To secure its place in the domestic market, BYD has signed agreements with two major local platform companies. The ambitious 1-ton electric truck T4K is here. The T4K is joining forces with Kakao Mobility and T Map Mobility, directly challenging Hyundai’s monopoly in the compact truck market.

GS Global, BYD’s local importer, held the launch event for the T4K electric truck on the 6th at Crest 72 in Seoul. BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle brand, sells in 70 countries worldwide and began by introducing 20 electric buses to Jeju Island in 2014, with a total of 301 BYD electric buses sold in the Korean market to date.

Mr. Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Sales, stated, “The total cumulative driving distance of electric buses sold in Korea has surpassed 25 million kilometers, and 25,000 tons of carbon emissions have been reduced thanks to BYD electric buses.” Furthermore, BYD is accelerating its push into the Korean market with the domestic launch of the 1-ton electric truck T4K, which is highly sought after by small business owners.

The 1-ton electric truck market is practically monopolized, dominated last year by Hyundai’s Porter (20,418 units) and Kia’s Bongo (15,373 units), presenting a direct challenge with the T4K. To establish a foothold in the domestic market, BYD jointly developed the T4K with GS Global. Additionally, instead of the conventional lithium iron phosphate battery, the T4K is equipped with BYD’s next-generation blade battery, which enhances thermal stability.

Packing the largest capacity of 82KWh among domestic 1-ton electric trucks, the T4K has been certified for a range of 246 km. Additionally, it has been certified for a driving range of 209 km even in extreme cold conditions when battery performance is compromised.

But the T4K has another hidden card besides battery capacity: the two giants of domestic mobility, T Map and Kakao Mobility. They have partnered to solidify their market position.

The T4K is equipped with a T Map electric vehicle-specific auto navigation system that provides real-time optimal route guidance based on battery levels and also shows the locations of charging stations. The voice recognition service ‘Nugu’ has also been integrated.

While T Map is responsible for in-car infotainment, Kakao Mobility is spearheading sales. As of midnight on the 7th, Kakao Mobility set up a booking interface for the BYD T4K in the Kakao T application, acting as a sales channel. Customers wishing to purchase the T4K can easily reserve it through Kakao T. After making a reservation, sales representatives will visit the customers to conduct purchase consultations.

Mr. Kim Sang-hyun, Director of GS Global’s New Business Division, announced, “The T4K aims to sell a total of 3,000 units, starting with an initial allocation of 500 units in the domestic market.” He also hinted at the potential for increasing volumes in line with BYD’s production schedule.

The price of the T4K is set at 46.69 million won, and with maximum electric vehicle subsidies, it can be purchased for as low as 19.59 million won.

Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr