Ssangyong Motor Joins In... Heating Up Electric Vehicle Market

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] SsangYong Motor is accelerating domestic electric vehicle competition with the launch of its first electric car, the 'Korando e-Motion.'

According to the automotive industry on the 6th, SsangYong Motor launched the 'Korando e-Motion' on the 4th. The Korando e-Motion was built using the existing Korando platform. It has a maximum output of 140 kW (190 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 360 Nm (36.7 kg·m).

Equipped with LG Energy Solution's battery, it can travel up to 307 km on a single charge. With fast charging (100 kW), it takes 33 minutes to charge the battery to 80% capacity. The cargo space is 551 liters (ℓ), the largest among domestic electric SUVs.

The Korando e-Motion has received a warm response since its initial launch. As a result of pre-orders starting from the 10th of last month, the initial supply volume exceeded 3,500 units within three weeks.

With SsangYong Motor joining the electric vehicle market, competition in the domestic electric vehicle market is expected to intensify further. First, Hyundai Motor plans to launch the mid-size sedan 'Ioniq 6' this year. In addition, Genesis will introduce the 'GV70 electrified model' to global markets such as Australia in the first half of this year. Along with this, Kia's new Niro EV (electric vehicle) is also scheduled to be released in the first half of the year.

Furthermore, GM Korea is expected to unveil the 'Chevrolet Bolt EUV' and the new 'Bolt EV.' The Bolt EUV can travel 403 km on a single charge, while the Bolt EV can run 414 km.

Imported foreign car brands are also preparing to launch various electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz will introduce three electric vehicles: the The New EQE, The New Mercedes-AMG EQS, and The New EQB. BMW will showcase the compact electric sedan i4 and MINI brand's first pure electric car, the MINI Electric.

Audi plans to release the 'Q4 e-tron,' a compact electric SUV certified for a driving range of 520 km in Europe, and Volvo Cars will launch two models: its first dedicated electric vehicle, the C40 Recharge, and the electric version of the existing compact SUV, the XC40 Recharge.