Proton to debut its own EV by 2027, which Geely model could it be based on?

• Proton's first production EV to come in 2027
• MHEV model to come first
• What will Proton's first EV be based on? 

After several prototypes that hit a dead-end, things could change big time for Proton, as a recent research article by the Hong Leong Investment Bank has reported that Proton could introduce a fully-electric (BEV) vehicle as soon as 2027.

According to the bank’s analyst Daniel Wong, Proton will only be making a “minor stepping stone” into the hybrid segment, before adopting a fully-electric model in 2027.

At the time being, it remains to be seen if Proton’s first production EV will be a home-grown model or one adapted from an existing Geely model.

What EVs are offered by Geely?

As Geely puts it "all alternatives will be explored", therefore, they offer anything from BEVs, to MHEVs, and PHEVs. In the context of this article, we'll focus on their BEVs. 

Also Read: Ignore hybrids to focus on BEVs? This is what Geely’s EV expert thinks

Currently, Geely offers 7 EVs in China – Geely Emgrand GSe, Geely Dihao EV500, Zeekr 001, Geometry A Pro, Geometry C, Geometry EX3, as well as the brand-new Geometry E.In fact, if you include Geely's subsidiary Maple into the list, then Geely has 10 EVs on sale.

To keep things simple, we'll focus on two of Geely's BEVs – the Geometry A Pro and Geometry C. The other Geely EVs, like the Emgrand GSe and Dihao EV500, are converted from regular internal combustion engine (ICE) models and are a bit long in the tooth.

The 2022 Geometry A made its global debut back in 2019. In fact, Geely was so serious with the Geometry marque that it went as far as introducing the model in Singapore, back in January 2020. It was renamed to Geometry A Pro in early-2021.

It is powered either by a 53-kWh or 70-kWh battery pack, allowing for a driving range between 430 km to 600 km. Power output from the motor is the same for both variants, coming in at 204 PS and 310 Nm. In China, the Geometry A Pro is priced between CNY 126,800 (~RM 84k) to CNY 199,800 (~RM 132k). 

The second possible candidate is the 2022 Geometry C. It is Geometry's second EV and it is a B-segment SUV. The funky little EV was launched in China back in 2020 and is currently priced between CNY 135,700 (~RM 90k) to CNY 172,700 (~RM 114k). 

The Geometry C shares its powertrain with its sedan sibling, albeit with different driving range. The Geometry C offers a range between 400 km to 550 km, depending on variant. 

Thanks to DC fast charging on both the Geometry A and Geometry C, charging from 30 percent to 80 percent only takes 30 minutes. It also accepts regular and slower AC charging, which can take up to 11 hours to fully charge. 

On the other end of the scale is the Zeekr 001, a swanky estate-like EV that rides on Geely's newest SEA architecture. 

Also Read: Geely no longer majority shareholder of Zeekr, except it still kinda is

What about turning an existing model into an EV?

Well, Proton is no stranger to that, as they have showcased full electric versions of the Proton Saga and Proton Iriz. Unfortunately, both cars were auctioned off as scrap almost two years ago.

Since then, Proton has not showcased any fully-electric models.

Also Read: Proton’s electric dream of the past – Proton Iriz EV auctioned off

That said, this does seemingly tie in with what Proton Edar CEO Roslan Abdullah said back in October 2021, “Proton has a planned roadmap towards introducing hybrid, plug-in hybrid vehicles and EVs – so perhaps this development can help to push our plans forward.”

“There is still a long way to go, as the building of a charging infrastructure to help support larger numbers of EVs is a considerable obstacle that needs to be overcome,” he added.

Also Read: EV in Malaysia for under RM 100k? Proton confirms plans for hybrids and EVs