SsangYong Korando EV Coming In 2021 With 261-Mile NEDC Range

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 (191 PS / 140 kW). 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 95 mph (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 261 miles (420 km) on the NEDC testing cycle, which means that we can expect a real world range of over 200 miles (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.

Note: ICE-powered 2020 SsangYong Korando pictured