Proton AMA 02 i-HEV Explained: 1.5L Engine And Four Hybrid Modes

Proton has officially confirmed i-HEV as the name of its new hybrid powertrain, with the upcoming AMA 02 set to become the first model to feature the technology.

Combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a 163 PS electric drive motor and four automatic operating modes, the system offers electric propulsion without requiring owners to plug in their cars. Here's what makes it tick.

What Exactly Is Proton i-HEV?

Proton's i-HEV combines petrol and electric propulsion, automatically managing both power sources according to driving conditions.

Unlike the Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV, it doesn't need external charging. Instead, its 1.38 kWh battery is replenished through regenerative braking and electricity generated by the petrol engine.

The system pairs a dedicated 1.5-litre petrol engine with a hybrid transmission containing two electric motors. P1 handles engine starting and electricity generation, while P3 drives the wheels and recovers energy during deceleration.

Proton i-HEV Engine And Motor Specifications

Proton has revealed the key figures behind its new hybrid powertrain, including the outputs of the petrol engine and main electric drive motor.

Important: The engine and motor figures are individual component ratings. Proton has not announced the combined hybrid system output, and the two power figures should not be added together.

How Do Proton i-HEV's Four Hybrid Modes Work?

One of i-HEV's main features is its ability to switch between four operating modes, allowing the petrol engine and electric motors to perform different roles depending on driving conditions. The infographic below illustrates how power flows through the system in each mode.

Importantly, these four modes are selected automatically by the hybrid system, rather than manually by the driver.

This flexibility allows i-HEV to use electric propulsion when suitable, combine both power sources when additional performance is needed, or rely on direct engine drive during efficient cruising.

However, Proton has not disclosed the AMA 02's maximum electric-only driving speed or range.

How Efficient Is Proton's New Hybrid Engine?

Proton says its dedicated 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine achieves a claimed peak thermal efficiency of 46.5%, supported by a 14:1 compression ratio and other efficiency-focused technologies.

Atkinson-cycle operation prioritises efficiency through valve-timing strategies, while electric motor assistance helps deliver the response needed during acceleration.

We'll still need official fuel-consumption figures and real-world testing to assess how economical the production AMA 02 actually is.

What Does i-HEV Mean For The Proton AMA 02?

Although Proton has only now confirmed the i-HEV name, the technology itself has previously been showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) and Global Automotive Technology Expo (GATE).

There's also a Malaysian manufacturing connection. Proton says its Tanjong Malim operations produce the Dedicated Hybrid Engine and locally assemble the Dedicated Hybrid Transmission and Electric Drive Units. However, the company has not disclosed a detailed breakdown of locally sourced components.

More importantly, the AMA 02's hybrid powertrain is now officially confirmed. When Carz previously covered the model's prototype sightings, its hybrid powertrain had yet to receive official confirmation.

That gives us a clearer picture of the technology heading into Proton's upcoming model, although several important details remain unanswered:

• Final production name
• Combined hybrid system output
• Official fuel-consumption figures
• Retail pricing and launch date

For now, the i-HEV announcement gives us a much clearer idea of what's under the AMA 02's bonnet. But for Malaysian buyers, the biggest questions remain: how much petrol will it actually save, and how much will Proton charge for the car?

Proton i-HEV: Frequently Asked Questions