When SsangYong presented the all-new Korando earlier
this year, it said that the compact SUV would, for the first time, get an
all-electric variant. Now we learn more about the Korando EV, which will become SsangYong’s
first-ever electric vehicle when it launches in the first quarter of 2021. The
carmaker confirmed the specifications of the electric SUV to AutoExpress and
they are quite promising.
Provisionally called the Korando E100, the electric
SUV will be powered by a single electric motor rated at 188 HP. That will make it the most powerful model in the lineup, besting the
Korando 1.5L turbo petrol by 27 HP.
Given this power advantage and the instantly
available peak torque inherent in electric motors, the Korando EV is expected
to offer better performance as well. SsangYong would not go into specifics, but
says the acceleration will be “best in class.” As for the top speed, it’s
expected to be a rather modest 153 km/h in order to provide a better range.
The electric motor will be powered by a 61.5 kWh
battery produced by LG Chem. The Korean carmaker claims the pack will enable
the Korando EV to cover over 420 km on the NEDC testing cycle,
which means that we can expect a real world range of over 322 km.
At the moment, there are no mainstream electric
compact SUVs available, as both the Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric are
smaller in size, offering less interior and cargo space. However, by the time
the Korando EV goes on sale, the VW ID.4 is also likely to become available. Following the launch of the EV,
the Korando’s lineup will also gain a mild-hybrid diesel version in 2022.
