The last few months have been somewhat complicated for SsangYong, the Korean brand belonging to the Indian group Mahindra. Its parent company has decided to stop investing in it due to the coronavirus crisis. It has started looking for a new investor to give impetus to the Asian firm. However, despite the difficulties, SsangYong continues to work on its future projects to ensure its survival.
One of the most important novelties that the manufacturer will present this year will be the model known internally as E100, its first production electric car. This SUV will be an electric version of the new Korando, an adapted model that will become electric.
The E100 will be 4.44 meters long and will equip a 190 hp (140 kW) engine, making it the most potent version of the Korando range. Its top speed will be over 150 km/h, while its acceleration will be, in the words of SsangYong itself, “one of the best in its class.”
Its battery will be formed by LG Chem cells and will have a capacity of 61.5 kWh, being confirmed that it will be around 260 miles of autonomy under the unrealistic NEDC approval cycle. Inside we will find digital instrumentation, as well as a state-of-the-art infotainment system. At the time, SsangYong announced that the model would have particularly spacious habitability and boot, so the loss of space compared to the thermal Korando is minimal.
After the landing of this model, the Tivoli and Korando are expected to receive 48-volt mild-hybrid versions in 2022 and 2023. A 100% electric version of the Tivoli will also be added later. However, the most exciting thing is that the brand is developing a specific platform for electric cars.
The first of them will initially arrive in 2024. However, it is unclear whether the cessation of Mahindra’s investments will affect the schedule announced at the time (however, the Indian group confirmed that SsangYong will continue to have access to its technology).