Malaysia's first electric car is taking shape with the completion of the prototype of the vehicle based on the latest Proton Saga model.
The prototype, unveiled for the first time today, was built in collaboration between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Proton, the national car maker.
Proton Group Managing Director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the prototype has given them confidence in making better electric vehicles and hoped that it could be a mass production soon.
"The first stage of validating the product from end-to-end is completed, it gives us a lot of confidence, the system will work as a car.
"And I think the next stage will be pre-testing by the people, and put a better volume of the product, and finally at the end of the day, we are going for mass production," he told reporters on the sidelines of the International Conference on Sustainable Mobility 2010 here today.
The three-day conference starting today and organised by the SAE international Malaysia Section and UTM aims to provide opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, findings, promote knowledge-sharing and cooperate in the field of sustainable mobility.
UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Ir Dr Zaini Ujang said the prototype has been under research and development for the past 11 months and the modification was started by converting a petrol-based Saga model to a fully electric-powered car.
"Upon completion, the car can travel as far as 160 kilometres using a 15 kilowatt battery and will take up seven to eight hours to re-charge conventionally," he said.
He said the car was suitable for urban and short-distance travelling and it was environment-friendly as it does not release sound or smoke.-mmail.com.my
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