More affordable EVs coming? KG Mobility, formerly SsangYong, teams up with EV pioneer BYD to fast-track development of its electric vehicles
KG Mobility (KGM), known as SsangYong until last year, has announced it has partnered with
China’s BYD to gain access to its next-generation battery technology.
BYD is now the world’s largest EV maker, after overtaking Tesla, and currently sells the Atto 3,
Dolphin and Seal. It also produces its Blade Battery that is said to beat all its rivals
for space efficiency when using lithium-ion phosphate cells.
The new alliance means KGM can go ahead and produce its Torres EVX that is set to go on
sale globally next year. As part of the deal, KGM is allowed to produce the battery packs in Korea reducing any production bottlenecks in China.
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As well as the Torres EVX, with battery sourcing secured, KGM will push ahead with its plans
to produce a new all-electric pick-up that could venture Down Under.
Commenting on the new deal, KGM said: “This technical partnership with BYD, renowned
for its exceptional technological expertise in electric vehicle battery cells and packs, aims to
secure the company’s continued and sustainable growth.”
Despite the new deal with BYD, KGM says it still remains committed to rolling out plug-in
hybrids too, with a PHEV version of the Torres due to be launched in 2025.
KG Mobility CEO Jeong Yong-won said: “By expanding the line-up of eco-friendly vehicles through
cooperation with BYD for the joint development of next-generation hybrids, KG Mobility has
laid a strong foundation for more stable growth.”
