Renault Samsung Motors has unveiled the new SM3 Z.E.
at the Daegu International Future Auto Expo in South Korea, which now comes
with an enhanced electric powertrain and some minor visual changes.
The electric vehicle’s battery capacity has been
bumped up to 36 kWh from 22 kWh (2013 model), but without any weight penalty.
As a result, the carmaker claims a 57% increase in all-electric driving range
to 213 km based on the Korean type approval cycle.
According to a Korean Transportation Safety
Authority (KOTSA) report, the average daily trip in South Korea is around 40 km
in 2016. Therefore, the SM3 Z.E. should theoretically be able to run for about
five days on a single charge.
As for the updated design, the EV gets a revised
front grille and lower apron, the latter with more prominent fog lamps and LED
daytime running lights. The interior is largely unchanged, save for new trim
and upholstery, plus the omission of grab handles on the door cards.
The rebadged Fluence Z.E. is a pretty popular model
in the country, and is favoured by state-run fleets as well as taxi operators.
The carmaker also revealed 1,200 cars were purchased by South Korea’s Ministry
of Health and Welfare last April, and the model is a popular EV taxi in Seoul,
Daegu and Jeju Island.
