"The Convenience of Small Cars"... The Booming Micro Electric Vehicle Market

[Asia Economy Reporter Su-yeon Woo] As the economic efficiency, eco-friendliness, and convenience of ultra-compact electric vehicles gain attention, the domestic ultra-compact electric vehicle market is rapidly growing. Companies are entering the new car competition by consecutively launching ultra-compact electric vehicles with upgraded safety, convenience, and driving range.

According to the automotive industry on the 13th, Semisysco, a KOSDAQ-listed company, will officially launch the new electric vehicle 'EV Z (Zeta)' in the domestic market on the 17th of this month. The EV Z is an ultra-compact electric vehicle with a driving range of over 200 km on a single charge, and vehicle delivery is planned to begin at the end of October.

EV Z, Ultra-Compact Electric Vehicle Capable of Driving on Motorways

The EV Z complements the weaknesses of existing ultra-compact electric vehicles while maintaining their strengths. It can drive on motorways, including highways, and its compact size makes parking in narrow spaces easy.

The longest driving range of over 200 km on a single charge is its biggest advantage. With a maximum output 33kW motor and a 26kWh capacity battery, it can drive 233.9 km in urban driving mode based on the Ministry of Environment’s standard (150 km based on combined fuel efficiency). It supports fast charging using all electric vehicle charging methods introduced in Korea, including charging stations and public/private parking lots, and also features 220V home outlet charging capability.

Considering the characteristics of a two-seater electric vehicle, safety was also emphasized. A press-molded 'monocoque' body frame was applied to secure the safety of passengers and the engine room from external impacts. ESC technology stabilizes the vehicle’s posture on slippery roads or during emergency steering, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) maximizes driving convenience. The EV Z’s launch price is 27.5 million KRW, and with national and local government subsidies applied, it can be purchased for 13.8 to 16.3 million KRW in the metropolitan area and six major metropolitan cities.

Semisysco EV Z (Zeta)

Camsys Receives Positive Response for 'Ssebo C' with Actual Purchase Price of 6 to 7 Million KRW

Another mid-sized company, Camsys, also launched the ultra-compact electric vehicle 'Ssebo C' in the domestic market last year and has received positive responses. Recently, it has been supplied to government offices, recognizing the economic efficiency, eco-friendliness, and convenience unique to ultra-compact electric vehicles.

Camsys’s Ssebo C can drive about 100 km on a single charge, and a full charge takes about three hours. It is also equipped with heating and air conditioning systems, allowing driving regardless of weather conditions, which is a major advantage. The top speed is 80 km/h, and the motor’s maximum output is 15 kW. The launch price was set at 14.5 million KRW, and the actual purchase price has been significantly lowered to 6 to 7 million KRW, making it highly competitive in price.

Camsys Sebo C

Renault Twizy, the Absolute Leader in the Domestic Ultra-Compact Electric Vehicle Market

The model that opened the door to the domestic ultra-compact electric vehicle market and has led market expansion is the Renault Twizy. Renault Samsung imported the ultra-compact electric vehicle Twizy from Renault headquarters in 2017 and introduced it to the domestic market. The Twizy has sold 30,000 units globally, and more than 1,500 units were sold domestically last year alone. Originally produced at Renault’s factory in Spain, the Twizy has been manufactured in Busan since October last year and is exported worldwide.

The Twizy is also recognized for its convenience in parking and driving, and its economic efficiency suitable for short-distance driving, gaining consumer favor. Especially, its unique and attractive design is increasingly used for promotion and marketing purposes. The Twizy’s driving range per charge is 55 km, equipped with a maximum output 12.6 kW electric motor and a 6.1 kWh battery. The top speed is 80 km/h. The launch price starts at 13.3 million KRW, and the actual purchase price can be lowered to the 5 million KRW range (based on Seoul).

Renault Twizy