SsangYong unveiled the first teaser images
of its Korando-based electric vehicle that will debut in the first half of
2021. The pair of official renderings reveal several changes compared to the
ICE-powered SsangYong Korando, chief of which is the closed radiator grille
typical of electric vehicles. The grille also appears to have a different
design and features SsangYong’s Korean market logo, which appears to be
illuminated.
The Korean domestic market logo is
explained by the fact the electric Korando will first launch in the Asian
country. The lower grille is also closed-off and the bumper is redesigned
compared to the ICE-powered Korando, featuring more creases and a more
aggressive appearance.
In a short statement accompanying the
images, SsangYong says the front hood is made of aluminum to save weight and
optimize the center of gravity. The automaker adds that the closed-off grilles
are meant to maximize energy efficiency. SsangYong also says it adopted a
biomimetic approach from nature by utilizing shark fin and shark riblet shapes
that minimize air resistance.
Developed under the project name Korando
E100, the electric Korando will launch with a single electric motor rated at
188 HP. This likely means it will be 2WD, though the
information provided by SsangYong in November 2019 does not clearly mention
that. Power will come from a 61.5 kWh battery supplied by LG Chem which will
enable a driving range of around 420 km on the NEDC test cycle. This
means we can expect a real world range of over 322 km.
Last year, SsangYong also said the Korando
EV will deliver “best-in-class” acceleration, though the top speed is expected
to be a rather modest 153 km/h to prevent the battery from discharging
too rapidly.
