Spied: Electric-powered Geely Emgrand GSe spotted testing in Malaysia, Proton's first EV?

Proton announced recently that it will be launching its first production battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) by 2027. While we wonder which Geely models are the lucky ones to receive the Thundercat roundel, a reader spotted a Geely Emgrand GSe around Shah Alam.

The Emgrand GSe is a battery-powered variant of the Emgrand GS which could make a worthy successor for the embattled Proton Suprima in popular jacked-up crossover form.

Sent by reader Cornelius, the white Emgrand GSe was bearing trade plates that are similar to the ones seen on spyshots of the then yet-to-be-released Iriz and Persona facelifts. This easily clues in at Proton being serious in its electrified efforts.

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

Though the prospect of a Proton EV is exciting, the Emgrand GSe isn't likely to be given the coveted Thundercat badge as this could be used by Proton for its internal evaluation. The Emgrand GS itself is an old model, having been introduced in 2016 while the GSe was launched 2 years later.

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

The GSe is powered by a single electric motor (163 PS/250 Nm) and is mated to a 52 kWh battery pack. It has a 353 km range (NEDC) while charging on a 60 kW fast charger takes half an hour (30% to 80%) and a full charge at 220 V takes 9 hours.

Also read: Confused by EV terms? Here's everything you need to know

Given the GSe's age, it's likely that this is one Geely that won't be given a rebadge. Proton still has less than 5 years to go if it wants to fulfill its EV ambitions and this time around it has to commit to it rather than turning all that effort into some failed project.

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