Proton’s First EV Donor, The Geely Galaxy E5, to Debut in China This Aug

Proton recently announced the launch of its first electric vehicle (EV), a reworked version of the Geely Galaxy E5. Originally slated for a December release, the latest reports from CarNewsChina suggest that Geely plans to launch the E5 as early as August, with more details about the EV gradually being revealed.

The Galaxy E5, expected to retail between 130,000 to 170,000 yuan (RM84,000 to RM110,000 USD), is being developed concurrently for both domestic and international markets. Both right-hand drive (RHD) and left-hand drive (LHD) versions are currently being tested. It remains unclear whether the RHD models will be marketed under the Proton brand name or as Geely.

Proton’s Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah emphasised that the new EV would not be a simple rebadge, but rather an entirely new model developed in collaboration with Geely. To support this collaboration, Proton has established its own R&D centre within the Geely factory compound to ensure Malaysian participation throughout the design, prototype, and testing phases.

The Galaxy E5 features an 11-in-1 intelligent electric drive system that integrates 11 key components, including motors, electronic controls, and reducers. This system weighs 79.8 kg, occupies just 72 litres, and achieves a comprehensive efficiency of up to 90.04% with a power consumption rate as low as 11.9 kWh per 100 km. The drive system, with peak power reported to be 160 kW, is equipped with an Infineon TC397 chip for high communication efficiency and rapid power response.

Built on the Geely Electric Architecture (GEA) platform, derived from the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the E5 supports various powertrains, including EV, EREV, PHEV, and green methanol. It also features CTB technology, integrating the battery into the body to enhance rigidity, and a G-TCS all-weather drive anti-skid system. These technologies enable the Galaxy E5 to achieve an official moose test speed of 78 km/h.

The Galaxy E5 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and has a braking distance of 35 metres from 100 km/h. Its top speed is 180 km/h. Additionally, the Galaxy E5 is equipped with a 4-speed intelligent energy recovery system that adjusts braking force in real-time based on vehicle distance, road congestion, and ramp information, ensuring a smoother ride.

Powered by Geely’s self-developed Aegis short knife lithium iron phosphate batteries, the Galaxy E5 offers two battery pack options: 49.52 kWh with a CLTC range of 440 km and 60.22 kWh with a CLTC range of 530 km.

In terms of dimensions, the Galaxy E5 measures 4615 mm in length, 1901 mm in width, and 1670 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2750 mm. Inside, the Galaxy E5 features both a separate LCD instrument screen and a head-up display for the driver, along with a large central floating infotainment screen.

The vehicle's interface is powered by the Flyme Auto car machine system, developed in collaboration with Geely-controlled Meizu, and runs on the Dragon Eagle-1 chip, the first domestically produced 7nm automotive chip.

As more details start pouring in with the launch date approaching, the Galaxy E5 seems like a formidable offering that could potentially be a major success. This also means that when it enters Malaysia under the Proton e.MAS guise as our very first electric national car, the uptake could be very promising.