SsangYong Korando Electric Spied Testing For The First Time

SsangYong Korando Electric. Image – whichcar

Last year, Mahindra-owned SsangYong Motors announced that its first pure electric vehicle will be introduced in 2021. A recent spotting of a partially disguised SsangYong Korando prototype suggests that the South Korean UV specialist is on track with its EV launch plans.

While there are no obvious visual clues regarding the prototype’s powertrain, the timing strongly points towards an electric variant. The latest-generation Korando with fresh styling and vast improvements made its world premiere at Geneva Motor Show 2019 (2020 edition was cancelled). It is set to become the brand’s first EV.

The front and rear fascias of the vehicle are under heavy disguise, suggesting that the electric variant will receive specific styling revisions. We can expect a new grille and bumper design at the front with a futuristic touch while the rear fascia is expected to feature minor revisions. The SsangYong Korando EV’s interiors could sport several variant-specific features, trims and colour themes.

2021 Mahindra XUV500 new gen – Render

Likely to be called SsangYong Korando E100, the electric crossover will be powered by a 188hp (140kW) electric motor coupled to a 61.5kWh battery pack developed by LG Chem. To be part of Mahindra’s MESMA EV architecture which was showcased at Auto Expo 2020, the Korando E100’s electric powertrain is claimed to have a range of over 400km as per NEDC.

With more output than its IC-engined sibling, the SsangYong Korando E100 EV is expected to be significantly quicker. In fact, the automaker says that its upcoming electric crossover will have class-leading acceleration. The top speed is estimated to be around 150kmph. The Korando EV would have Europe and South Korea as its primary markets. The company would be working on more electric models in the foreseeable future. The popular Tivoli compact crossover is likely to receive the EV treatment as well.

Speaking of Tivoli, its Indian cousin, the Mahindra XUV300 is all set to receive a pure electric powertrain. The eXUV300 or XUV300 Electric is slated to be introduced sometime in mid-2021 but the launch timeline may get extended by a few months due to the challenges posed by COVID-19. The sub-four-metre compact electric crossover will be pitted directly against the Tata Nexon EV.

The SsangYong Korando E100 currently doesn’t have a direct rival in the European market. The smaller Hyundai Kona EV and Kia e-Niro can be considered as compelling alternatives. With Europe ready to embrace stricter CO2 norms, having the Korando electric is imperative for Ssangyong.