Proton To Introduce Its First EV “Very Soon”

Local car manufacturer Proton is set to launch its own electric vehicle (EV) “very soon”, its CEO Li Chunrong revealed during its Chinese New Year media appreciation dinner yesterday evening. According to Paultan.org, the brand is also set to introduce a second model between six to eight months after the first.

However, Li did not detail further regarding the two upcoming electric cars just yet but nevertheless, the announcement affirms Proton’s commitment to meet the ministry of international trade and industry’s (MITI) expectations. Its minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, previously stated during the launch of the smart #1 in November of last year that MITI is optimistic that the company, along with its fellow local car manufacturer Perodua, could produce the first national EV by 2025.

The Proton CEO also shared a couple more updates regarding the brand’s future plans, including plans of setting up a new R&D centre in Hangzhou, China specifically for the development of future Saga, Persona and Iriz models. Li added that development of a New Energy Vehicle (NEV) is in the works as well. However, much like the two EVs mentioned earlier, details surrounding the model, likely a hybrid, have not been revealed at this time.

On a related note, it’s worth mentioning that Proton had previously dabbled in electric vehicle production by introducing an Iriz EV prototype during the International Greentech & Eco Productions Exhibition (iGEM) back in 2015. However, the project did not take off and the concept vehicle itself was reportedly auctioned off in 2020.

(Source: Paultan.org [1] [2])