Proton’s electric cars to hit the roads in 2013

[Jason M. Hendler]

Proton’s electric cars to hit the roads in 2013

Link

“Currently, we have already delivered three Proton Saga EV and five units of the Proton Exora Range Extender EV to the Government for the test fleet.

“In the process of commercialising the vehicle, we are looking to provide at least 200 Range Extenders and 150 Proton Saga EV’s to the Government by the end of next year,” he said here yesterday.

Proton owns Lotus, which means they are likely using the 3 cylinder range extender that Lotus developed. The real advantage Proton has for EV's and EREV's is the aluminum forging and framing tech that Lotus uses to create the lightest / stiffest frames (other than Astin Martin) in the world. I expect these vehicles to be some of the most viable produced by any automaker, assuming they are using batteries that compare well with LG-Chem or A123.

[Noel Park]

Well my first thought was "Same answer as for Fisker", LOL. But you have to respect the Lotus connection.

I wonder how tied in Proton is with the Malaysian government and/or the oil company Petronas? Deep pockets if so. Petronas has been a strong participant in F1 racing for many years.

[Jason M. Hendler]

... But you have to respect the Lotus connection. ...

Exactly. The design dedicated range-extender and high-tech aluminum car frames from Lotus would launch this vehicle into the top tier of BEV's and EREV's, assuming they have good battery systems. Wiki refers to Proton as a government linked company, because its major stakeholder is government owned company, so, yes, it has strong government backing.

Although they only have a population of 23+ million, they share land mass with Indonesia, with a population of 230+ million. In spite of past conflicts, I suspect it gives them a rather large market to sell into, so I believe these vehicles are a lock for success locally among their Islamic neighbors.