Mahindra-owned, Ssangyong Motor Company, took the cover off its pure electric KEV2 CUV concept late last week at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show.
The KEV2 follows on the heels of a rumored pure-electric CUV based on the current production Korando C SUV. Ssangyong confirms that the KEV2 is indeed based on the Korando platform. Some news outlets predict that Ssangyong could introduce a production version of the concept as early as 2013.
Ssangyong claims that the KEV2 has a 112 mile (180km) range and is capable of reaching 93 mph (150 km/h) with its 35kWh and 350V Lithium polymer battery (sourced from LG Chem Ltd) and 160hp (120kW) motor. Standard full range recharge time is 8 hours with a minimum quick charge time of 30 minutes for limited range.
Ssangyong has stated that it plans to sell vehicles in the US within the next 2-5 years. It is likely that Ssangyong sees the Korando C as a flagship model for the US market introduction of their brand.
Could we find the KEV2 sitting next to the Korando C on US showroom floors in a few years? The diesel and plug-in hybrid Korando C SUV, the diesel SUT1 pickup, and the pure-electric KEV2 CUV would be a solid North American lineup, and would allow Ssangyong to position itself as an environmentally conscious alternative brand from the get go.
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