On the 23rd, KG Mobility announced the launch of three taxi-specific models that enhance safety and convenience.
To make its first entry into the approximately 40,000-unit taxi market, KGM has revealed three new mid-size taxi models: the ‘Torres EVX Taxi,’ ‘Korando EV Taxi,’ and ‘The New Torres Bi-Fuel LPG Taxi.’ The company explained that this expansion aims to enhance the limited lineup of taxi models caused by the monopoly of specific brands and to provide customers with a diverse range of choices, from electric vehicles to bi-fuel technology, with the simultaneous launch of these three taxi-specific models.
The three taxi models by KGM incorporate numerous safety and convenience features tailored for taxi drivers known for their long hours on the road. Basic support includes rapid A/S to prevent business loss due to emergency parts procurement, dedicated wiring for the installation of commercial meters and safety lights, environmentally friendly 3D TPV mats that are easy to clean and prevent floor contamination, and a separate idle heater system for efficient winter battery management (optional for electric taxi models) to create a suitable driving environment for taxis.
■ SUV electric taxi ‘Torres EVX’ and ‘Korando EV’ launch simultaneously… Durable battery and the longest warranty period
KGM introduces two mid-size SUV electric taxi models: the ‘Torres EVX Taxi’ and ‘Korando EV Taxi.’
Both vehicles utilize a rugged 73.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery that excels in durability and safety against external shocks and fires, coupled with a front-wheel drive motor of 152.2 kW and an optimally tuned reducer providing a peak output of 207 horsepower (ps) and maximum torque of 34.6 kgf·m, delivering outstanding motor output performance.
Additionally, considering the high mileage characteristics of taxis, they offer the longest free battery warranty period in Korea at 10 years/1,000,000 km for the high-voltage battery, as well as 10 years/160,000 km for the drive motor and 5 years/100,000 km for general parts, boasting industry-leading warranty terms.
■ Spacious driving range and roominess of the ‘Torres EVX Taxi’
The ‘Torres EVX Taxi’ boasts a remarkable driving range of 433 km (city: 473 km, highway: 385 km) on a single charge and is equipped with state-of-the-art safety features at the highest level in the country. The 4-corner BSD (Blind Spot Detection) system utilizes four radars to autonomously recognize and control the surrounding situation for accident prevention. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) help prevent passenger and pedestrian accidents, while it includes the most airbags in its class, 8 in total, along with multiple collision avoidance systems and a reverse warning sound system.
Designed for taxi business use, it offers ample luggage space and convenient features. The trunk capacity of 839 ℓ (according to VDA standard) can accommodate many passenger bags, while the minimum ground clearance is 175 mm, which is 10-20 mm higher than standard electric vehicles, providing an optimized driver’s seat position for enhanced visibility and safety.
The selling price of the ‘Torres EVX Taxi’ is approximately 41.5 million won for individual taxi simplified tax taxpayers and 45.65 million won for corporate/personal taxi regular taxpayers, with potential acquisition costs in the 33 million won range depending on local electric taxi subsidies (approximately 8.42 million won for Seoul City, 4.57 million won from the national treasury, 1.05 million won from the local government, and 2.8 million won taxi subsidy applied).
■ Economical and value-priced electric SUV ‘Korando EV Taxi’
The ‘Korando EV Taxi’ concept features an economical electric SUV, upgrading the product competitiveness of the Korando e-motion launched in 2022. It offers a combined driving distance of 401 km (city: 433 km, highway: 360 km) on a single charge.
This model includes numerous comfort and safety features to reduce driver fatigue during long hours of operation. Standard features include an 8-way power driver’s seat with a 4-way powered lumbar support, ventilated and heated driver’s seat, full LED headlights, and a 9-inch infotainment navigation package, as well as an optional outdoor V2L connector.
The selling price for the ‘Korando EV Taxi’ is about 39.39 million won for individual taxi simplified tax taxpayers and 43.3 million won for corporate/personal taxi regular taxpayers, with a reasonable acquisition cost in the 31 million won range (approximately 7.71 million won for Seoul City, 3.99 million won from the national treasury, 0.92 million won from the local government, and 2.8 million won taxi subsidy applied).
■ Exceptional economic efficiency and over 1,000 km long-distance driving capable ‘The New Torres Bi-Fuel LPG Taxi’
‘The New Torres Bi-Fuel LPG Taxi’ utilizes both gasoline engine performance and economical LPG, allowing users to benefit from each fuel’s advantages, saving about 30% (approximately 1.37 million won per year) on fuel costs compared to gasoline models.
Additionally, it features a 58-litre doughnut-shaped LPG tank and a 50-litre gasoline fuel tank, providing a driving range of over 1,000 km with a full tank, ideal for long-distance operation. Notably, users can easily switch between fuel types with the push of a button, automatically switching to gasoline when LPG is depleted, minimizing the hassle of searching for LPG stations and optimizing fuel usage for flexible operation.
It also demonstrates excellent performance in winter driving conditions. Its 1.5 GDI gasoline turbo engine produces a maximum output of 165 ps, a maximum torque of 27.3 kg·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 8.9 km/ℓ, outperforming the 2.0 LPG engine while promising a domestic service period of 5 years/100,000 km, the longest in its class.
The model comes standard with safety and convenience features specific to taxi drivers, including an 8-way power driver’s seat and a 2-way powered lumbar support, a hi-pass system and ECM rearview mirror, ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger, and front parking assistance warnings. Optional features include a 4WD system and a 3D around-view monitoring system. The interior space has been upgraded with the fully renovated interior of ‘The New Torres’, launched on the 8th.
The selling price of ‘The New Torres Bi-Fuel LPG Taxi’ is about 28.1 million won for individual taxi simplified tax taxpayers (with LPG modification tax exempt) and 30.91 million won for corporate/personal taxi regular taxpayers.
KGM representatives stated, “We have launched three taxi models simultaneously to respond to changes in the taxi market and expand customer options,” adding, “Through cutting-edge convenience features and a product composition aimed at providing the best riding experience for drivers and passengers.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr