Like Hyundai’s Ioniq, Mercedes-Benz’s EQ, and BMW’s i, Proton will also be debuting a new sub-brand for its EV models of the future. Of course, we still don’t know what it’ll be called yet, but that’s where you come in – the national carmaker, through its Proton New Energy Technology (Pro-Net) subsidiary, announced a naming contest for its new EV sub-brand earlier this month, and thus far, over 22,440 of you have already submitted your guesses.
If you think you know what Proton should call their EVs, you have until 11:59pm, June 5, to submit your guesses, and stand a chance to win a grand prize of RM5,000 in cash, or RM1,500 for second, RM1,000 for third, and RM100 for the remaining two top-five entries. The link for the contest is here: https://protonev.pronet.my/.
“The overwhelming response to the Proton EV Brand Name Contest is a testament to the passion and excitement shared by Malaysians as we usher in a new era of automotive excellence,” remarked Pro-Net Chief Executive Officer, Zhang Qiang.
“With the finish line in sight, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and encourage those who have yet to join the competition to seize this final opportunity to leave their mark on automotive history.”
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The imminent launch of the new Proton EV sub-brand is the strongest indication we have so far that the national carmaker’s first EV is coming very soon. There’s no info on the actual car yet, but the artwork on the contest page does give us a clue, with the slim outline of the car’s silhouette suggesting that Proton’s first EV will indeed be based on the Geely Galaxy E5, as many online have guessed.
It’s not without reason, of course, as the Geely Galaxy E5 is reportedly developed with right-hand-drive in mind. Unveiled in China just this month, the C-segment SUV is built on the marque’s new Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA), which will support not just full EVs, but also plug-in hybrid and range-extender EV powertrains.
Official powertrain details are not available to the public just yet, but reports in China – based on the model’s filing with the nation’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) – suggest that the EV variant will be powered by a single motor on the front axle, offering up to 218 hp (160 kW) and a top speed of 175 km/h. The motor will be fed by an LFP battery pack, with 800V electric architecture ensuring fast charging speeds.
Proton has previously said that it is on track to unveil its first-ever EV model by 2025, in response to encouragement from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). With the imminent launch of its EV brand, it appears we won’t have to wait too much longer!
