South Korean automaker SsangYong, recently rebranded as “KG Mobility,” reportedly plans to launch production of a new mass-market electric pickup truck in H2 2024. Interestingly, the model production is under the “close technical partnership” the company formed with Chinese NEV giant BYD.
“KG Mobility embarked on a journey of change and development as a mobility company by changing its name last March…We started with the launch of the Torres EVX, aimed at providing safe, affordable and high-performance electric vehicles meeting the needs of our customers.”
KG Mobility’s Chairman, Kawk Jae-seon
About the electric pickup
Drive reported that the new e-pickup will share a similar platform with the SsangYong Torres mid-size SUV currently available in the South Korean market.
As mentioned, BYD’s popular Blade Batteries will power the new SsangYong electric pickup truck. In the case of the Torres EVX, these batteries enable a driving range of 500 km.
According to Performance Drive, the strengthened partnership will see BYD produce its batteries for KG Mobility in South Korea.
“This agreement [with BYD] will see battery packs produced in Korea integrated into the Torres EVX and the company’s new [electric] pickup, which is scheduled for mass production in the second half of 2024, and in other applicable vehicle models.”
KG Mobility
Excitingly, SsangYong Australia disclosed that the upcoming model and the Torres EVX are “on [its] radar.” However, it remains unclear if the e-pickup will launch as a right-hand-drive for the Australian market.
KG Mobility teased the upcoming model’s design in early 2023. It apparently features the same front end and most of the body layouts of the Torres SUV, with a small ute tray at the rear. The electric pickup concept is named 0100, revealed along with the company’s other two upcoming concepts: KR10 city SUV and F100 electric FWD.
BYD to aid KG Mobility’s hybrid lineup expansion
CarsGuide indicated that the partnership between the two companies also covers KG Mobility’s hybrid portfolio expansion, starting with the Torres as early as 2025.
“We anticipate that this expanded cooperation with BYD will strengthen our electric vehicle lineup, including the Torres EVX, KR10, and F100 while reorganizing our product range to focus on eco-friendly vehicles.
This includes introducing a dedicated electric vehicle platform and launching hybrid products.”
KG Mobility chairman Kwak Jae-seon
The report further indicated that a press release from SsangYong’s UK distributor revealed that the new e-pickup will hit the market in December 2024. It somehow deviates from the global announcement that says the model launch will occur in the second half of the following year. However, it also remains vague if this timeline is specific to the UK market.
Nonetheless, SsangYong Australia reportedly aims to launch the Torres EVX in H2 2024. The company will surely attract Australian customers, considering its industry-leading 10-year, 1 million km battery warranty.
