SsangYong KEV2 Concept, 2011

• SsangYong KEV2 Concept, 2011

Ssangyong has reiterated its future strategy for environmentally friendly electric vehicles by unveiling the Ssangyong KEV2 Concept electric vehicle at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show.

The KEV2 presents the future vision of Ssangyong's electric car technology and follows Ssangyong's Korando C EV launched at the 2010 Busan Motor Show.

The Ssangyong KEV2 is a pure electric concept model based on the recently launched Korando, combining Ssangyong's specialized SUV design DNA, and the future identity of electric SUVs.

The unveiling of the KEV2 is a strong signal that Ssangyong's plans for an electric vehicle range are back on track following the company's emergence from court-protected bankruptcy and its stronger future under new owner Mahindra and Mahindra.

The Ssangyong KEV2 concept has a more aggressive appearance than the recently released diesel engine Korando with the conventional grille and adding LED headlights, stylish alloy wheels and side-vents.

Ssangyong KEV2's simple but strong styling combines abundant interior space with a streamlined but masculine body design, with dynamic robust bumpers and unique detailed design features including a three-dimensional structure lamp design.

The design concept of KEV2 is aimed at presenting a new type of electric vehicle highlighting functionality with focus on younger generation consumers with an active urban lifestyle.

Ssangyong KEV2's interior boasts a tablet PC mounted in the centre console providing occupants with the ability to have up to the minute information and details at the touch of a screen.

Power for the Ssangyong KEV2 comes from a 120kW electric motor, which provides a maximum driving range of 180km from the 35kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with a top speed of 150km/h. KEV2 tips the scales at 1750kg overall weight.

Recharging time can be as little as 30 minutes using a higher-voltage rapid-charge outlet or around eight to ten hours via a conventional electricity supply.

The battery packs have been fitted into the lower part of the trunk space providing efficient interior space utilisation for better usability and comfort.

Ssangyong KEV2 follows closely behind the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) showed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

EREV has seating for five and is slightly smaller than Korando and weighing in at just 1300kg. It is part of Ssangyong's dual EV strategy and uses an IC-EV plug-in hybrid configuration combining an 80kW electric motor with a 16kWh lithium-ion battery pack with a conventional 'back-up' engine to extend its range.

It would have the same 150km/h maximum speed, but the batteries could be recharged in 15 minutes on quick-charge or around five hours using a conventional outlet providing a 60km range on electric power alone or 400km using the engine as well.

Ssangyong KEV2 Specifications

•     Length: 4,410mm
•     Width: 1,860mm
•     Height: 1,690mm
•     Wheel base: 2,650mm
•     Wheels & Tyres: 255 50R19