KG Mobility Partners With BYD For Future EVs, PHEVs

KG Mobility, formerly known as Ssangyong Motor Company, has entered into an agreement with the BYD Group to develop electric as well as hybrid electric vehicles. KG Mobility introduced the Torres EVX electric SUV earlier this year, which uses BYD’s lithium-ion phosphate battery. 

Under the new partnership, the two companies will produce battery packs in South Korea that will be used in the Torres EVX SUV and KG Mobility’s upcoming BEV pickup truck along with other compatible models in the brand’s line-up. The pick-up truck is scheduled to go into production in the second half of 2024. 

Furthermore, the two companies will also plan to develop the next generation of plug-in hybrid systems for KG Mobility’s line-up. The first product will be the Torres-based hybrid model that will be introduced in 2025. 

KG Mobility Chairman, Kwak Jae-seon, said “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.” 

The Torres EVX uses a 73.4kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery developed by BYD with over 500km of claimed range (WLTP cycle). It uses a single electric motor mounted on the front axle and develops 201 bhp. It also has an ICE version which uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 168 bhp. 

KG Mobility currently has the Torres, Tivoli, XLV, Korando, Korando e-motion, Rexton, Musso and Musso Grand in its portfolio. During its time of 10 years (2012-2022) as Ssangyong in India, it sold the Rexton SUV.