea, developed with LG!
    Proton Iriz EV prototype in Korea, developed with LG!

     
     

  • Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed

    In Cars, Proton / By / / 103 comments

    Proton_Preve_REEV_ 008

    This Proton Preve REEV is on display this weekend at the Alami Proton carnival happening at the Proton headquarters in Shah Alam. It’s a range extender electric vehicle, which basically means it moves with pure electric power, but also has an engine that is used to power a generator that recharges the batteries.

    This is not the first REEV that we’ve seen from Proton. There was an Exora REEV, but that was developed with Frazer-Nash and used a rotary engine as the range extender. This one is a continuation of the range extender powertrain in the Proton EMAS Concept, which uses a Lotus “Omnivore” three-cylinder 1.2 litre engine as the range extender.

    Proton_Preve_REEV_ 006

    In the EMAS, the three-cylinder engine did 51 horsepower at 3,500 rpm and 107 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm. It only runs at 2 RPM points – 1,500 rpm and 3,500 rpm, as its sole purpose is to recharge the batteries. The batteries of the Emas could power the car up to 50 km on a full charge, so if your travel is under 50 km, you won’t burn any fossil fuels and can run on electric power alone.

    Proton_Preve_REEV_ 024

    This system has been updated for the Preve REEV – the aluminum block engine is now 1.3 liter in size and has a supercharger, which allows it to produce more power.

    According to the Proton engineers manning the booth, the more powerful generator engine allows the Preve REEV to maintain highways speeds even when the batteries have been exhausted, as the more powerful engine can now produce enough power in real time to keep the car going at high speeds.

    It’s a prototype to test the REEV system, so the engine bay packaging hasn’t really been done to production car standards. As a result, the engine is mounted high, and the engine hood had to be modified with a bump to clear the engine. The 15.7 kWh lithium ion batteries are mounted under the floor, and the fuel tank has been moved a little to the rear to make way for this.

    You can charge the batteries via a plug-in socket on the passenger side front fender, so the range extender only kicks in if your journey exceeds the battery’s capacity. The electric motor can do 80 kW (107 horsepower) and 170 Nm of torque.

    The Preve REEV weighs 1,724 kg, but has an ECE R101 fuel consumption rating of 0.82 litres per 100 km. It only outputs 19.4 g/km of CO2 emissions on average, but if you can keep it on electric mode, it’s basically zero emissions. The 100 km/h sprint is done in 14.7 seconds.

    Visit the Alami Proton over the weekend to view the car in person.

    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed

    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed

    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed

    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed
    Proton Preve REEV electric car prototype previewed

     
     

  • Proton to come out with hybrid car by end-2014, to bring an EV into the market by the end of 2015

    In Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton / By / / 110 comments

    saga ev

    Some news on developments on the hybrid and electric vehicle front for Proton – it was reported recently that the automaker said it’s anticipating to come out with a hybrid car by the end of 2014, and that it expects to launch an EV by end-2015.

    According to executive chairman Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil, the company is “still on track with the hybrid project, and will complete the new technology by the end of 2014.” He added that that in the case of the EV, the prototype was ready and that the automaker was now at the testing stage to ensure it meets local specifications. No details were reported on which model the EV would be based on.

    In September 2012, Parliament was told that Proton would begin selling electric vehicles by 2014. At that stage, the national car company was collaborating with UK-based Frazer-Nash Research to develop its own EV.

    Back in 2010 and into 2011, prototypes of the Range Extender Electric Exora and UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV were heavily showcased – the duo were involved in the RAC Future Car Challenge 2011 from Brighton to London, and eight examples (five Exora REEV and three Saga EVs) were handed to the government for fleet testing trials, but things seem to have quietened since then.

    Click here to read our preview drive reports of the Exora REEV and Saga EV.

     
     

  • Proton electric car coming in 2014, Parliament told

    In Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton / By / / 120 comments

    Proton electric car coming in 2014, Parliament told

    Proton will be selling electric vehicles by 2014, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed told Parliament yesterday. The national car company is currently collaborating with UK-based Frazer-Nash Research to develop its own EV.

    In a reply to Gombak MP Azmin Ali, the MITI minister said that Proton had allocated RM500 million for research and development in green technology and is expected to gain profits after commercialising EVs in 2014, The Star reported.

    The PKR man asked MITI to state the rationale of investment by Proton through Frazer-Nash, to which Mustapa replied that Proton’s R&D spend is much smaller than other car manufacturers.

    It was pointed out that GM invested about US$1.2 billion to develop its Chevrolet Volt while Nissan-Renault has allocated US$5.6 billion for the same purpose. Allegations that Proton spent some RM270 million to test 30 cars and each cost about RM9 million were untrue, Mustapa said.

    Proton electric car coming in 2014, Parliament told

    Meanwhile, Bernama reports that the government is ready to allocate RM120 million next year to Proton for the development of an EV before it can be commercialised mid-2014.

    “The government allocated RM100 million this year for Proton to develop a hybrid and electric model and will consider an allocation of RM120 million next year for research and development. All this depends on Budget 2013 which will be tabled by the Prime Minister tomorrow (today) and on Proton meeting its key performance index target,” Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said.

    Who is Frazer-Nash? Is their tech any good? Well, Proton/Frazer-Nash won two awards – the Most Efficient Multi-Purpose Car (Prototype) and the Best Overall Extended-Range Vehicle (E-REV) – at last year’s RAC Future Car Challenge from Brighton to London. The 64-car field included the best electric powered and alternative fuel vehicles around, from the Chevy Volt to the Nissan Leaf, so it’s no small feat. Click here to read our race report.

    We have also tasted the fruits of the collaboration and came away impressed – click to read exclusive test drives of the Saga EV and Exora REEV.

     
     

  • EXCLUSIVE: Battery-powered Proton Saga EV driven

    In Car Reviews, Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton / By / / 86 comments

    saga-ev-02

    Greetings from England! We’re here braving the wet and cold weather to witness the RAC Future Car Challenge from Brighton to London. The challenge (it’s not a race, according to organisers Royal Automobile Club of Pall Mall London) happens this Saturday in the UK, one day before the RAC’s famous London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

    Just as the Veteran Car Run celebrates the great cars of yesterday, the Future Car Challenge seeks to promote, demo and challenge clean and green cars – the cars of the future. The FCC also runs the opposite direction of the veteran run, starting from the coastal town and heading to the capital city.

    saga-ev-03

    This is the second year of the RAC Future Car Challenge, which seeks to find the most efficient and least energy consuming cars in different categories. National carmaker Proton, which won the “Best Range Extender EV” award last year with the Exora REEV, is entering three cars this year – Saga EV, Exora REEV and Persona Elegance REEV, the latter a newly built car with the same drivetrain as the MPV.

    These cars were developed in partnership with Frazer Nash Research Ltd, a British based R&D company specialising in electric vehicle powertrains. Earlier today, we visited FN’s headquarters in Surrey to learn more about the company and its relationship with Proton. We also got to sample the Exora REEV and Saga EV at a small test track. Having already driven the Exora REEV last year (click here to read our exclusive test drive report), I paid attention to the electric Saga.

    Continue reading the report after the jump.

     
     

  • The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover

    In Cars, Local News, Proton / By / / 138 comments

    saga ev 1

    Ahead of the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show’s opening, Proton and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia today previewed the EV Saga plug-in electric vehicle, a collaborative effort that took 11 months to develop.

    In case you’re wondering whether this is the same Saga EV Concept as seen more than a year ago, well, it’s not, even if you can’t run away from some of the EV-based fundamentals and the similar name – the current car also bears the Green Propulsion Concept sub-moniker the earlier version did.

    saga ev 3

    The project had a core team of 20 people, 10 each from Proton and UTM, with the UTM team made up of lecturers, postgrad student and technicians from the university’s Power Electronics and Drives Research Group (PEDG) of the Energy Research Alliance, led by associate professor Dr Nik Rumzi Nik Idris.

    Effectively, Proton laid the foundations with a base Saga, sans standard drivetrain and powertrain, and specified – as well as purchased – the EV-based materials that were used on the car, with UTM primarily responsible for incorporating everything into developing the final product. The modification work was done at the FKE lab in Skudai, Johor and at Proton’s Research Dept lab in Shah Alam.

    saga ev 5

    Specifications-wise, the EV Saga fields an Azure Dynamics AC24LS 5.5 kW 4-pole, three-phase air-cooled AC electric motor (and corresponding DMOC445 digital motor controller) that can spin up to a maximum of 11,000 rpm, and which offers 47 kW (63 hp) of peak power and 92 Nm of max torque, working with a single-gear transmission and a 15 kWh, 50Ah lithium-ion battery.

    The battery consists of 8 separate modules, and each module is made up of 40 cells (in a four-in-parallel, 10-in-series configuration), and together the assembly weighs in at 240 kg, though unlike the 12 module battery in the earlier Saga EV incarnation, it doesn’t completely eat up the boot space of the car (they sit quite comfortably in the spare wheel well area). Incidentally, weight-wise, the EV Saga tips the scales at just 150 kg more than a standard Saga, with the battery being the hefty lad.

    saga ev 4

    The battery gets its cooling via fan ventilation, which gets its juice from the three-panel solar photovoltaic system sitting on the roof of the car. Each panel is able to provide 5 watts, making 15 in total, just enough to get things going for the battery, but not enough to ventilate the cabin – the incorporation of a larger panel assembly is being planned.

    Off a normal 240V point, the battery takes seven to eight hours to charge fully, though it can be fast charged if the need arises. Performance-wise, the EV Saga has a top speed of 125 kph and offers a 160 km range (in NEDC cycle mode), with a 0-100 kph time of 14.5 seconds.

    saga ev 2

    The gearshift in the prototype had a rather strange selector pattern arrangement (D, B, P, N, S, E, R), which turned out to be Drive, (regenerative) Braking, Park, Neutral, Sport, Eco and Reverse. Well, the Sport (full power) and Eco (the term is descriptive enough, no?) functions had to go somewhere, I suppose. A switch marked Regen Brake (with either Dry or Slippery mode, toggled) next to the shifter is essentially an adjustment switch for the level of regeneration being placed back into the system.

    There are some points to note about the performance figures above, as I found out from talking to the UTM boffins – the top speed is that read from bench testing, and though the range under the NEDC cycle is rated at 160 km, testing under real world conditions (with traffic, as well as irregular stop-start and speed cycles) hasn’t ascertained what a realistic – and repeatable – operational range might be. So far, on-road testing has been primarily carried out within UTM’s grounds. And though the car has an air-conditioner, the latter hasn’t been factored in too.

    saga ev 6

    Final numbers notwithstanding, the effort is a sterling one from those involved in the EV’s development. As with all things new, the learning curve has been steep; the project has had its odd hiccup and expected difficulties while in transition from start to final product (the nastiest bit would be an incident during DC to DC testing, with an oversight effectively frying half the battery assembly’s modules). Still, there has certainly been much learnt, and learnt very well, so kudos are in order – take a bow, gentlemen.

    A mention of another highlight in the EV Saga, which revolves around the lights. The car features the use of LED head and tail lamps, which isn’t exactly novel, but what is happens to be the system that drives things along – a specially-designed digital optics driver made by Penang-based company Digitron Research Laboratory.

    saga ev 7

    The system, which took two years to design, offers tunable and efficiently distributed light intensity and throw (up to 20 metres), with items such as phase and time shift as well as line vectoring all tailorable, depending on application.

    Beneficially, in the EV Saga, the two headlamps use up only 12 watts of consumption, the tail lamp cluster 10 watts, and the interior lighting a further eight watts, making for a grand total of 30. Which follows the green stance of things to a T. Its developer says the real benefits of the system will be in the area of commercial lighting, which is definitely a very bright thought.

    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover

    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover

    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover

    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover

    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover

    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover
    The UTM/Proton-developed Saga EV breaks cover

     
     

  • Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested

    In Car Reviews, Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton / By / / 294 comments

    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested

    Here’s something unexpected. We’ve not only got up close and personal with Proton’s prototype Exora EV, we’ve driven it already! And this wasn’t at a Proton event, but at the iGREET (Information on Green Technology) seminar series on green technology organised by Cyberview Sdn Bhd, the landowner of Cyberjaya. Proton was invited to this sixth and last iGREET session to talk about its foray into the electric vehicle scene.

    As most know by now, Proton will roll out green cars in the near future that are often dubbed as “hybrid cars” by the media. In actual fact, the cars coming our way aren’t hybrids in the mould of the Prius or Civic Hybrid, but electric cars powered solely by batteries.

    Proton’s Green Project Team is working with UK-based Fraser-Nash Research, Lotus, Imperial College London and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) on a Range Extender Electric Vehicle or REEV – Proton is currently testing the REEV Exora with and without the range extender function, because it’s just a matter of switching the engine on or off.

    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested

    Some of you might wonder what a range extender is? One of the main drawbacks of an EV is the limited range, and the RE engine takes care of this by providing the battery with juice when it runs dry. So you can reach your destination safely before plugging the car in. The Chevrolet Volt also uses such a system, where its ICE engine doesn’t power the wheels. The experimental RE in the Exora EV prototype is a 400 cc rotary engine with 50 hp. The mass production model most probably won’t come with a rotary, but the target is minimum 50 hp.

    There are two electric motors powering this Exora – one for each front wheel. Each makes 35 kW to make 70 kW in total, while torque is rated at 220 Nm combined, available from rest. Proton has decided on the use of lithium polymer batteries, which is more advanced than the lithium ion variety, which is already better than the NiMH packs used in today’s hybrids. Targeted charging time from 10% to full is 6-8 hours while fast charging takes 30 minutes. Proton is aiming for 140 km/h top speed and 140 km range on the Saga body, so we’ll presume that the figures will be slightly less for the Exora.

    A charging infrastructure is obviously needed, but at least EV drivers won’t be stranded due to the range extender engine. The REEV Exora is heading to production as early as next year, although nothing is confirmed at this point, which is why we don’t have a detailed technical analysis.

    What we have however, is driving impressions of the REEV Exora. We drove the exact same car that won the “Best Range Extender EV” award at the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Future Car Challenge in England earlier this month.

    Brief driving impressions of the REEV Exora prototype

    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested

    We got to drive the REEV Exora on the empty roads around the Kelab Komuniti Cyberjaya. It was a very brief run, but enough to get a feel of what it’s all about. As is the norm for EVs, starting the car is a soundless affair that one might need to get used to. Twist the key and the instrument panel will light up, as will the central LCD screen showing the battery charge state and temperature. A few seconds later, a “Ready to Drive” alert will tell you that it’s ready to roll.

    Other than P, R, and N, the gear lever has two drive modes – D and S. Put it in D and the MPV rolls off silently like a big golf cart. There’s a faint whirring noise that the accompanying Proton engineer said was the fans cooling the battery. Pick up is good, as you’d expect in an EV, but speed is limited to 50 km/h in D, which should be the equivalent of ECO mode in a Prius.

    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested

    Shift to S and the difference is as clear as night and day. Besides being able to hit a top speed of 140 km/h, the rate of acceleration is multiplied. I took it to around 120 km/h with ease before running out of road. An Exora with torque steer? Believe it!

    These prototypes feel very far from being a finished product though. Throttle response isn’t close to immediate – back off the pedal and the car feels like it’s hit a speed limiter, step on it again and there’s a long delay before power gushes in. The steering is also heavier and less intuitive than in the standard Exora.

    The rotary engine which provides the “extended range” in the name only kicks in when battery charge falls to about 30%. One can manually start the engine via the touch screen, which will change from “EV” to “HEV”. We tried, and boy was it loud. The soundproofing and exhaust system for the engine was probably not of a production grade as it was a prototype. Who knows, there could have been no exhaust system at all. Proton is still experimenting with the type of engine, but it’s most likely that the production model for consumer sales won’t feature a rotary.

    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested

    How does this feel in comparison with say, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV? It all feels quite crude at the moment and is clearly work in progress, although it looks promising. They are after all just prototypes undergoing testing as we type and I’m sure the final product will be much polished.

    If all things go as planned, Proton will be the first in Malaysia to sell an electric vehicle by 2012, and the targeted price of below RM100K will mean that it’s not something that’s way out of reach. Here’s something to look forward to.

    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested

    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested

    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested

    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested

    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested
    Proton Exora Range Extender Electric prototype tested

     
     

  • Proton and LG developing electric cars

    In Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton / By / / 105 comments

    Proton and LG developing electric cars

    This piece of news actually appeared on the MITI website in August this year – it reveals that Proton is currently working with South Korean company LG on Proton electric cars (not sure where Detroit Electric have gone). We’re talking about pure electric vehicles with zero emissions, driven by an electric motor powered by a battery.

    According to the report, the electric drive module can be recharged from a regular household electricity socket and can go about 200km on a single charge. The report also speculates that with advancement in battery technology, future ranges can be expected in around the 600km range.

    Proton has worked with LG on various projects in the past. LG CNS has worked on various areas in the Proton Savvy, Proton Saga and Proton Exora project in the past. I think we can safely say that Proton-LG projects generally produce results that can make their way into production so we can probably see the fruits of this project on our roads sometime in the future.

    We currently don’t have the infrastructure to support medium to long distance electric car journeys in our country. With ranges of 200km, you can only travel within the city and back to your home at night to recharge your vehicle. For longer distances such as inter-state journeys where you have to spend your next night in a place that is not your home, it may be hard to find somewhere to charge your car.

    Sure, you can plug your car into any wall socket but then there is also a question of finding somewhere to park which has a wall socket, and how do we work out how much to pay and to whom to pay for the electricity used?

    So for now I think we might see hybrid Protons first, before electric Protons are sold in this country. Proton is currently working with Lotus for hybrid car development, and a few units of hybrid Proton Exora MPVs are currently on test in the UK and are due to be shipped to Malaysia for further testing within the next quarter. As for Proton electric cars, we’ve seen an electric Saga concept before.

    It is good that Proton is expediting electric car development now instead of waiting for our local infrastructure to be developed. After all, EVs are already in use in countries like the UK and Proton must think like a global manufacturer which has the world as its market, not just Malaysia. And it looks like it is doing just that, with the development of these electric vehicles.

    Related Posts:
    Proton previews the Proton Saga EV concept
    Detroit Electric to sell electric Persona and GEN2
    Detroit Electric FAQ: a backgrounder on electric cars
    Detroit Electric to sign RM1.2 billion agreement with Proton

    GALLERY: Proton Saga EV

    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars

    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars

    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars

    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars
    Proton and LG developing electric cars

     
     

  • Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery

    In Cars, Local News, Malaysian Makes, Proton / By / / 122 comments

    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery

    Proton previewed an all-electric version of the Proton Saga sedan in University Putra Malaysia, Serdang during the “Proton Exora – The Making” seminar organized by SAE International earlier this week. The “Proton” name would definitely make sense on this particular car! ;)

    You might expect this plug-in electric vehicle to have been co-developed with Detroit Electric which have a deal to produce electric cars based on the Proton GEN2 and the Proton Persona for certain overseas markets under the Detroit Electric brand. But on the contrary, what you see above is an in-house project done with the help of unnamed suppliers and partners.

    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery

    This means that unlike the Detroit Electric e46 (based on the Proton Gen 2) and the Detroit Electric e63 (based on the Proton Persona), the electric Saga (officially called the Proton Saga EV Green Propulsion Concept for now) is probably being considered for the local market, although the auto maker is very tight-lipped about possible launch dates. It could take years.

    The emissions-free Proton Saga EV on display features a 125kW (168hp) brushless DC electric motor, mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. It has a 20kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery pack (12 separate batteries stored in the trunk). Because of the batteries, truckspace is pretty much non-existent but this is quite normal with concept electric cars based on a chassis that was originally designed to take a regular combustion engine and fuel tank. A production car would ideally have neater integration of the batteries.

    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery

    According to Proton, the Saga EV can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds, up to a top speed of 161 km/h, with a driving range of 109 kilometers over a full charge. Both the Detroit Electric e46 and e63 will feature a 150kW Axial Magnetic Flux motor instead.

    There is more! The “green-mobil” also features re-generative braking and an electric power steering, apart from a built-in Batter Management System (BCMU), a plug-in charger (with a household power outlet), air conditioning as well as an In-Vehicle display screen that displays various information pertaining to the electric vehicle functions. Sources also revealed that Proton has plans to built an electric Exora MPV, and, is currently working on some hybrid vehicles as well, for research and development.

    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery

    Since Proton took the trouble to produce a fully functioning Saga EV Concept, I am sure it is a matter of time till we actually see Proton-built electric cars on the road, but it doesn’t end at just producing such emissions-free vehicles. There has to an infrastructure ready to accommodate charging in the outdoors, which is something that will involve the government, apart from the private sector.

    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery

    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery

    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery

    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery
    Proton Saga EV Concept – 168 hp, 20kWh battery

     
     
 
 
 

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