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.
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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 (191 PS / 140 kW). 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 261 miles (420 km) on the NEDC test cycle. This means we can expect a real world range of over 200 miles (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 95 mph (153 km/h) to prevent the battery from discharging too rapidly.
