SsangYong developing EV-specific platform for 2024 launch

SsangYong announces plan to join the electric SUV segment

SsangYong Korando - front

SsangYong has announced its wide-ranging electrification plan for the future, including the development of an all-new electric car platform.

SsangYong executives told Auto Express that the new underpinnings will go on to form the basis of “three or maybe four” new C and D segment models, the first of which will launch in 2024. As with its current lineup, all of those vehicles will be SUVs.

Best electric cars to buy

Designed purely for electric vehicles from the outset, the new platform should offer the potential for packaging and efficiency benefits over adapting existing architecture for battery tech. It’s similar in principle to the route Volkswagen has taken with the MEB platform used by its upcoming ID. family.

SsangYong is able to draw upon EV knowledge acquired by parent company Mahindra. The Indian firm took a controlling stake in SsangYong in 2011, and has previous experience in electric vehicles, including competing in Formula E since the inception of the all electric motorsport series. Batteries, meanwhile, will be sourced from LG Chem.

The brand’s first full EV, an electric version of the Korando (riding on the same platform of its existing petrol and diesel models), will go on sale in the first quarter of 2021. An electric Tivoli is also due at a later date. 

Beyond the fully electric models, meanwhile, Ssangyong also aims to introduce 48-volt mild hybrid tech to its combustion-engined cars too. The fuel-saving systems will first be applied to the brand’s 1.6-litre diesel used by the current Korando. The mild hybrid tech is due to launch on the Korando in 2022, and the Tivoli a year later.

Would you consider an electric SsangYong SUV? Let us know in the comments...

Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

Recommended

Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
20 Nov 2023
Confirmed: New SsangYong Torres EVX electric SUV to hit the UK early 2024
KG Mobility (SsangYong) Torres on a beach
News

Confirmed: New SsangYong Torres EVX electric SUV to hit the UK early 2024

This incoming Skoda Enyaq and Toyota bZ4X rival will be the Korean brand’s second-ever EV
3 Nov 2023
KG Mobility gets green light to use BYD batteries
KG Mobility electric pick-up truck on display at motor show
News

KG Mobility gets green light to use BYD batteries

Battery supplier boost for KG Mobility, the brand formerly known as SsangYong
3 Nov 2023
KGM is the new name for SsangYong
SsangYong badge
News

KGM is the new name for SsangYong

The Korean budget car maker is undergoing a drastic rebranding exercise
20 Jun 2023

Most Popular

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023
‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’
Opinion - Fiat Scudo
Opinion

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’

With some huge savings to be had, Mike Rutherford thinks a van could be the perfect vehicle
3 Dec 2023