KG Mobility has announced the launch of the new Korando EV, a compact SUV electric vehicle, on the 4th, aiming to expand its electric vehicle lineup.
The ‘Korando EV,’ which has expanded from a taxi-specific model to a standard model since its introduction in May, upgrades the features of the Korando e-Motion released in February 2022, with a name change marking its debut after two years. The Korando e-Motion generated a buzz in the compact SUV market at its launch, focusing on cost-effectiveness and quickly exceeding initial supply contracts.
The most significant change in the newly introduced ‘Korando EV’ is its improved driving range and enhanced motor performance, boasting exceptional competitiveness in pricing, able to cover over 400km at a price ranging from 29 million KRW (Gyeongnam Hapcheon-gun) to 35 million KRW (Seoul), which is among the lowest for domestic SUV electric vehicles.
With a maximum combined driving range of 401 km (433 km in urban areas and 360 km on highways) from a single charge, the new model features an improved motor output of 12.2 kW, an increase of 94 km compared to the previous model. Additionally, with a 152.2 kW front-wheel motor and an optimally tuned reducer for torque, it delivers impressive driving performance with 207 horsepower (ps) and a maximum torque of 34.6 kgf·m.
The installed battery is a next-generation lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery with a 73.4 kW capacity, known for its durability against external impacts and fires, and is backed by an industry-leading warranty of 10 years/1 million km. Additionally, the vehicle boasts a body structure utilizing 74% ultra-high strength/high strength materials, includes 8 airbags (including far side protection), and has achieved the highest safety rating of 5 stars from the EURO NCAP (2019 evaluation standard).
Various safety and convenience features have also been included. The E5 model comes with a high-tech driving assistance system called the ‘Deep Control Package,’ which includes Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Change Warning (LCW), Rear Cross Traffic Warning (RCTW), Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance (RCTA), and Safe Exit Warning (SEW). Other conveniences include a Smart Touch Panel (STPM) for controlling lights, doors, tailgates, and air conditioning from outside, a lever-type electronic shift (SBW), a 12.3-inch full digital cluster, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 4-way power lumbar support.
The exterior design continues the robust yet sophisticated urban SUV image of the Korando e-Motion, emphasizing streamlined lines and featuring newly added standard 18-inch diamond-cut wheels to enhance modernity. The exterior color options have been expanded to include popular shades like Latte Gray, offering a total of five colors to meet customer preferences.
Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with an outdoor V2L (Vehicle to Load) connector, allowing various electronic devices to be used externally, making leisure and outdoor activities convenient. The scheduled charging function also enables customers to benefit from electricity discounts during specific hours, enhancing everyday convenience.
The selling prices after tax benefits are as follows: E3 at 40,280,000 KRW and E5 at 45,440,000 KRW. With electric vehicle subsidies (399,000 KRW from the national budget), the cost can be as low as 35 million KRW in places like Seoul (with an additional 920,000 KRW benefit), and even in areas like Uljin-gun (675,000 KRW) and Hapcheon-gun (638,000 KRW), it can be purchased for around 20 million KRW.
Additionally, several economic incentives are available under eco-friendly vehicle benefits, including a tax reduction on acquisition and registration (up to 1.4 million KRW), annual vehicle tax exemption of 130,000 KRW, a 50% discount on public parking fees and highway tolls, and complete exemption from congestion tolls.
Various promotional benefits are also provided when purchasing a ‘Korando EV.’ A low-interest installment option ranging from 3.5% to 5.5% (down payment of 0%-50%, 60 months) allows for flexible financial choices. Additional discounts include 200,000 KRW for customers who own an electric vehicle and purchase a new one, 200,000 KRW for customers replacing an old vehicle over 10 years, and 100,000 KRW for customers buying a brand new vehicle alongside a KGM-certified used car.
A KGM representative stated, “The Korando EV is a representative electric vehicle model that offers long driving range and excellent performance at a reasonable price,” adding, “We expect to drive customer demand in the electric vehicle market by offering high price competitiveness to break through the market barrier.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr