Proton, at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2026, unveiled a hybrid-adapted version of its BHE15 1.5-litre engine, which powers most of the company’s internal combustion engine (ICE) models. Dubbed the Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE), it has been specifically engineered for electrified applications.
To put it simply, it’s a similar iteration of the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that’s currently featured in the fourth-generation (MC3) Proton Saga. This new engine operates on the more efficient Atkinson cycle and features a compression ratio of 14:1 — producing 111 hp and 136 Nm of torque.
The engine also incorporates a water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a smart electric water pump to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Proton claims the DHE achieves a peak thermal efficiency of 46.55%.
This is paired with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), featuring a P1 and P3 dual-motor system. The P1 motor supports engine starting and power generation, while the P3 motor serves as the main driving motor and supports energy recovery during deceleration. Working together with a high-efficiency Power Control Module (PCM), the system is designed to deliver responsive, efficient and intelligent power management.
With the DHE and DHT working together, it can support various driving modes depending on the driving conditions. This includes Series Mode, Parallel Mode, Direct Drive, and even full EV mode — allowing for series-parallel hybrid application. Its system can dynamically switch between the different modes depending on vehicle speed, power demand, and battery condition.
Combined, Proton says the powertrain will be efficient enough to support China 6b / Euro 6d emissions standards. The Malaysian carmaker also hinted that the new series-parallel hybrid powertrain is “set to debut on an upcoming model soon” and will be adapted for multiple platforms. Both the DHE and DHT will be locally manufactured at Proton’s assembly plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak.
Apart from the engine’s output figures, Proton has yet to disclose the specifications of the electric motors within the DHT, as well as the powertrain’s combined system output. However, the company did showcase a unit labelled “DHT120” during its Proton Tech Showcase, which could suggest a total system output of around 120 kW (163 hp).
While it’s difficult to determine which Proton model will be the first to receive the new hybrid powertrain, Geely’s lineup in China may provide a useful preview of what to expect. One particularly relevant example is the Geely Galaxy Starshine 6 PHEV — effectively the plug-in hybrid counterpart to the Geely Emgrand, the model on which the Proton S70 is based.
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Under the bonnet, the Starshine 6 uses the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 111 hp and 136 Nm as the Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE) displayed by Proton at KLIMS 2026. In the Geely, the engine is paired with a DHT as well, with the primary traction motor delivering 163 hp and 210 Nm.
As a plug-in hybrid, the Starshine 6 also carries a 17 kWh battery pack that enables a substantial amount of electric-only driving. While Proton’s newly unveiled powertrain is currently described as a series-hybrid setup rather than a plug-in hybrid system, the Starshine 6 nevertheless offers a useful indication of the performance and architecture that could underpin Proton’s future electrified models.
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There is also the Geely Preface i-HEV, which employs a series-parallel hybrid setup that more closely mirrors Proton’s newly unveiled DHE. It pairs the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 111 hp and 136 Nm with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) housing electric motors that deliver 190 hp and 240 Nm.
That said, the Preface sits a segment above the Emgrand and Starshine 6, serving as a larger sedan within Geely’s lineup. As such, it is unlikely to be a direct candidate for our market.
Proton, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Ir. Rashid Musa, said, “Our technologies represent an important step in Proton’s journey towards intelligent mobility. At KLIMS 2026, we want visitors to experience how our technology is not only advanced but also designed around real Malaysian driving conditions.”
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