Proton Plans to Produce EVs in 2027, Says Deputy CEO

All-electric vehicles are slowly creeping into our roads. In spite of lucrative tax incentives offered, our local EV market space remains ‘exclusively’ for the wealthy, for now. As EV popularity starts to grow on, it is only natural for us to beg the question – when will we get our local-branded EV?

That might come rather soon, as Proton is currently planning to manufacture its own EV by 2027. Following the recent memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing between Proton, Geely Holdings and Mercedes-Benz to sell Smart EVs, the local marque hinted that a plan to sell Proton-brand EVs by 2027 is well underway.

Proton’s deputy chief executive officer, Roslan Abdullah stated that Proton is now holding talks with potential partners to assist them in this upcoming EV venture. He further stated that Proton’s EV roadmap actually started last decade, but said the plan was being put on hold, especially considering the slow market demand and technological boundaries at that time.

Through the Smart EV partnership, Proton hopes to gain as much experience and knowledge in EV business as possible so that it’ll help the marque’s EV venture later on. Said agreement, penned last August, grants Proton the rights to distribute and sell Smart brand EVs in Malaysia and Thailand.

Smart’s flagship EV, the #1 is poised to make its local debut later in Q4 2023, to be wholly distributed by Proton’s new subsidiary, Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net). The smart #1 sold here will be fully-CBU, with Proton targets 800 to 1,000 annual sales for said model, locally.

Proton’s long-term game plan for Smart EV venture is to eventually sell up to 10,000 units by 2027, with hints of the #1 getting a CKD treatment could potentially come into conversation.

As for Proton’s own electrified models, Roslan further added that in spite of major challenges such as lack of comprehensive EV infrastructures and lack of affordable EVs, he remains optimistic with EV’s future in Malaysia. He added that sales for new energy vehicles (NEV) in Malaysia has increased by 3.4% year to date.

What do you think about Proton’s EV possibly coming in 2027? Would this help in boosting EV sales locally or this is just another half-baked idea? Let us know in the comments down below…