SUBANG JAYA: Proton has confirmed the i-HEV intelligent hybrid system as the official name of its new hybrid technology, which will make its debut in the company’s upcoming model codenamed AMA 02.
It is designed to deliver lower fuel consumption alongside smooth, responsive performance.
It combines a petrol engine developed specifically for hybrid operation, dual electric motors and intelligent energy management.
"With i-HEV, we are bringing together fuel efficiency, responsive performance and the convenience of a hybrid system that requires no external charging,” said Proton deputy CEO Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa.
At the heart of i-HEV is a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE), producing 111PS and 136Nm of torque.
For more efficient hybrid operation, the engine deploys an Atkinson cycle combustion operation.
While Atkinson cycle operation typically trades some engine power density for efficiency, the electric motor provides responsive assistance when moving off or accelerating.
Proton’s i-HEV intelligent hybrid system pairs its engine with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) incorporating two electric motors, known as P1 and P3.
The P1 motor starts the engine and generates electricity, while the P3 motor drives the vehicle and recovers energy during deceleration.
The main driving motor delivers up to 163PS and 220Nm, delivering responsive acceleration.
In EV Mode, the battery supplies energy to the driving motor and the vehicle moves on electric power alone when conditions permit.
Series Mode uses the petrol engine to generate electricity while the electric motor drives the wheels.
In Parallel Mode, the engine and driving motor work together to move the vehicle while Direct Drive Mode allows the engine to drive the wheels mechanically when it is more efficient to do so, such as during steady speed cruising.
Drivers do not need to select these modes manually as the system manages the transitions.
Proton’s new i-HEV system features a 1.38 kWh battery that stores energy for electric driving and motor assistance.
During deceleration, regenerative braking recovers some of the vehicle’s kinetic energy and converts it into electricity for later use.
“With the i-HEV intelligent hybrid system, Proton’s focus is on delivering benefits customers can understand and experience. Alongside this, building local capabilities in hybrid transmissions and electric drive units helps develop the skills and industrial foundation Malaysia needs to be an active participant and regional hub for the production and development of future vehicle technologies,” added Abdul Rashid.
