Proton i-HEV Hybrid System Set to Debut on AMA 02 Model

Proton has announced the debut of its new i-HEV intelligent hybrid system in Malaysia on 10 November 2026, confirming that the technology will premier in an upcoming model codenamed AMA 02. The self-charging hybrid combines a dedicated petrol engine with dual electric motors to deliver lower fuel consumption alongside responsive driving performance.

Announced in Subang Jaya, the new powertrain has been developed specifically for hybrid operation by national carmaker Proton to eliminate the need for external charging. Proton deputy CEO Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa confirmed that the setup integrates intelligent energy management to provide drivers with fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration.

Key Facts

The Proton i-HEV intelligent hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre Dedicated Hybrid Engine producing 111PS and 136Nm with dual electric motors generating up to 163PS and 220Nm. Operating with a 1.38kWh battery, this self-charging powertrain debuts on Proton's upcoming AMA 02 model, managing energy automatically across four distinct driving modes.

**"The Proton i-HEV hybrid system pairs a 111PS petrol engine with a 163PS electric drive motor and a 1.38kWh battery in the upcoming AMA 02 model."**

How Does the Proton i-HEV Hybrid System Work?

The Proton i-HEV system operates by integrating a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission that houses two electric motors, designated P1 and P3. Energy stored in a 1.38kWh battery powers the electric drive motor, while kinetic energy is captured through regenerative braking during deceleration without requiring plug-in charging.

In this mechanical configuration, the P1 motor acts as an engine starter and electricity generator, whereas the P3 motor provides propulsion and recovers energy. Although the Atkinson cycle trades some engine power density for thermal efficiency, the 163PS driving motor provides instant electrical assistance whenever moving off or accelerating.

"With i-HEV, we are bringing together fuel efficiency, responsive performance and the convenience of a hybrid system that requires no external charging,”

Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa, Proton Deputy CEO

**"Proton’s i-HEV hybrid system uses a P1 motor for power generation and a 163PS P3 motor for vehicle propulsion alongside a 1.38kWh battery."**

What Are the Four Driving Modes of the Proton i-HEV System?

The Proton i-HEV hybrid system operates across four automated driving modes: EV Mode, Series Mode, Parallel Mode, and Direct Drive Mode. An intelligent energy management system switches between these modes automatically based on real-time vehicle speed and operating conditions, ensuring optimal efficiency without requiring the driver to make manual driving mode selections.

• EV Mode: The 1.38kWh battery supplies energy to the driving motor, moving the vehicle on electric power alone when conditions permit.
• Series Mode: The 1.5-litre petrol engine runs to generate electricity via the P1 motor, while the P3 electric motor drives the wheels.
• Parallel Mode: The petrol combustion engine and the electric driving motor work together simultaneously to power the vehicle.
• Direct Drive Mode: The petrol engine drives the wheels mechanically during steady-speed cruising when direct mechanical drive is most efficient.

**"The Proton i-HEV system autonomously alternates between EV Mode, Series Mode, Parallel Mode, and Direct Drive Mode depending on driving conditions."**

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

The Proton i-HEV hybrid system is engineered for Malaysian drivers seeking reduced fuel consumption without the operational constraint of finding external charging stations. By generating its own electricity and capturing deceleration energy, the powertrain offers convenient electrified motoring while supporting Malaysia's industrial initiative to develop local hybrid transmission and electric drive capabilities.

Beyond vehicle efficiency on Malaysian roads, Proton is using the i-HEV programme to anchor local engineering and manufacturing expertise within the country.

“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,”

Datuk Abdul Rashid Musa, Proton Deputy CEO

**"Proton aims to establish Malaysia as a regional manufacturing hub for future automotive technologies by localising hybrid transmissions and electric drive units."**

Common Questions

Malaysian car buyers researching the Proton i-HEV intelligent hybrid system frequently ask about charging requirements, vehicle availability, and powertrain outputs. The following answers provide direct technical facts confirmed by Proton regarding the self-charging 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain scheduled to make its initial market debut on the upcoming AMA 02 model.

**"Proton’s i-HEV powertrain operates as a fully self-charging system that debuts on the upcoming AMA 02 passenger model without requiring external electrical charging."**

Does the Proton i-HEV hybrid system require external electrical charging?

No, the Proton i-HEV system requires no external electrical charging. It functions as a self-charging hybrid that generates its own electricity using a 1.5-litre petrol engine and captures kinetic energy during vehicle deceleration via regenerative braking to recharge its onboard 1.38kWh battery.

Which Proton model will be the first to feature the i-HEV technology?

The Proton i-HEV intelligent hybrid system will make its official debut on Proton's upcoming vehicle codenamed AMA 02. Proton has not yet announced official retail pricing, specific variant lineups, or a public commercial release date for the AMA 02 model in Malaysia.

What are the power and torque outputs of the Proton i-HEV powertrain?

The Proton i-HEV powertrain combines a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre Dedicated Hybrid Engine producing 111PS and 136Nm of torque with a main driving electric motor generating up to 163PS and 220Nm of torque. The automaker has not announced a combined total system output figure.

Sources and Methodology

This technical overview is compiled exclusively from the report published by CarSifu titled "Proton i-HEV hybrid system to debut on AMA 02 model". All vehicle specifications, powertrain engineering data, and executive quotations reflect direct company disclosures made by Proton in Subang Jaya without external estimation or data synthesis.

**"Technical specifications and details for the Proton i-HEV system are sourced solely from CarSifu's reporting on Proton's official announcements."**

Original report: CarSifu

No currency conversions or language translations were conducted, as the source report contained no financial figures and was published in English.

This article is based on the source report above and was last updated on 10 November 2026.