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Published: Tuesday October 18, 2011 MYT 11:52:00 AM
Updated: Tuesday October 18, 2011 MYT 12:18:36 PM

Proton looks to commercialise electric vehicles in 2013


KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd is looking to commercialise its electric vehicles in 2013, says its Director, Datuk Zainuddin Che Din.

He said the vehicles which are now in the test fleet stage, will be brought to the commercial front, to cater to an increasing demand for full electric cars in Malaysia.

"Currently, we have already delivered three Proton Saga EV and five units of the Proton Exora Range Extender EV to the government for the test fleet.

"In the process of commercialising the vehicle, we are looking to provide at least 200 Range Extenders and 150 Proton Saga EV's to the government by the end of next year," he told reporters, here today.

He said the cars will competitively priced with value for money once commercialised.

The Proton Saga EV is expected to be priced at RM70,000 and the Proton Exora Range Extender at about RM100,000.

"The price will be cheaper and competitive for a full electric car in the country," said Zainuddin, who is also the Project Director of Proton's Green Tech Department.

He said that to accommodate the needs of the electric cars once commercialised, Proton and the government are currently working on a mechanism to build infrastructure to place electric vehicle charging centres.

"The charging stations will be placed initially in Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and certain prime locations in Kuala Lumpur.

"Currently, several charging stations have been deployed at government offices," he added.

Zainuddin said the government may have to build 100 to 150 stations, in the respective areas.

The Proton Saga EV, a full electric car and the Proton Exora Range Extender EV, an advanced version of hybrid technology, are said to be very efficient with mileage of approximately 70-80 kilometers per day. - BERNAMA

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