Proton itself has yet to have an electric vehicle in its range (akan datang) although its subsidiary, PRO-NET (aka Smart Malaysia) will soon be launching its smart #1 EV. In preparation for that event, the Malaysian carmaker has installed a charging station at its Centre of Excellence (CoE) headquarters complex along the KESAS highway in Subang Jaya, Selangor. It is available to owners of EV vehicles of all brands.
The 100 kW DC charging station has been set up in collaboration with Gentari Sdn Bhd which has signed a MoU with Proton to explore various solutions to support and develop Malaysia’s charging network.
Developing a mobile EV charger
This includes a collaboration between Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Gentari), Proton Global Services and other partners to develop a proof-of-concept for a mobile EV charging solution using the Exora.
Three units of proof-of-concept mobile chargers are currently being tested, with each charger offering 30 kW of charging power. Ongoing user studies are in progress to assess the demand for this concept which could support EV owners in future.
Growing EV charger network
PRO-NET is also collaborating with Gentari to install fast chargers at several Proton dealerships. Five additional Gentari DC chargers are set to be installed by the end of 2023 as part of the first phase of the program, with a target of 20 dealerships. Additionally, 4 smart Malaysia dealers have also installed DC chargers from other providers.
“With our imminent entry into Malaysia’s EV market via smart Malaysia just around the corner, the time is right for Proton to take another step into this rapidly growing segment. We are grateful to have a dynamic partner like Gentari, who have installed the first on-site DC charger at our headquarters and look forward to more such collaborations in the future within our dealer network,” said Roslan Abdullah, Deputy CEO of Proton.
“Proton has committed to producing our own EV models, a process started by the launch of the mild-hybrid X90, our first new energy vehicle (NEV). This will be followed by more models featuring hybrid technology in the coming years,” added Encik Roslan Abdullah.
Click here to know more about the smart #1 EV
